RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Songs of Yamaguchi] Introducing local tunes filled with hometown love and tracks related to Yamaguchi

In Yamaguchi Prefecture, the westernmost part of Honshu overlooking the Kanmon Strait, there is a heartwarming world of music deeply rooted in the local community.

From prefectural and city anthems cherished by residents, to theme songs for local information programs, and even unique pieces that straightforwardly sing the praises of delicious local rice, Yamaguchi’s songs are remarkably diverse.

Whether it’s a powerful chant supporting the local soccer team or a friendly theme song from a community-focused supermarket, every track embodies a warmth that’s closely tied to the daily lives of Yamaguchi’s people.

In this article, we’ve gathered songs themed around Yamaguchi Prefecture and its various regions, as well as pieces with connections to Yamaguchi.

You, too, will surely be captivated by these gems imbued with the charm of Yamaguchi.

Songs of Yamaguchi: Introducing Local Tunes Filled with Hometown Love and Tracks Related to Yamaguchi (11–20)

RainingCocco

Cocco「Raining」Music Video
RainingCocco

A masterpiece of shock and salvation, sung by Cocco as if carving away at her very soul.

This song was chosen as the theme for the film Shikijitsu, set in director Hideaki Anno’s hometown of Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Its gentle, sunlit springlike melody and Cocco’s heartrending yet powerful vocals pierce the heart.

In contrast to its bright opening, the lyrics portray a girl’s searing cry, and that gap grips you completely.

It’s a song filled with a strange tenderness that draws close to the pain deep within the listener’s heart and gently allows the tears to flow.

Children’s WorldKotoringo

This is a song cherished as the theme of the animated film “Mai Mai Miracle,” set in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Some of you may have felt that the warm afterglow you carried out of the theater existed thanks to this very piece.

Kotringo’s clear, translucent voice and delicate piano tones evoke a gentle nostalgia, like quietly opening an old picture book.

One of the lovely things about this song is how it brings back those special vistas you could see only in childhood—like gazing up at the sky from the depths of a wheat field.

When the song ends, you’ll likely find yourself under a tender spell that makes your heart feel a little lighter.

Hayatomo StraitMizumori Kaori

Kaori Mizumori [Hayatomo Strait] with Lyrics – Lyrics by Eiji Takino / Music by Tetsuya Gen
Hayatomo StraitMizumori Kaori

This is a famous song by Kaori Mizumori that evokes the roar of the tides in the Kanmon Strait and the flicker of swaying fishing lights.

Centered on the tragic love of a woman standing before the strait, unable to sever her feelings for the one she loves, the piece was released to commemorate Kaori Mizumori’s appointment as Shimonoseki’s “Kaikyō Ambassador.” Upon its release in May 2017, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart, marking her 14th consecutive Top 10 entry.

The fact that there is also an edition featuring coupling tracks such as “Tsunoshima Bridge” shows the depth of her attachment to Yamaguchi.

It might resonate even more deeply when listened to on nights when you want to savor a sense of travel or gently dwell on a past romance.

for you…Takahashi Mariko

Mariko Takahashi “for you…” live footage
for you...Takahashi Mariko

Mari Takahashi’s timeless classic “for you…”.

The lyrics were written by Akira Otsu, a native of Nagato City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and a monument has been erected in his hometown in honor of his achievements.

Beginning like a quiet monologue from a short story, this song traces the journey of a woman who, wounded and drifting along the edges of her memories, ultimately arrives at a soul-deep cry for the one she longs for, all set against a sweeping melody.

Many listeners may find their hearts profoundly shaken each time by the drama woven by her deep, emotionally rich voice.

A Lap Around My HometownSakushi sakkyoku: Fujimura Satoshi

“Hometown One Circuit”: a “Hometown Anthem / Local Song” of Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
A Lap Around My HometownSakushi sakkyoku: Fujimura Satoshi

A heartwarming local song from Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, that conjures up scenes of your hometown.

Nurtured by dedicated citizens and released in 1977, the piece unfolds like a leisurely stroll through Hofu, tracing a familiar landscape from Mount Taiheizan to the Saba River.

Featured on Yamaguchi Broadcasting’s radio programs and performed at community events, it has been cherished locally for many years.

When you want to reconnect with the warmth of home, why not give it a listen?

Yamaguchi Prefecture local song ‘Yamaguchi Ammonite’ PVmiura jun

[Studio Ver.] Yamaguchi Prefecture Local Song 'Yamaguchi Ammonite' PV
Yamaguchi Prefecture local song 'Yamaguchi Ammonite' PVmiura jun

This is a local song from Yamaguchi Prefecture featuring the vocals of Jun Miura.

Like other promotional-video songs, it highlights tourist spots such as Akiyoshidai, but the lower tone unique to a male vocalist and the calm melody create a very soothing mood.

[Yamaguchi Songs] Introducing Local Songs Filled with Love for Our Hometown and Tracks Related to Yamaguchi (21–30)

Boyo SteamshipBōyo Kisen (Bōyo Ferī) no Tēma

The theme song of Boyo Kisen, which connects Yamaguchi and Ehime prefectures across the Seto Inland Sea.

Despite its brevity, it accurately conveys the joy and excitement of crossing the sea to a neighboring prefecture.

It’s a very easy-listening track and has become popular with many people.