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

The Great Cedar of SugiHiroshi Miyama

Hiroshi Miyama “The Giant Sugi of Sugi” MUSIC VIDEO

This song was performed by Hiroshi Miyama, the “Vitamin Voice” born in Kochi, as a heartfelt tribute to his hometown.

Composed by his mentor, Masamasa Nakamura, it’s a grand life-themed enka inspired by the three-thousand-year-old ‘Great Cedar of Sugi’ towering over his local town of Ōtoyo.

The anecdote that Miyama himself piloted a drone to film the music video also speaks volumes about his extraordinary love for his hometown.

He overlays his own life onto the great cedar that has “withstood blizzards, storms, and drought,” and vows to show a “proud, shining figure” to someone dear to him.

That straightforward resolve blends perfectly with Miyama’s warm vocals, gently infusing listeners with the strength to face tomorrow.

Shimanto Youth StoryRaymond Matsuya

Shiman-to Youth Story MV short ver.

This is a song by singer-songwriter Raymond Matsuya, known as the “Bard of Love.” Set against the majestic Shimanto River, the pride of Kochi, it portrays a mature coming-of-age love story that looks back on a romance from days gone by.

Blending the emotion of enka with the approachable warmth of folk, this kayō-folk piece features gentle acoustic tones that resonate deeply.

The scene of layering faint memories of first love over the shimmering flow of the river is both sweet and achingly bittersweet.

Now that we’re adults, the youthful days that shine alongside the scenery of our hometown feel all the more precious.

Many listeners may find that, when they hear this song, their own “youth story,” carefully tucked away in their hearts, suddenly springs back to life.

Hiroshi’s proud hometown, ze yo!Hiroshi Miyama

Hiroshi’s proud hometown, ze yo!

This is a song by Hiroshi Miyama, a native of Nankoku City in Kochi Prefecture, packed to the brim with love for his hometown.

As a tourism ambassador, his signature spirit of service shines through, making it a deeply satisfying local anthem.

The lyrics roll out one after another—from famous landmarks like Harimaya Bridge and Hirome Market to regional specialties like first-skipjack bonito and gamecock hot pot—turning the piece into a musical journey through Kochi’s charms.

Sung proudly in his warm “vitamin voice,” declaring “shoeiyo (amazing!),” you can feel his deep affection for where he’s from.

The comfortable enka melody combined with the rustic cadence of the Tosa dialect conjures vivid images of Tosa’s grand nature and the heartfelt warmth of its people.

Typhoon of LoveSelf-styled Tourism Association

Kochi Prefecture Local Song “Love Typhoon” / Unofficial Tourism Association

A local song for Kochi released in 2004 by Miura Jun and Anzai Hajime’s duo, the Katte ni Kanko Kyokai (Self-Appointed Tourism Association).

It’s a playful number produced in their “Ryokaroku” style—improvised recordings done at inns.

From pounding out ‘katsuo no tataki’ to getting swept up in a ‘typhoon of love’ the moment they spot whales at Cape Muroto, the lyrics comically portray the start of an irresistible romance against the backdrop of Kochi’s famous sights, and just listening fills you with excitement! “Whatever happens, happens!” You can feel the protagonist’s mood in this passionate and humorous track.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to set off on a trip, as if you can feel the Tosa breeze on your skin.

Long live old age!Gee-Pop from Kōchi-ken All Stars

[Official] Grandpa-POP from Kochike ALL STARS “Hail to Old Age!”

With its innovative lineup and comical vocals, many of you were probably shocked the moment you first heard it.

Released in 2016, it’s the major debut single by Jii-POP from Kochike ALL STARS.

Turning the prefecture’s high elderly population on its head, the lyrics boldly proclaim “Long live the elderly,” which is delightfully refreshing.

Along with the lilt of the Tosa dialect, the song sprinkles in humorous nods to Kochi’s blessings like buntan and bonito, as well as everyday life—such as waking up at 5:30 in the morning.

Dressed in white as they dance, they look like the blue skies and white clouds of Tosa.

Just by listening, you can feel the warmth of Kochi’s people and its culture; it might be the ultimate anthem of support.

Song of the People of Kochi PrefectureLyrics by: Sadao Nishimura / Music by: Masakata Hamada

Kochi Prefectural Song with Subtitles and Furigana

A classic Showa-era song that sweeps listeners into a whirl of emotion with its grand worldview, celebrating Kochi’s majestic nature and the spirit of its people.

Established in 1952, it is the prefecture’s official song, with lyrics by Sadao Nishimura and music by Masakata Hamada.

Chosen through a public contest among residents, it is truly a crystallization of local pride.

The phrase “the southern land of freedom” captures the soul of Tosa people, known for their enterprising spirit, while “the vigor of sturdy grandeur” evokes a strength that rivals the Kuroshio Current.

Laden with literary expressions, its lyrics feel like reading a passage from a novel—an especially memorable piece.

Why not join voices, savor the poetry, and sing it together?

Yosakoi enkaTatsue Kaneda

Yosakoi enka

This is a local song in which Tatsue Kaneda—who took the world by storm with “Kagai no Haha”—sings the spirit of Tosa with passionate intensity.

Released in 2022, “Yosakoi Enka” is truly a song for Kochi, blending the driving energy of a festival with the distinctive pathos of enka.

Listen closely to the lyrics and you can almost picture a single-minded man, gazing out over the Pacific Ocean with pride in his hometown swelling in his chest.

Kaneda’s rich, folk-honed vocals align with the protagonist’s spirit and stir the listener’s soul.

Doesn’t it feel like a masterpiece you’ll want to hear again and again, distilling the heat of the Yosakoi Festival and the grandeur of Kochi’s natural beauty?