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

YufuinKosetsu Minami

Yufuin

“Yufuin,” sung by Kousetsu Minami from Oita, is a lyrical folk song that seems to convey the serene atmosphere of a hot spring town.

The gentle timbre of the acoustic guitar evokes the peaceful scenery of the town spreading at the foot of Mount Yufu.

The lyrics, wistfully singing “I want to see you once more,” can be heard not only as a longing for a beloved person, but also as a kind of nostalgia for a distant hometown.

Perhaps it’s precisely because Minami himself lives in Oita, in harmony with nature, that this song carries a special warmth.

It’s a captivating piece that makes you yearn for the beautiful nature of Oita.

Hell EstheticianSelf-styled Tourism Association

Oita Prefecture Local Song 'Hellish Esthetician' / Unofficial Sightseeing Association

This is a playful local song about Oita Prefecture by the duo Miura Jun and Hazama Hajime, known as the Self-Styled Tourism Association.

The striking title, “Hell’s Esthetician,” is said to be inspired by Beppu Onsen’s famous ‘Hell Tour.

’ The lyrics parade the names of the various ‘hells,’ delivered in an irresistibly upbeat, festival-like tune.

In between, it also slips in local specialties like Bungo beef and dango-jiru, which might surprise some listeners with the sheer density of information.

Give it a listen as a companion for your trip to Oita, and your journey might become even more enjoyable.

Lingering SnowPrincess Kaguya

Kaguyahime – Nagori Yuki (Official Audio)

Originally included on Kaguyahime’s album and later immortalized by Iruka’s cover, this song has become a timeless classic.

The lyrics and music were written by member Shozo Ise.

The actual landscape that inspired the song is Tsukumi City in Oita Prefecture, Ise’s hometown.

It’s said that Tsukumi Station served as the model for the poignant farewell scene in the lyrics, and today the station even uses the melody as its train approach chime.

Layering the image of someone departing by train with the motif of out-of-season snow, the song creates an atmosphere that deeply moves listeners.

Perhaps it’s imbued with the yearning for a distant hometown and the aching sense, so real at the time, that the two may never meet again.

Oita Prefecture MarchLyrics by Kentaro Shotake / Music by Yashi Eguchi

Oita Prefecture March

Composed from lyrics solicited in a public competition to commemorate a newspaper’s founding in 1935 (Showa 10), this is a march that represents Oita.

The lyrics were written by Kentaro Shotake, an educator from Oita, and the music was composed by Yashi Eguchi, known for numerous hit songs.

Place names that appear in the lyrics—such as Yabakei, Mount Kuju, and the Bungo Channel—may evoke a deep love for one’s hometown.

With a march-like melody that feels both nostalgic and stirring, the piece powerfully reflects Oita’s rich natural beauty and the vitality of its people.

It’s said that choreography was even created when the song was first released, conveying just how beloved this piece has been as a song that vividly embodies Oita.

Hometown ŌnoLyrics by Emiko Kudo / Music by Masayuki Hirao

Bungo-Ōno City Image Song “Furusato Ōno”

This song was created to gently accompany everyday life in Bungo-ōno City, Ōita Prefecture.

The lyrics were written by Emiko Kudō and the music composed by Masaaki Hirao, and every evening this gentle melody plays over the municipal disaster-prevention broadcast system.

Locals, of course, know it well, and some of you may have heard it during a visit to the city.

With the warm, nostalgic tone so characteristic of Hirao, the melody seems to paint in sound the grand nature and unhurried flow of time in Bungo-ōno.

Filled with deep affection for the region, this piece truly deserves to be called a “gift to one’s hometown”—a song that resonates in the heart.

The world’s first spaceport has been decided for Oita Prefecture.Abe Ryo

The world's first spaceport has been decided to be in Oita Prefecture — Aberyo

Released by ABE Ryo in 2021, this song takes on the wildly imaginative theme of Oita Airport becoming the world’s first spaceport.

Set to an upbeat, comical sound, it delivers biting social satire—featuring energy-saving plans to launch rockets from passenger planes and a governor who “gushes about a 10-billion-yen economic boost.” At the same time, the skillful inclusion of real challenges—like flights being canceled due to an eruption of Mount Aso—really stands out.

With its unique take on the broad theme of regional revitalization, the song invites listeners to joyfully imagine Oita’s future.

Be sure to listen while reading the lyrics!

Magical Oita Prefecture of LoveYukky

Magical Oita Prefecture of Love

This is a local anthem by Yukky that emerged from Flash animation in the early days of the internet.

Set to breezy idol pop, the song boldly weaves Oita Prefecture’s specialties and sightseeing spots into a tale of budding romance.

Its irresistibly catchy, earworm melody fuses perfectly with delightfully niche lyrics that will make locals crack a smile.

Though never officially released on CD, it became a cult favorite online—truly a hidden gem.

Give it a listen, and you might just find yourself drawn into Oita’s curious, magical charm.