Prefectural anthems you might not know well. Explore the lyrics and history of your hometown

Hyogo Prefectural SongNEW!Hyōgo-ken

[With Lyrics] Hyōgo Prefecture Prefectural Anthem [NEUTRINO]

This song was established by Hyogo Prefecture in May 1947, shortly after the war, to commemorate the enforcement of the new Constitution.

In fact, it’s a historical work created to celebrate the dawn of a new era.

The lyrics were written by Takeshi Noguchi, selected through a public contest, and the music was composed by Kiyoshi Nobutoki.

It is characterized by a solemn tone imbued with hopes for peace and democracy.

Records show that it was performed as a chorus at the commemorative ceremony of the time, conveying the passion of people moving toward reconstruction.

However, in the years that followed, opportunities to sing it in official settings dwindled, and it came to be treated as if it did not exist.

In recent years, though, materials have been reexamined and its historical value has once again drawn attention.

Wakayama Prefectural AnthemNEW!Wakayama-ken

Wakayama Prefectural Anthem

In August 1948, during the postwar reconstruction period, this prefectural song was established with the hope of rebuilding the region through culture.

The lyrics were written by Kojiro Nishikawa and the music composed by Kosaku Yamada, featuring a worldview that evokes scenes of tropical Kishu—its warm climate and bountiful sea.

Its stately yet familiar melody carries a fervent desire for recovery.

The song has a history of being performed at key ceremonies within the prefecture, such as the Kuroshio National Sports Festival in 1971 and the National Tree-Planting Festival in 1977, and it has even been used as the on-hold music for calls to the prefectural office—truly a piece closely tied to local government.

Recorded as a vinyl in 1979 and later distributed as a CD to schools, the work has been passed down in evolving forms.

It is a historic masterpiece that inspires pride in one’s homeland.

Nara Prefectural Citizens’ SongNEW!Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture Residents’ Song with Subtitles & Furigana in 4K

This prefectural anthem sings of the history and future of the ancient capital, Nara.

Established in 1968, it features lyrics by Shiro Hagiwara and music by Shoji Fukushima.

The lyrics include venerable place names such as Yoshino and Mount Unebi, creating a solemn composition that conveys the weight of history and the pride of its residents.

Its melody, well-suited for choral performance, also makes it familiar and easy to sing at schools and ceremonies.

Even today, the Prefecture’s Public Relations and Public Hearing Division lends out audio materials, treating it as an important cultural asset of the administration.

It remains a symbol of Nara, cherished for many years at local events and ceremonies.

Shiga Prefecture Residents’ SongNEW!shiga-ken

Shiga Prefecture Citizens' Song - with Subtitles & Furigana

This piece was designated the prefectural anthem in 1954 to coincide with the opening of the Shiga Kaikan during the postwar reconstruction period.

Based on lyrics by Mr.

Ryō Tadezawa, selected through a public contest, Mr.

Yaso Saijō added revisions, and Mr.

Yuji Koseki composed the music—an impressive lineup behind a single song.

The lyrics weave in images such as the Hira mountain range and the beauty of Lake Biwa, embodying the hopes of the prefecture’s people at the time.

True to Koseki’s style, the bright and approachable melody also shines as a choral piece.

In recent years, it has continued to be beloved across generations—for example, a version by the Biwako Hall Vocal Ensemble was adopted as the prefectural flag-raising song for the “WataSHIGA Kagayaku Kokuspo/Shospo” to be held in 2025.

Prefectural Song of YamaguchiNEW!Yamaguchi-ken

Prefectural Song of Yamaguchi

A grand piece emblematic of Yamaguchi Prefecture, with lyrics by poet Haruo Sato and music by Kiyoshi Nobutoki.

Established in 1962, it was created to unite the hearts of residents ahead of the Yamaguchi National Sports Festival the following year.

From beautiful landscapes such as Kintaikyo Bridge and Akiyoshidai to the history of the Restoration, its dignified language weaves these elements together, proudly singing of local pride to a valiant melody.

It was recorded in 1965, sung by Jun Mitaka and Yoshiko Mari.

In fact, counting from before the war, this is the third official version, and you may savor its profound resonance, beloved across eras.