[2025] Classic songs themed around Kochi: A roundup of local songs and municipal anthems

SerarenKenji Ohno

Bucchi_seraren

“Seraren” is a dialect word from Kochi Prefecture meaning “must not do” or “not allowed.” This song, sung by Kenji Ono, was originally created as a campaign song to eliminate drunk driving.

The Tosa-dialect lines that come in partway through also add a nice touch.

Everyone, please be careful not to drink and drive.

To this land ~GReeeeN

GReeeeN “To This Land ~”

GReeeeN’s “Kono Chi e ~,” written specifically for the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi, is truly a song “born to make you dance.” With a special connection to Kochi—member HIDE spent his student years there—the track is filled with deep affection for the region.

Its sound layers a nostalgic, folk-like melodic turn with grand, gospel-style choruses, beautifully capturing both the festival’s fervor and a swelling sense of homesickness.

The lyrics about “joining hands” in “this land” convey the warm-hearted bonds that people in Tosa hold dear above all else.

Listening to this song conjures vivid images of Yosakoi under the summer sky, where everyone is smiling.

It’s a masterpiece brimming with hometown pride and pure joy.

Life from here on from SukumoLyrics by Fumio Urata / Music by Nobuhiro Takahashi

Life from here on from Sukumo

This song was born from the passion of lyricist Fumio Urata and other locals who love their hometown and want to share the charms of Sukumo.

It’s said to have begun with the lament that “there’s nothing that stands out in Sukumo,” yet the lyrics are filled with deep affection for its rich natural beauty.

When you find yourself at a crossroads in life, you may suddenly feel homesick.

In such moments, the phrase “From here on, life dwells in Sukumo” resonates warmly.

The unique perspective of describing Sukumo’s blessings as “natural vitamins” is also appealing.

Its unhurried, pastoral melody feels like nourishment for the soul—an encouraging song full of kindness that gently gives listeners a supportive push.

TOSA, a city where everyone meets their dreams.Lyrics by Andro Wada & Chia-yu / Music by Kei Horiuchi

TOSA: A town where everyone encounters dreams (Tosa City image song). Kochi Prefecture, Tosa City. Sung by Mayor Hirofumi Itahara ♪ Airing on 2025-02-26.

This is the official image song produced to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Tosashi’s incorporation as a city.

The composition and vocals are by singer-songwriter Kei Horiuchi, who also has deep ties to Tosashi.

From the very first lines, you can almost picture the majestic, beautiful nature of Kochi unfolding before your eyes.

The catchy chorus carries a powerful message about passing the spirit of our predecessors on to the future.

Many listeners have likely found courage in this song, which gently encourages us to join hands and move toward a brighter tomorrow.

Lyrics gathered from citizens and the clear voices of elementary school students come together to create a warm piece filled with hometown pride and hope.

Kochi City SongLyrics by Fuji Shigematsu / Music by Yasuki Hirai

Kochi City Song with subtitles and furigana (Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture) 4K

With lyrics by Fuji Shigematsu and music by Yasuki Hirai—known for “Tonbo no Megane”—this piece is the city song of Kochi, born during Japan’s postwar reconstruction.

Remarkably, the lyrics were written by Shigematsu when he was a high school student, and his work was chosen from nearly a thousand submissions.

Phrases like “the seething rocky shores of the Kuroshio” and “the great phoenix soaring across the heavens” evoke Kochi’s majestic nature and an indomitable spirit looking to the future.

You can feel the citizens’ fervent wish to rise powerfully from the scorched ruins as the “heart of Tosa,” a feeling that surges together with the heroic melody.

Even now, more than 75 years later, it is still played at City Hall and sustains people’s hearts—a reminder of the profound power a song can hold.

Happy to be born in KamiLyrics: Children of Kami City / Music: Kei Horiuchi

Happy to be born in Kami

This song sets gentle melodies by singer-songwriter Kei Horiuchi, a native of Kochi Prefecture, to words woven by the children of Kami City.

Created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of cityhood, its pure lyrics conjure vivid images of the hometown’s beautiful scenery as seen through children’s eyes.

The chorus phrase is truly the crystallization of local pride, and the straightforward sentiment—“I’m happy to have been born in Kami City”—rides on Horiuchi’s uniquely warm, pop sound to resonate deeply with listeners.

It is a local song brimming with the pride of the children who will shape the future—a true treasure.

Traditional Ashizuri DanceLyrics: Koichi Hirano / Music: Ken Izumi

Authentic Ashizuri Ondo

A song born to commemorate the establishment of city status in 1954, it is considered the very soul of Tosashimizu City.

With lyrics by Koichi Hirano and music by Ken Izumiya, this is a traditional hometown ondo.

Its lively melody, carried by shamisen and drums, is layered with the spirited shout of “Sore honni,” making you feel as if you’ve joined the festival circle just by listening.

The lyric “If I’m going with you, then to Cape Ashizuri” vividly portrays the grand rainbow born from sea spray, capturing the hearts of many.

Why not listen to this piece—where the force of the Pacific’s nature blends with the strength of its people—and savor the atmosphere of Tosa?