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 heart of our hometown (31–40)

Kumano RiverJunko Mine

Junko Mine “Kumanogawa” Enka

Junko Mine Kumano-gawa

There are many songs that sing about the World Heritage site of Kumano, but among those themed around the Kumano River, I think this one’s affection-filled melody is especially wonderful.

It’s the kind of song I’d like to listen to quietly while relaxing at a ryokan.

It made me want to travel to Kumano.

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Kinki Bonusa come-from-behind victory in one shot

[ORIGIN] Bonus of Kinki

Kinki’s bonus one-shot comeback

This song makes me feel very nostalgic.

It highlights only the very best parts of Wakayama and is sung with a simple, easy-to-remember melody.

It’s so fun that I listened to it many times.

I think it still works as a local song even today.

It’s easy for children to learn, too.

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Kitan StraitIriyama Akiko

Akiko Iriyama / Kitan Strait

Akiko Iriyama from the Kitan Strait

It’s a very soothing, captivating song.

It’s a passionate love song set in the Kishu strait, looking out from Kada toward Awaji Island.

It’s a truly great piece—filled with feeling, it really moves you.

My mother used to sing it often at karaoke, and she loved it.

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Wakayama Prefectural AnthemWakayama Children's Choir

Wakayama Prefectural Anthem

Wakayama Prefectural Song Wakayama Children's Choir

It’s a very solemn and very cool prefectural anthem of Wakayama.

I feel we should have sung it more back in our school days.

Prefectural anthems aren’t very well known, and the lyrics can be a bit difficult, so I think it would be great to learn them in elementary and middle school.

It’s a lovely song.

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Nachi Fire FestivalYoko Koshiba

Nachi Fire Festival - Song by Yoko Koshiba

Nachi Fire Festival Yoko Koshiba

It’s a powerful song that brings to mind Nachi Falls, the World Heritage site in Wakayama Prefecture, and sets the famous Nachi fire festival to music.

It’s enka, but it’s sung very gently yet with great strength.

It reminds me of when I went to see Nachi Falls.

I hope the festival will be made even livelier and that its traditions will be carried on.

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Famous songs and local tunes about Wakayama: Melodies that pass down the spirit of our hometown (41–50)

Song of the Nanko UmeEveryone at Nara Prefectural Heijo High School

Song of Kishu Nanko Ume — Everyone from Nara Prefectural Heijo High School

Students of Nara Prefectural Heijo High School, the song of Nanko-ume

This is a song about pickled plums brimming with love for Nanko-ume.

It’s simple, affectionate, and truly an anthem for umeboshi.

I thought it was so wonderful that they even made a song like this.

I really hope it gets released on CD.

It’s a cute, unpretentious song.

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Kishu Gangara-bushiShamon Hiroyuki

“Kii Province Gangara-bushi” sung by Sramana Hiroyuki at the Kada Cherry Sea Bream Festival

Kishu Gangara-bushi Shamon Hiroyuki

It’s a lovely song, and the lyrics are pure Kishu; listening to it brings back memories of towns all over Wakayama.

Since it’s being revived, I’d be happy if this song continues to be passed down.

The melody has a nostalgic feel, and I often heard the word “gangara” when I was little.

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