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
Chugoku and Shikoku (1–10)
Song of the People of Kochi PrefectureNEW!Kōchi-ken
This work was established in 1952, as Japan moved from the postwar reconstruction period into an era of rapid economic growth.
Powerfully expressing the brightness of the southern climate and the dynamism of the prefecture’s people, the song is more than a ceremonial anthem: it embodies the spirit of the Freedom and People’s Rights Movement, the abundance of the Kuroshio-danced seas, and pride in culture.
Its creation process was highly unique as well—lyrics were solicited from the public, and the composition was chosen by an open vote from five candidate pieces.
Even today, audio and sheet music are available on the prefecture’s official website, and the song is cherished as an important symbol that conveys Kōchi’s history and identity.
Surging PowerNEW!Tottori-ken
This work was designated as the symbol of Tottori Prefecture in October 1968 as part of the projects commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Meiji era.
The melody, composed by Ikuma Dan, one of Japan’s leading composers, has the bright, powerful resonance of a march.
The lyrics were refined from ideas gathered through a public call for submissions, vividly depicting scenes unique to Tottori: the majestic figure of Mount Daisen, the dunes stretching along the Sea of Japan, and local specialties such as pears and rice ears.
It is truly a hometown anthem filled with the pride of Tottori’s citizens and hope for the future.
Kyushu and Okinawa (1–10)
Saga Prefectural SongNEW!Saga-ken
Composed in 1974, the song “Saga Prefectural Anthem” was created to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Saga prefectural government and the hosting of the Wakakusu National Sports Festival.
The lyrics were selected through a public contest, and the music was composed by Ikuma Dan, with references throughout the lyrics to the region’s rich natural features, such as the Genkai Sea, the Ariake Sea, and Mount Tenzan.
Its stately melody evokes the pride of the prefecture’s residents and hope for the future.
A flexi disc was produced at the time, and a choral arrangement was performed in 2005, reflecting how the piece has been sung for many years.
It is a grand and powerful composition that conjures images of Saga’s beautiful landscapes.
Miyazaki Prefectural SongNEW!Miyazaki-ken
This work, established in 1964 as the prefectural anthem, is the second generation.
The lyrics were written by Mr.
Yuharu Sakai, selected from 362 submissions, and the composition was by Mr.
Nobuo Iida.
With words like the southern blue sky, the Kuroshio Current, and the prefectural flower, the spider lily (hamayū), it conveys Miyazaki’s rich natural beauty, the development of its industries, and hope for the future.
In 2014, the 50th anniversary of its adoption, it was chosen—through cooperation with JR Kyushu—as the departure melody at Miyazaki Station.
Isn’t it wonderful that even after more than half a century, it continues to accompany the lives of people using the station? It blends a sense of historical weight with an open, cheerful spirit, making it truly rich in character.
Okinawa Prefectural AnthemNEW!Okinawa-ken
This is the prefectural anthem that symbolizes Okinawa’s new beginning, established on May 15, 1972, the very day of its reversion to the Japanese mainland.
Poet Seiko Miyazato and vocalist Shigeru Shiroma created it, and it was recorded with the Tokyo Mixed Chorus.
The lyrics are imbued throughout with a strong resolve to overcome the trials of war and to pray for peace and prosperity.
Together with imagery quintessentially Okinawan—such as the beautiful sea and deigo blossoms—the structure, which proclaims hope for the future, deeply moves listeners.
As a song that marks the historic moment of reversion, it continues to be cherished and passed down by the people of the prefecture.