Prefectural anthems you might not know well. Explore the lyrics and history of your hometown
You may have heard prefectural anthems at least once in your school music classes or at local events.Did you know that not every prefecture actually has one, and that some prefectures have even established multiple songs as their prefectural anthems?In this article, we’ll introduce all the prefectural anthems from around the country.The more you learn about these songs—filled with hometown scenery, history, and the pride of their residents—the deeper the world they reveal becomes.Be sure to check out the songs from your own hometown or any regions you’re curious about!
- [Japanese School Anthems] A Hot Topic at Koshien! From Beautiful Anthems to Unique Ones, All Introduced at Once
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- A Nationwide Compilation of Timelessly Beloved Railway Songs
- [Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs That Have Appeared in Textbooks
- Party songs and official theme songs of Japanese political parties. Surprisingly catchy fight songs, too.
- Miyagi Songs: Popular tracks that celebrate famous sights and specialties, and timeless pieces filled with love for home
- [Songs of Saitama] A Wealth of Humor-Filled Classics! Local Anthems Packed with Love for Saitama
- Chiba Songs: A comprehensive introduction, from famous tunes filled with hometown love to local theme songs
- [Akita Songs] A Collection of Gem-Like Local Tunes Filled with Love for Hometowns
- [Elementary School Chorus Songs] A comprehensive showcase from moving masterpieces to the latest hit tunes!
- [Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride
- [Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido] Songs of Hokkaido that continue to be loved across generations
Chubu (1–10)
Niigata Prefectural AnthemNEW!Niigata-ken
This work was established in 1948, during the postwar reconstruction period.
The lyrics were selected through a public competition, and the music was composed by Kyosei Akemoto.
The lyrics express not only the prefecture’s abundant nature and industries, but also a desire for peace and democracy that reflected the social climate of the time.
The melody is characterized by the strength of a march combined with the familiarity of a popular song.
At the time, an SP record was produced featuring performances by national star singers Ichirō Fujiyama and Setsuko Maejima.
It is a representative song of Niigata Prefecture that has been sung for many years at schools, ceremonies, and other official prefectural events.
The Ishikawa Prefectural AnthemNEW!Ishikawa-ken
It was selected through a public call as part of the celebrations for His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince’s wedding and was established in November 1959.
The lyrics weave in the rich natural features of Hakusan, the Kaga Plain, and the Noto Peninsula, while the march-style melody evokes pride in the homeland and a sense of progress toward the future.
Interestingly, there had also been an earlier prefectural anthem with the same title in 1948, shortly after the war.
At the 1991 Ishikawa National Sports Festival, Alfred Reed quoted this work’s melody in his march “Golden Eagle.”
New Fukui Prefecture Residents’ SongNEW!Fukui Prefecture
This song was first unveiled at the event “Fukui Happiness and Energy Sports Festa 2014,” held in December 2014.
The lyrics were written by the poet Tatsuji Miyoshi, and the music was composed by the world-renowned conductor Chosei Komatsu.
While inheriting the traditional lyrics established in 1954 and looking ahead to the 2018 Fukui National Sports Festival, this work was reborn with a contemporary, accessible melody.
The lyrics, which sing of the beautiful nature and industries of Echizen and Wakasa, as well as hopes for the future, remain intact, while the refreshing melody is something anyone can hum along to.
The prefecture officially distributes scores for orchestral accompaniment and wind ensemble versions, and the piece is cherished as public music rooted in the community.
From ceremonies to sporting venues, it is a song widely passed down to unite the hearts of the prefecture’s residents.
Shizuoka Prefectural SongNEW!Shizuoka-ken
As a prefectural anthem symbolizing Shizuoka’s rich nature and culture, this song has been cherished by many residents since its adoption in 1968.
Its lyrics, depicting the majestic figure of Mount Fuji and the scenery of the four seasons, were selected from an astonishing 1,124 public submissions.
Composed by Yoshinao Nakata, the melody is gentle yet powerful, resonating deeply with listeners.
A single featuring the vocals of The Bonny Jacks and Kyoko Ito was released in October 1968.
It remains a timeless classic that has conveyed the charm of Shizuoka across generations for over half a century, and you can still listen to it on the prefecture’s official website.
Kinki (1–10)
Song of Kyoto PrefectureNEW!Kyōto-fu
When you think of Kyoto, historic shrines and temples and its beautiful cityscape come to mind, but did you know there’s a prefectural anthem that embodies the pride of this ancient capital and its hopes for the future? Established in 1984, this piece was created based on lyrics selected through a public contest.
While inheriting its long history and moving into a new era, its spirit is powerfully depicted with words like wind and flame.
The melody by Ikuma Dan is both majestic and approachable, and it broadens the listener’s heart! In addition to being released on record at the time, a march arrangement was included on the 2008 album “Ikuma Dan Wind Ensemble Works Vol.
2.” It’s wonderful that it can be enjoyed not only at ceremonies but also as the resonant sound of a wind ensemble!