Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.

The Heart-Throbbing Kishu RouteKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

Wakayama Prefecture Local Song “Tokimeki no Kishūji” / Unofficial Tourism Association

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.

Yhoo!You’re!Yhoo!Furuie Manabu

Yhoo!You’re!Yhoo!

This is a rap song by Manabu Furuya, a singer-songwriter from Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, that makes full use of the Wakayama dialect.

Set to an acoustic guitar and vocal style, it bursts with such dense, local-only expressions that once you hear it, you won’t forget the impact.

Released as a single in July 2004, it gained buzz through word of mouth, was even featured on NHK’s Kinki edition, and achieved an exceptional indie sales figure of over 3,500 copies.

It’s a track that will delightfully move not only people from Wakayama, but anyone who wants to feel the warmth and strength of their hometown language.

One step forwardWakayama Nanryō Kōkō Kōka

[Reggae School Song] Wakayama Nanyo High School School Song 'One Step Forward' Official Music Video

This is the school song of Wakayama Nanryo High School, created out of a passion to break the stereotypes of what a school should be.

The lyrics were written by Sho Yokokawa and WARSAN, with composition by INFINITY16, and its bright, powerful Japanese reggae rhythm leaves a strong impression.

Its straightforward words of encouragement—chasing dreams without fear of getting covered in mud and moving toward the future—truly resonate with young people.

Adopted as the school anthem in June 2024, the song drew major attention when it was played at the stadium after a victory in the Wakayama prefectural tournament of the National High School Baseball Championship that summer.

It’s a powerful track that pushes forward not only the youth taking flight from Wakayama, but everyone who is ready to take on a challenge.

To the Kumano RoadSakamoto Fuyumi

Kumanojie

Set against the World Heritage–listed Kumano Kodo, a pride of Wakayama Prefecture, this song traces a journey of memories shared with a beloved person who has passed away.

Fuyumi Sakamoto’s richly expressive voice evokes both the quiet, sacred vistas of the pilgrimage route and the poignant recollections that tighten the chest.

Some listeners may find their hearts stirred by the image of the protagonist walking through places of remembrance while mourning someone they can no longer meet.

The track appears on the concept single “Furusato no Sora e,” released in September 2018.

It gently seeps into the hearts of those living away from their hometowns and those who carry precious memories close.

Hometown of FlowersSugi Ryōtarō

Ryotaro Sugi “Hometown of Flowers” Music Video (Short Ver.)

This is a local song from Wakayama, featuring Ryotaro Sugi’s gentle yet deeply resonant voice that lingers in the heart.

The lyrics—reportedly penned by Sugi himself—are filled with beautiful imagery such as the flow of the Kinokawa River and the scent of peaches, as well as cherished memories of a beloved mother, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia in listeners.

Released as a single in October 2023, the song reached No.

1 on the cable request rankings in January 2024, showing how deeply it has connected with many people.

It’s a track that will gently embrace not only those with ties to Wakayama, but anyone striving far from their hometown.

Kōyaguchi SambaUinzu Hirasaka

Winds Hirasa “Kōyaguchi SAMBA” (Winds LIVE 2013 in Wakayama)

Koyaguchi SAMBA, sung by singer-songwriter Wins Hirasaka, who is based in Wakayama Prefecture.

It’s a lively, humorous local song that spotlights Koyaguchi, which once flourished as the gateway to Mount Koya.

Wins Hirasaka has created many local songs, commercial jingles, and theme songs featuring places across Wakayama.

The brisk rhythm of the SAMBA may well express his overflowing love for Wakayama.

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Always TogetherMiyagawa Manami

Manami Miyakawa — Always Together

Originally used as the first commercial jingle for Wakayama Adventure World, this is a well-known local song in Wakayama Prefecture.

It is sung by Manami Miyagawa, an artist from Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture.

Many people from Wakayama likely grew up listening to this song.