Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.
When you hear Wakayama, does any song come to mind? Blessed with a warm climate and abundant nature, Wakayama Prefecture has many heartwarming songs that celebrate its charm.
From sentimental enka that evoke the plum-growing villages, to lyrical pieces about the sacred sites of Kumano, youthful songs set against the beaches of Shirahama, and PR tunes packed with the appeal of Wakayama’s famous tourist spots.
In this article, we introduce songs of Wakayama infused with deep love for the homeland.
You’re sure to discover a side of Wakayama you didn’t know.
Famous songs and local tunes about Wakayama: Melodies that carry on the heart of our hometown (1–10)
Wakayama City LifeWakayama-shi Ijū Teijū Senryaku-ka
This is the official PR song of Wakayama City, featuring a refreshing city-pop-inspired melody that leaves a strong impression.
It tells the story of a protagonist a little worn out by city life who discovers Wakayama as a “new hometown.” The warmth of its handmade feel really comes through, with city staff even handling the lyrics and appearing in the production.
Released in March 2024, the track serves as the theme song for promoting relocation and settlement in Wakayama City.
Listening to it will likely kindle a longing for a life embraced by a gentle climate and abundant nature.
Nanki-ShirahamaMizumori Kaori
Sung by Kaori Mizumori, known as the “Queen of Local Songs,” this evocative piece is set in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture.
Against the backdrop of famous sights like Sandanbeki and Senjojiki, it portrays a woman bidding farewell to a bygone love and setting out alone toward the future.
The song appears on the album Kayou Kiko 21 ~Kujukurihama~, released in September 2022.
Its expansive melody seems to dramatize both Shirahama’s majestic nature and the heroine’s inner strength.
It gently encourages anyone who longs to move beyond the past and take a new step forward.
Kishu Love Travel SentimentsHikawa Kiyoshi
This song portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they travel through Wakayama’s beautiful landscapes, carrying thoughts of someone unforgettable.
The sacred atmosphere of Kumano and the seascapes of Shirahama intertwine with a restless, aching love, striking a chord with listeners.
Some may find themselves empathizing with Kiyoshi Hikawa’s richly expressive vocals.
The track was included on the album “Tabi Uta Special BOX,” released in December 2021.
It will likely resonate deeply not only with those who have memories of Wakayama, but also with anyone who longs to lose themselves in reflection while on a journey.
Kumano KodoMizumori Kaori
A local-themed song by the “Queen of Regional Songs,” Kaori Mizumori, released in April 2006 and set in Wakayama.
It’s a powerful yet poignant number that overlays the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail with the image of a woman cutting off lingering feelings of love and moving forward.
With this song, Kaori Mizumori achieved a historic feat as the first female enka singer to debut three consecutive singles in the Oricon Top 10.
She also won the Grand Prix in the Kayōkyoku category at that year’s Best Hit Song Festival and performed this piece at the 57th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
To Kishu WakayamaUinzu Hirasaka
It’s a song brimming with local pride that evokes the warm sunshine and refreshing breeze of Wakayama.
Just by listening, you can picture sunlit, gleaming mandarin orchards, the historic Kumano Kodo, and the beautiful shores of Shirahama.
The lyrics are rich with the prefecture’s famous sights and specialties, and the gentle, conversational vocals spark a sense of wanderlust.
Included on the album “Winds Hirasaka 1st Album,” released in January 2017, the track has become widely beloved by residents as a theme song for the Wakayama Football Association and a radio program.
Why Wakayama?Uinzu Hirasaka
This is a local support song that proudly sings of love and pride for Wakayama with a bright, rhythmic melody.
Just by listening, you can picture Wakayama’s scenery—its mild climate and rich nature.
Its straightforward love for the hometown seems to warmly illuminate listeners’ hearts.
The song first appeared on the album “Winds 5,” released in July 2004, and it has long been cherished as the ending theme for a WBS Radio program.
It’s a piece that gently embraces those who have left their hometown to pursue their dreams and welcomes them back with warmth.
The Heart-Throbbing Kishu RouteKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai
Beaches swept by the evening breeze, skies dyed tangerine orange—this is a local song for Wakayama Prefecture from the self-styled Tourist Association that conjures up romantic scenes along the Kishu route.
The sprightly tune woven by Jun Miura’s guitalele and Hajime Anzai’s ocarina stirs that flutter and exhilaration you feel on a trip.
The track was produced around May 2002 and later included on the albums “Katteni Kanko Kyokai Vol.1” and “Katteni Gotochi Song 47+1: Japan Nationwide Ryokan Recordings,” a collection of recordings made at inns across the country.
Their signature style of recording in a ryokan room seems to capture Wakayama’s warm atmosphere just as it is.