A classic song about Miyazaki: a heartfelt ode to one’s hometown [2025]

Starting today, the two of us are people from Miyazaki.Shōju Hiko

Starting today, the two of us are people from Miyazaki.

For those who spent their youth in the Showa era, this honeymoon song may bring back memories of Yuzo Kayama’s line, “I’m so happy,” delivered as he rubs his nose.

Miyazaki Prefecture, full of a tropical mood, seems like a place where you can spend time at a leisurely pace.

Toshihiko Matsu, a native of Nobeoka City in Miyazaki Prefecture, has written and composed many works overflowing with love for his hometown.

Sea of CrossesRyuto Akira

Sea of the Cross (Cruz) / Natsumi Kawano / Sung by Akira Ryuto.wmv

At Cape Hyuga, the sea appears like a cross where massive reefs are split in a cruciform shape, and the rock formations seen from the observatory resemble the character for “to be fulfilled.” This gave rise to the legend that “wishes come true,” and the spot became a tourist attraction known as the Sea of Cruz.

The music also carries a somewhat exotic atmosphere, conveying the mood of Miyazaki Prefecture.

Our MiyazakiShinji Miyake, Hidehiko Ishizuka, Masayoshi Yamazaki

2015 Our Miyazaki Yamasaki Masayoshi Hidehiko Ishizuka Shinji Miyake Miyazaki Minami High School Brass Band and Choir Hope and Sun Rock Festival

Shinji Miyake, a native of Miyazaki Prefecture who has performed with Kiyoshiro Imawano and many other musicians, and Masayoshi Yamazaki—so far, so good.

But wait—there’s also Hidehiko Ishizuka, the well-known gourmet reporter famous for saying “Maiu!” These three are known as the “New Phoenix Men” and are active at festivals and other events in Miyazaki Prefecture.

This song features lyrics written by Miyazaki Minami High School, with the music composed by Miyake.

It’s a youthfully spirited song where Miyazaki and adolescence come together as one.

Town of HamayūChihiro Ai

♪The Town of Hamayuu♪ Ai Chihiro

Somehow, her singing style resembles Chiyoko Shimakura’s.

The mood of the song also conveys the feelings of a first love at an age when one could still be called a maiden.

What gives it a sense of its era is that there are no words like “I love you”; instead, the expression “I hold you in the deepest respect and affection” feels, conversely, rather fresh.

Hyuga-nada (Hyuga Sea)Ichiro Toba

Hyuga-nada / Ichiro Toba cover by Keizo

Because the Kuroshio Current flows through the Pacific waters off the eastern coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, the Hyuga-nada is ideal for fishing and, as mentioned in the lyrics, serves as a fishing ground for tuna and bonito.

While the song powerfully portrays rugged, manly fishermen, it also conveys the loneliness of their work—thinking of their mothers and the lovers waiting for them back home as they head out to sea.

Cape ToiAkatsuki Hiromi

Hiromi Akatsuki: Toi Misaki (Cape Toi)

There’s another song with the same title, “Toi Misaki,” but it’s a completely different piece.

That’s how strongly Toi Cape comes to mind as a tourist spot in Miyazaki Prefecture.

It’s neither enka nor pop, yet it feels like the kind of song you might find yourself humming before you know it.

Rather than a tourism promotion, it gently portrays the scenery and ocean views from Toi Cape just as they are, with a natural, tender feel.

Miyazaki Prefectural SongHatsune Miku

Miyazaki Prefectural Anthem by Hatsune Miku

The first Miyazaki Prefecture anthem was established in 1934, but the one currently sung is the second, established in 1964.

In 2014, to mark the 50th anniversary of its adoption, it was also adopted as the departure melody at Miyazaki Station.

The lyrics are very easy to understand and vividly represent Miyazaki Prefecture.

The prefecture is putting effort into promoting it as well, and it is reportedly taught in singing lessons at public elementary and junior high schools.