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

Shimanto no Yado (Inn of Shimanto)Yuko Oka

Shimanto no Yado (Inn of Shimanto)

This is a renowned song performed by Yuko Oka, known as the “Singing Map of Japan” for her renditions of local songs from across the country, set against the clear currents of Kochi.

Included on a single released in 2016, the piece portrays a quiet love story unfolding at a hidden inn along the banks of the Shimanto River.

The scene evoked by the line “Resting my cheek on your shoulder / a roofed boat on the Shimanto River” is like a painting.

With the lively Yosakoi Festival as a backdrop, time flows gently for just the two of them.

Oka’s richly expressive, sultry voice perfectly matches the poignancy of their secret love and the serene ambiance of Kochi.

It’s a deeply evocative song, as if the heroine’s fleeting wishes melt into the glittering waters of the pure stream.

Tosa manGoro Kagami

Tosa man

Veteran enka singer Goro Kagami’s “Tosa no Otoko,” released in 2009, is a quintessential local enka piece that vividly conjures up scenes of Kochi.

Phrases like “the moonlit Yosakoi at Katsurahama” and “holding a red camellia blossom” invite you into the beautiful landscapes of southern Tosa.

Above all, what stirs the heart is the rugged spirit of the Tosa man, belted out in the line “Let the spray and rough waves come crashing!” Kagami’s resonant voice and distinctive phrasing brilliantly embody that indomitable soul.

With pride in his homeland, he faces any hardship with guts.

Just by listening, you can feel the grandeur of Tosa’s nature and the passion of its people rushing into your heart—an empowering song brimming with strength.

Shimanto RiverHiroshi Miyama

Hiroshi Miyama “Shimanto River” Music Video

This is a song by Hiromi Miyama, an enka singer from Nankoku City in Kochi Prefecture known for his “vitamin voice,” released in 2016.

It sings about the clear Shimanto River that flows through Kochi Prefecture.

On the Oricon charts, it peaked at number 11.

Leaving sunny Tosa behindPeggy Hayama

Leaving Tropical Tosa — Peggy Hayama

It is said that the original melody came from a song sung by the Army’s Asakura 236th Infantry Regiment, and Eisasaku Takemasa altered parts that evoked war.

Many singers have performed it, but the version by Peggy Hayama was especially a hit.

There is a monument inscribed with the song in Harimayabashi Park.

Sukumo OndoSanae Jōnouchi

Sukumo Ondo / Sanae Jōnouchi

It is the citizens’ folk song of Sukumo City in the southwestern part of Kochi Prefecture, selected by the Sukumo Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The music was composed by Junzo Nomura and the lyrics were written by Yasuo Ikeuchi.

The singer is Sanae Jōnouchi, an enka singer who was formerly a member of Onyanko Club.

It seems to be played at festivals and other events held in the city.

KatsurahamaKaori Mizumori

Katsurahama - Kaori Mizumori

This is a song by Kaori Mizumori, who is sometimes called the “Queen of Local Songs,” included on her 2006 single Kumano Kodo.

Katsurahama is a beach in Kochi City with a statue of Ryoma Sakamoto.

The CD reached No.

5 on the Oricon chart.

A Distant PersonKaientai

A Distant Person

Bakumatsu Youth Graffiti: Sakamoto Ryoma is a drama that aired on Nippon TV, starring Tetsuya Takeda, who is known as a Ryoma enthusiast.

The theme song was performed by Kaientai, with lyrics written by Takeda himself and music composed by Toshio Nakamuta.