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

Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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.

Famous songs and local tunes about Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown (21–30)

Kii no Kunimale chorus suite

IV. Kii no Kuni (from the male-voice choral suite “The Garden Where My Father Is”)

Male Chorus Suite of Kii no Kuni

It’s a very dignified and powerful song about the Land of Ki.

The lyrics are strong and dynamic, expressing a return to Wakayama.

It’s the kind of song that makes you picture scenes of remembering your hometown and being moved to tears.

I truly hope it will be passed down for generations to come.

Raise the rankinglower

Song of the TengusaHiroko Taniyama

JR Iwashiro Station — Song of Tengusa

Tengusa Song by Hiroko Taniyama

Wakayama’s Minabe Town is a place I visited on a school trip back when I was in high school.

It’s a very peaceful and lovely town.

The nature is abundant, but the fact that there’s hardly anyone around gives it a laid-back feel—and the song about it is so charmingly relaxed that I remember laughing when I first heard it.

It celebrates the good things about the countryside.

Raise the rankinglower

Famous songs and local tunes about Wakayama: melodies that carry on the heart of our hometown (31–40)

Wakayama LOVE SONG 21Wa! Tsuremote Ikoraーズ

Wakayama LOVE SONG 21 — Wa! Tsuremote Ikora-zu

Wakayama LOVE SONG 21 Wa! Tsuremote Ikora-zu

Just listening to the intro makes me feel nostalgic and brings tears to my eyes.

It’s a very poignant and moving song—far more touching than you’d expect from the title.

The lyrics are filled with lines that truly love Wakayama, so I can’t help but relate.

I end up crying every time I listen.

Raise the rankinglower

A Wandering Journey in the Land of KiSakura Yamashiro

Wandering Journey in the Land of Ki - Sakura Yamashiro (Original)

Sakura of Yamashiro, a Lost Journey in the Land of Ki

I was delighted to learn that you composed an original song about Kii no Kuni like this.

It’s rich in emotion, very heartrending, and a really good piece.

The melody is gentle, so it makes me want to keep listening.

Your voice is beautiful, and I think you’re a truly wonderful person.

Raise the rankinglower

TRUE MY FRIENDIkuko Kawashima

Kawashima Ikuko TRUE MY FRIEND

TRUE MY FRIEND Ikuko Kawashima

I especially loved this song because the vocals were so sweet.

There were so many times I thought about wanting to work in Shirahama.

But after I got a job at a company in Wakayama City, I had occasions to go to Adventure World for work, and I loved the song even more—I would listen to it in the car on the way there.

Raise the rankinglower

The Hawk of KiiKoichi Taira

Koichi Taira, the Hawk of Kishu

Koichi Takahira of Kishu

This song is one of the really cool tracks.

I got to see the live performance on stage the other day, and it was so cool that my mother instantly became a fan too.

It’s a masculine, cool song that’s easy to listen to, and I like the melody as well.

I’d love to hear you sing more songs from Kishu.

Raise the rankinglower

Nankai Soul TrainU-ME a.k.a Munenao Umehara

REDEMPTION feat. U-ME a.k.a. Munenao Umehara “Nankai Soul Train” at the Kada Autumn Red Sea Bream Festival

Nankai Soul Train U-ME a.k.a. Munenao Umehara

I was amazed to hear someone sing that Nankai train in such a stylish way—it was my first time hearing it, and I loved it so much I became a fan.

It’s the kind of Kada Line music that makes you want to listen more, and adding rap is so chic! I really want songs like this to become more popular.

Raise the rankinglower