[2025] Masterpieces themed around Ibaraki: From local songs to municipal anthems, an introduction

Ah, Mito RōshiSaburō Kitajima

Ah, Mito Rōshi

This is a celebrated song that sings of Mito’s history, delivered with the soul-stirring voice of Saburo Kitajima, a giant of the enka world.

The piece takes the late-Edo “Tengu Party Rebellion” as its theme, depicting the grim resolve and pride of the Mito loyalists who rose out of concern for their country.

Kitajima’s powerful yet heartrending vocals feel as if the spirits of those warriors have possessed him.

Listening to his voice, you can vividly picture their arduous journey toward snowy Tsuruga and the fiery convictions they held close to their hearts.

Created to commemorate the sister-city partnership with Tsuruga City in Fukui Prefecture, this song profoundly conveys the spirit of righteousness that lives on in Ibaraki’s history.

It is a weighty work that will captivate anyone who loves historical narratives and refuse to let go.

The Wind of TsukubaNatsumi Mizuki

The Wind of Tsukuba

This is a classic enka number overflowing with hometown pride by Natsumi Mizuki, known as an enka singer from Tsukuba City in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Her slightly wistful voice blends beautifully with the scenery of her hometown.

The line repeated at the beginning of the lyrics is especially striking; it likens the harsh winter wind to a nurturing parent, suggesting it as the source of her inner strength as she pursues her dreams.

With Ibaraki’s landscapes—such as Mount Tsukuba and the Kinugawa River—as the backdrop, you can picture a protagonist living with unwavering resolve.

It’s a song filled with pride and gratitude for her hometown, one that’s sure to stir the hearts of Ibaraki residents.

For a wonderful tomorrowLyrics by Yasushi Akimoto / Music by Tsugutoshi Gotō

[Official] For a Wonderful Tomorrow 1997 Ver.

This is a local song created to celebrate the birth of Hitachinaka City and to entrust it with hopes for the future.

The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto and the music composed by Tsugutoshi Goto—both hitmakers in the J-pop world—with vocals by the illustrious Minako Honda.

The hopeful lyrics, blessing the start of a new city, resonate deeply.

You can almost picture citizens joining hands and moving toward the future—toward a “wonderful tomorrow.” Honda’s clear, soaring voice feels like a sun brightly illuminating what lies ahead.

The song colors the dance parade of the Hitachinaka Festival and serves as the melody for the city’s time signal, becoming deeply embedded in residents’ daily lives.

It will surely continue to be sung as an important piece that fosters love and pride for the city.

MITO!Jun Isoyama

MITO (Original Song) / Jun Isoyama / Ryo Ogura / [music milestone] #09

It’s a funky cheer song overflowing with hometown love by Jun Isoyama, a singer-songwriter from Mito who also serves as the city’s “Mito Charm PR Director.” Set to a brisk, upbeat sound, it name-drops Mito’s specialties and landmarks one after another—natto, Kairakuen Garden, Lake Senba, and more.

Just listening makes you feel like you’re taking a cheerful stroll through the streets of Mito.

The playful phrases that evoke Mito Komon are sure to bring a smile to your face.

It’s a tune that will lift the spirits not only of Mito’s citizens but of anyone who loves Ibaraki.

The Tree of HitachiHide Yūki

Hitachi Tree: What Kind of Tree Is This? with Lyrics

Located in the northeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, the city of Hitachi is where Hitachi, Ltd.

, one of Japan’s leading companies, was founded.

The familiar Hitachi Group commercial song is “The Tree of Hitachi.” It has been sung by various artists, and this video features the version by Hide Yuki.

Toride Citizens' Song ~A New Tomorrow~Lyrics and Composition: Takayoshi Tanimoto

Toride Citizens' Song: A New Tomorrow - Promotional Video

This is the new civic song of Toride City, created by singer-songwriter Takayoshi Tanimoto, known for theme songs such as those for the anime Dragon Ball Kai.

The song is a cheer for the future, crafted together with citizens to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the city’s establishment.

The lyrics are sprinkled not only with symbols of nature like the city birds—the owl and the kingfisher—but also with words contributed by citizens through a public call.

As you listen to Tanimoto’s characteristically upbeat, rock-flavored melody, you can almost picture a hopeful “new tomorrow.” It’s a song that will surely warm the hearts not only of Toride’s residents but of all people who love their hometowns.

A town with a skyLyrics and Music by Tatsurō Mashiko

City Song of Hitachiota: The Town with a Sky

This is the official song of Hitachiota City, written by Tatsurou Mashiko—renowned for composing “Hanamizuki”—as a special piece for his hometown.

Its profoundly poetic and beautiful lyrics are a major draw, and simply listening conjures up gentle satoyama scenery: an endlessly spreading blue sky, clear streams where kingfishers dart about.

The universally nostalgic melody is exactly what you’d expect from a hitmaker.

For those living away from home, it will likely rekindle warm memories and spark a sudden longing to return.

A masterpiece that tenderly sings of the bond between people and nature, it quietly stays close to the heart.