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 that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- Classic Songs About Nara: Local Anthems and Popular Hits [2026]
- [Hyogo Songs] A Collection of Local and Love Songs Set in Hyogo
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- [Okayama Songs] A roundup of local anthems and classic hits brimming with hometown pride!
- A classic song celebrating Oita. The enduring spirit of our hometown [2026]
- Miyagi Songs: Popular tracks that celebrate famous sights and specialties, and timeless pieces filled with love for home
- [2026] Masterpieces themed on Ehime: from local songs to municipal anthems
- Songs related to Mie Prefecture. Beloved local tunes of Mie that continue to be cherished.
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- [Songs of Yamaguchi] Introducing local tunes filled with hometown love and tracks related to Yamaguchi
- Chiba Songs: A comprehensive introduction, from famous tunes filled with hometown love to local theme songs
Famous songs and local tunes about Wakayama: Melodies that carry on the heart of our hometown (1–10)
Yhoo!You’re!Yhoo!Furuie Manabu
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
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
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.
Famous songs and local tunes about Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown (11–20)
Hometown of FlowersSugi Ryōtarō
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
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.
Wakayama BluesKoto Kiyono
Wakayama Blues, the signature song of enka singer Koto Kiyono, born in 1947, is a local tune set in Burakuricho Shopping Street, known as the entertainment district of Wakayama City.
Released in 1968, it became a massive hit amid the karaoke boom.
Hearing its lyrics—overlaying a bittersweet yearning for love with a mature nightscape where neon lights reflect on the Sanada Canal—may well bring back memories of past romances for some listeners.
YAPPA KishuUinzu Hirasaka
A powerful local anthem by WINDS Hirasa that fires up the festivals of Wakayama.
Its lively, samba-like rhythm layered with dynamic taiko drums makes your heart dance just by listening.
The lyrics express a straightforward love that says, after all, one’s own hometown is the best, proudly singing of local pride.
Long cherished as the mass dance song for “Odorunya Kishu Yosakoi,” it was first included on the album WINDS 5, released in July 2004.
It’s a recommended track not only for those from Wakayama, but for anyone who wants to share a passionate affection for their hometown.