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

A classic song about Oita. The enduring spirit of our hometown [2025]

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!

When you hear “Oita Prefecture,” what kind of image comes to mind?Many people might immediately think of it as the “onsen prefecture,” since it boasts the highest number of hot spring sources and the greatest volume of hot spring water in Japan, and is home to many nationally renowned hot spring resorts.

In this article, we’ve selected and compiled local songs from Oita, as well as songs related to Oita by artists from the prefecture.

You might even discover, “Oh, this song was connected to Oita?”Enjoy the read!

A classic song about Oita. The enduring spirit of our hometown [2025] (21–30)

“Yoka Weather Forecast” Theme SongShinichiro Mori, Sampei Oshima

“Yoka Weather Forecast” Theme Song by Shinichiro Mori & Sanpei Oshima

“The Weather Forecast of Yoka” Theme Song by Shinichiro Mori and Sanpei Oshima

There is a sake brewery called Yatsushika Shuzo Co.

, Ltd.

in Kokonoe Town, Kusu District, Oita Prefecture.

The song that plays during the weather forecast on OBS Oita Broadcasting, which this company sponsors, is this one.

It’s sung by a former member of Kaguyahime, and it’s a familiar tune for the people of Oita.

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Hymn to BogatsuruYoko Seri

Bōgatsuru Hymn — Yoko Seri

Bōgatsuru Hymn by Yoko Seri

This is a song by Yoko Seri that was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” about “Bōgatsuru,” a famous scenic spot in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture.

Yoko Seri performed this song at the 29th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

This video also lets you enjoy views of Bōgatsuru.

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Classic songs about Ōita. The heartfelt spirit of a hometown passed down through song [2025] (31–40)

Feeling great and getting even better! Tosky exercisesKentaro Hayami

TOS Television Oita Opening (Get Even More Energetic! Tosky Exercises)

Feeling great, more and more! Tosky Gymnastics, Kentarō Hayami

This is the song that was used as the opening theme for TOS Television Oita, sung by Kentaro Hayami, a former ‘Uta no Onii-san’ (the Singing Big Brother).

The choreography was created by Hiromichi Sato, the former ‘Taiso no Onii-san’ (the Gymnastics Big Brother), so it’s a must-listen for fans of ‘Okaasan to Issho.

’

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saikiyuki (Isokawa Yuki) + Eri

saiki (Oita Prefecture Saiki City theme song: award-winning song, grand prize)

saikiyuki (Yuki Isokawa) + Eri

This is a track from the CD “The Tale of Princess Kiku of the Saeki Domain,” which features local songs from Saiki City in the southeastern part of Oita Prefecture.

The lyrics sing about landmarks, local specialties, and events in the city, and listening to it makes you feel like you might want to visit Saiki.

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Mejiron DanceRie Sakamoto

Mejiron Dance

Mejiron Dance Rie Sakamoto

Mejiron is a mascot character designed after the Japanese white-eye, the prefectural bird of Oita.

This song was created through a public contest held for elementary and junior high school students.

By watching the video, you can also learn the choreography devised by the Oita Prefecture Girls’ Physical Education Federation.

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Lullaby of UmeKikutaro

Oita Prefecture folk song “Ume no Komoriuta (Singing Contest)” — Kikutaro —

Kikutaro, the Lullaby of Ume

This is a folk song handed down in Ume, a former town in Oita Prefecture that is now part of Saiki City.

It expresses a parent’s feelings: while sleeping children are adorable, crying children can feel exasperating.

It is also known as “Ume no Utagenka.”

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Oita Prefectural Sports SongKiyoto Tachikawa

1966 Oita National Sports Festival Anthem

Kiyotaka Tachikawa, Song of the Oita Prefectural Citizens’ Sports

The Oita Prefectural Sports Festival began in 1948.

This song has been used as its theme since 1950, and it was also used at the National Sports Festival held in 1966 and 2008.

CDs have been distributed to schools and other institutions, so many residents of Oita Prefecture have likely heard it.

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