A classic song about Kumamoto. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
Kumamoto, blessed with rich nature—the majestic mountains of Aso and the beautiful seas of Amakusa.
In this article, we introduce a selection of famous songs that convey its charm through music.
From the nostalgic “Antagata Dokosa,” to the adorable “Kumamoto Surprise!” by the local mascot Kumamon, and even “Aso no Koika,” imbued with hopes for recovery.
Why not lend an ear to these songs filled with the warmth of the Kumamoto dialect and a deep love for the homeland?
A classic song about Kumamoto. The enduring spirit of our hometown (1–10)
KUMAKOI RokuchōshiYumi Kawamura
This piece adds a modern essence to a folk song from the Kuma region of Kumamoto Prefecture, featuring Yumi Kawamura as both vocalist and producer.
The lyrics, sprinkled with festival chants and local dialect, convey the bustle of the hometown and the warm bonds among its people.
The track was produced around 2015 as a mini CD, with Kawamura noting that “since no local singer could be found, I ended up singing it myself.” In February 2017, a remixed version was included on the album “Yumisaurus.” It’s a heartwarming song that vividly brings hometown scenes to mind.
Hang in there, Kumamoto!Kenji Hayashida
An anthem born from the heartfelt wish for recovery after the Kumamoto earthquakes, bringing together the hopes of many.
Kenji Hayashida carefully transformed the real voices and earnest wishes of those affected into lyrics, creating this work together with the people of Kumamoto.
As symbolized by the Kumamoto dialect word meaning “hang in there,” it carries a warm yet powerful message of encouragement that speaks directly to the listener’s heart.
Included on the mini-album “Minna no Oto-gasane” released in January 2017, the song is deeply connected to support for the disaster-stricken areas, including Kumamoto Castle.
Enriched by the pure voices of the NHK Kumamoto Children’s Choir, it powerfully conveys undying love for one’s hometown and the bonds of people facing hardship.
It’s a song that gently stays by your side when your heart is about to break or when you long for human warmth, giving you a push toward tomorrow.
Kumamon monChisato Moritaka
This is a song featuring the vocals of Chisato Moritaka, who hails from Kumamoto, and it has a buoyant charm that lifts the listener’s spirits.
The lyrics, filled with affection for a familiar character, leave a strong impression and convey a warm message that they’re always by our side.
Even amid its humorous word choices, it carries a wish to sow the seeds of hope and happiness for the future together, enveloping you in a gentle kindness that feels like a soft push forward.
Released as a single in September 2013, it was widely loved, reaching as high as No.
13 on the Oricon charts.
Don’t miss the irresistibly catchy lyrics and melody that you’ll find yourself humming along to!
gentianWANIMA
Named after the prefectural flower of their hometown Kumamoto, this song is a warm, gentle anthem from WANIMA for people who keep living true to themselves and with strength, like that solitary flower that blooms alone without a cluster—even amid loneliness and hardship.
The message, akin to a soul’s cry of “Stay weak and grow strong,” resonates deep in the hearts of listeners.
This moving track is included on the acclaimed 2019 album COMINATCHA!!, which topped the Oricon charts.
When your heart feels a little tired, or when you want to encourage someone dear, it will quietly fill you with warmth.
Battens and BaterenSelf-styled Tourism Association
When the spirit and warmth of Kumamoto are rendered by Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai, they turn into such a delightful and heartwarming local song.
This track sings about Kumamoto’s specialties and history—like horse sashimi, Mount Aso, and Amakusa Shirō—with affection, humor, and nostalgia.
The gentle tone of Miura’s guitalele and the cozy sense of place created by the “Ryoka-roku” inn recordings feel truly comforting.
It was included on the album “Vol.
1” in January 2003, and later featured on the February 2008 album “Katte ni Kankō Kyōkai Katte ni Gotōchi Song 47+1.” How about giving it a listen when you want to rediscover Kumamoto’s charm or are in the mood for music that warms the heart?
together; along with; bothWANIMA
A signature song by WANIMA, the band from Kumamoto, that delivers a passionate message: “Precisely when times are tough, let’s lift our heads and move forward together!” Just listening to it stirs the heart—its powerful sound and warm words strike a chord, filling you with the bonds of friendship and hope for tomorrow.
Featured on the single JUICE UP!! released in August 2016, it captured many hearts as the CM song for Nivea Kao’s 8×4.
The track also carries prayers for the earthquake that struck their hometown of Kumamoto during production, singing earnestly of the preciousness of life and love for one’s roots.
It’s a heartwarming anthem that stands by you at life’s turning points or when you’re feeling low, offering strong, encouraging support.
Happy KumamonKumamon
It’s a number featuring Kumamon’s lively singing voice that instantly lifts your spirits, like the sun rising in your heart.
The bouncy melody that makes you want to sing and dance along, and the bright lyrics inviting everyone to go find happiness together, are sure to bring smiles to listeners’ faces.
The song was first unveiled in March 2014 when it was included on the album “Let’s Play with Kumamon! ~Drawing Songs and Play Songs~.” A multilingual version was added to the 10th anniversary album released in March 2020, “Kumamon 10th ANNIVERSARY CD & PHOTO BOOK ~Happy & Surprise~,” spreading its charm to even more people.
If you’re a Kumamon fan, you already know this one, right?