Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

Kochi Prefecture, a southern land facing the Pacific Ocean.

Blessed with a warm climate and lush, abundant nature, it is the land of Tosa, home to many captivating landscapes such as the clear-flowing Shimanto River and Katsurahama Beach.

From songs that celebrate the sound of the Tosa dialect and its distinctive atmosphere to official anthems of cities and towns, a remarkable variety of music has been born here.

Songs inspired by the relaxed temperament of its people, their passionate spirit, and the grandeur of nature convey Kochi’s culture and history to the present day.

Now, let us guide you into the world of songs connected to Kochi Prefecture.

Through lyrics brimming with local pride and pleasant melodies, you’re sure to fully feel the charm of Tosa.

[2025] Masterpieces themed on Kochi: Local songs and municipal anthems compilation (21–30)

warm currentSayuri Ishikawa

Warm Current - Sayuri Ishikawa (1987)

Warm Current Sayuri Ishikawa

This is a local song released by Sayuri Ishikawa in 1977, which peaked at No.

11 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The lyrics depict the feelings of a woman who has broken free from her past.

The song was written by Yu Aku, known for numerous hit songs, and composed by Takashi Miki.

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Clock StrikesONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – Clock Strikes [Official Music Video]

Clock StrikesONE OK ROCK

Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! is a video game starring Sakamoto Ryōma that was released in 2014.

Its theme song is Clock Strikes, performed by ONE OK ROCK, which is included on their 2013 album Jinsei×Boku=.

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Shiman-to River InnMitsuko Nakamura

2012 11 27 Syu/Mitsu Nakamura 'Shimanto River Inn'

Minako Nakamura, the Inn by the Shimanto River

This is a local song from Kochi, sung by Mitsuko Nakamura, an enka singer who is very popular in Osaka.

The lyrics are by Nagata Yoshio, and the music is by Azuhito Tomita, who has composed many other songs for Mitsuko Nakamura.

It portrays the feelings of a woman in a hotel room thinking about the lover she parted with.

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Ryoma’s lingering silhouetteAya Shimazu

Ryoma's Lingering Shadow by Aya Shimazu

Ryoma’s Afterimage Ayashima

Among the notable figures from Kochi Prefecture, Sakamoto Ryoma is perhaps the most famous.

This song tells the story of his life.

The original was sung by Hibari Misora, but this video is a cover version by Aya Shimazu.

It was performed at the Prefectural Culture Hall.

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Cape AshizuriKasuga Hachirō

Cape Ashizuri ~ Hachirō Kasuga / Asizuri-misaki ~ Hachiro Kasuga

Cape Ashizuri Kasuga Hachirō

It has the same title as Ichiro Toba’s “Ashizuri Misaki,” but it’s a different song, sung by Hachiro Kasuga.

It was released in 1959.

The lyrics were written by Takahashi Kikutaro, known for “Sake wa Namida ka Tameiki ka,” and the music was composed by Yoshida Yakkenji, affectionately nicknamed “Dr.

Daya.”

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By the banks of the Shimanto RiverYusuke Hamada

By the Shimanto River / Yusuke Hamada

Yusuke Hamada by the Shimanto River

The reason there are so many songs about the Shimanto River is, of course, because it has a charm that captivates people.

This song is by Yusuke Hamada, a musician who lives along the Shimanto River, and it sings about the appeal of his hometown.

The video also lets you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Shimanto River.

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Pioneer of the revolutionHidekatsu Shibata

Monkey D. Dragon — Pioneer of the Revolution

Shibata Hidekatsu, Pioneer of the Revolution

This is one of the “ONE PIECE Nippon Zendan! 47 Cruise CDs,” in which characters from ONE PIECE sing local songs from Japan’s 47 prefectures.

Kochi Prefecture is handled by Hidekatsu Shibata, who plays Monkey D.

Dragon, the father of the protagonist Luffy.

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