Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.
When you hear Wakayama, does any song come to mind? Blessed with a warm climate and abundant nature, Wakayama Prefecture has many heartwarming songs that celebrate its charm.
From sentimental enka that evoke the plum-growing villages, to lyrical pieces about the sacred sites of Kumano, youthful songs set against the beaches of Shirahama, and PR tunes packed with the appeal of Wakayama’s famous tourist spots.
In this article, we introduce songs of Wakayama infused with deep love for the homeland.
You’re sure to discover a side of Wakayama you didn’t know.
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Famous songs and local tunes about Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown (11–20)
Wakayama Tsuremote OndoWinds Hirazaka
This irresistibly cheerful local ondo song conveys a straightforward, heartfelt love for Wakayama.
Created by WINDS Hirasa, the first J-pop artist to receive the Wakayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Prize, the track features a lively rhythm that makes everyone want to hum along and dance.
The lyrics name-check famous spots across the prefecture—Shirahama, Mount Koya, and the Kumano Kodo—so vividly that Wakayama’s rich landscapes spring to mind as you listen.
Included on the April 2019 album “Kanreki,” this piece feels like a quintessential anthem for Wakayama—one that will delight those who love the region and spark wanderlust in those planning a visit.
Kumano KodoKaori Mizumori
A local-themed song by the “Queen of Regional Songs,” Kaori Mizumori, released in April 2006 and set in Wakayama.
It’s a powerful yet poignant number that overlays the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail with the image of a woman cutting off lingering feelings of love and moving forward.
With this song, Kaori Mizumori achieved a historic feat as the first female enka singer to debut three consecutive singles in the Oricon Top 10.
She also won the Grand Prix in the Kayōkyoku category at that year’s Best Hit Song Festival and performed this piece at the 57th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Kōyaguchi SambaWinds Hirazaka
Koyaguchi SAMBA, sung by singer-songwriter Wins Hirasaka, who is based in Wakayama Prefecture.
It’s a lively, humorous local song that spotlights Koyaguchi, which once flourished as the gateway to Mount Koya.
Wins Hirasaka has created many local songs, commercial jingles, and theme songs featuring places across Wakayama.
The brisk rhythm of the SAMBA may well express his overflowing love for Wakayama.
Wakayama BluesKoto Kiyono
Wakayama Blues, the signature song of enka singer Koto Kiyono, born in 1947, is a local tune set in Burakuricho Shopping Street, known as the entertainment district of Wakayama City.
Released in 1968, it became a massive hit amid the karaoke boom.
Hearing its lyrics—overlaying a bittersweet yearning for love with a mature nightscape where neon lights reflect on the Sanada Canal—may well bring back memories of past romances for some listeners.
Always TogetherManami Miyakawa
Originally used as the first commercial jingle for Wakayama Adventure World, this is a well-known local song in Wakayama Prefecture.
It is sung by Manami Miyagawa, an artist from Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture.
Many people from Wakayama likely grew up listening to this song.
Love Story of Cape ShionomisakiKaori Kouzai
Kaori Kozai’s enka single “Shionomisaki Jōwa,” released in February 2003.
It’s a heart-wrenching song that pairs the image of waves crashing against a cape with an unrequited love, tightening the chest with sorrow.
Even knowing they can’t be together, she gazes out from a cape where a lighthouse is in view, thinking of the one she loves… Doesn’t it feel like a scene from a movie or drama springs to mind?
Famous songs and local tunes about Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown (21–30)
Rainy WakayamaYoshiko Tachibana
It’s a very mellow song, overflowing with hometown pride.
I was deeply moved—whenever it rains, I can’t help but think of my hometown in Wakayama, and this song brings on that quiet, reflective mood.
It reminds me of how my mother used to listen to it often.
I think it deserves to be a bigger hit.