A classic song that sings of Shiga. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
Shiga Prefecture, home to Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.
It has a long north–south shape, and the climate differs greatly between the north and south.
Even east and west across Lake Biwa have their own distinct local character and culture.
In this article, we introduce a number of songs themed around Shiga, a prefecture with such a rich variety of expressions.
If you’re a resident or live nearby, it might stir a sense of nostalgia.
Take this opportunity to rediscover the charms of Shiga Prefecture.
Also keep an eye on works related to Mount Hiei, which are second only to those about Lake Biwa in number.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- Musicians, singers, and bands from Shiga Prefecture
- [Hyogo Songs] A Collection of Local and Love Songs Set in Hyogo
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.
- Songs related to Mie Prefecture. Beloved local tunes of Mie that continue to be cherished.
- [Song of Shimane] Izumo, Matsue, Tsuwano... Exquisite masterpieces depicting Shimane
- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
- The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart.
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- A classic song that celebrates Fukui. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- [Songs of Gunma] Exquisite masterpieces that sing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people
- A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
Masterpieces that sing of Shiga: the enduring spirit of our hometown (21–30)
Nagahama, where I want to fall in loveNagahama Bijinesu Sapōto Kyōgikai Seinenbu
This song, “Koi Shitaino Nagahama,” was created as a PR video and PR song for Nagahama City in Shiga Prefecture.
PR songs are often pretty serious, right? But from the very start, this one makes you feel like “something’s different…” It’s packed to the brim with Nagahama’s charms—historical sites like Nagahama Castle, the Odani Castle ruins, and Mt.
Toragozen; tourist spots like Chikubu Island; and events like the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival.
You can really feel the love for Nagahama, and the fact that the lyrics even flat-out call it “the countryside” makes it feel all the more relatable (lol).
Shiga Prefecture Residents’ SongOkamoto Atsuo, Nara Mitsue
The Shiga Prefectural Anthem, “Shiga Kenmin no Uta,” was established in 1954 (Showa 29).
The lyrics were written by Ryo Tadezawa, and the music was composed by Yuji Koseki.
The lyrics were based on selected prize-winning entries from a public contest.
In the same year it was adopted, a record was released featuring Atsuro Okamoto and Mitsue Nara with the Columbia Chorus.
When you think of Shiga, Lake Biwa naturally comes to mind first—along with the surrounding nature and the beauty of the four seasons.
This prefectural song vividly conveys those scenes, allowing the region’s beautiful natural landscape to rise clearly before your eyes.
In conclusion
As expected, many of the songs use Lake Biwa as their theme, but I believe there were also folk songs that are firmly rooted in their local communities.
And even now, new local PR songs and even theme songs for neighborhood supermarkets keep being created.
I’m sure this article helped you discover a new side of Shiga Prefecture.