Akita Kenminka

Akita kenminka (秋田県民歌; lit-The Akita Citizens Song) is the official song for Akita Prefecture. The kenminka is commonly song before the games of Akita's professional sports teams, and it is also played at the end of each day at all governmental offices. The song was first composed and sung in 1930.

Lyrics

Original Japanese	English Translation
秀麗無比なる鳥海山よ 狂瀾吼え立つ男鹿半島よ 神秘の十和田は田沢と共に 世界に名を得し誇の湖水 山水皆これ詩の国秋田	Mighty mountains of our province, with Mt Chokai high above. Surfs that pound with mighty fury at our Oga Peninsula. Lakes Towada and Tazawa mystic and known far and wide. Famed for beauty beyond comparing, source of all our endless pride. Mightly rushing mountain rivers, our beloved Akita!
廻らす山山霊気をこめて 斧の音響かぬ千古の美林 地下なる鉱脈無限の宝庫 見渡す広野は渺茫霞み 黄金と実りて豊けき秋田	Boundless ranges of the mountains where the spirits dwell therein. Beauteous forests on the mountains where no sound of axe is heard. Mother nature seeks to bless us with her fullness of treasures. As we turn our eyes to the valley there we gaze at the golden fields. With a brightly promising future, our homeland Akita!
篤胤信淵巨人の訓 久遠に輝く北斗と高く 錦旗を護りし戊辰の栄は 矢留の城頭花とぞ薫る 歴史はかぐわし誉の秋田
民俗勝れて質実剛毅 正義と自治とのさとしを体し 人材遍く育みなして 燦たる理想に燃え起つ我等 至純の郷土と拓かん秋田

※The third and fourth verses are commonly left unsung.

Alternate Translation (first verse)

The unparalleled might and beauty of Mt. Chokai.
The raging waves that thunder against Oga Peninsula.
Together with the mysterious Lakes Towada and Tazawa.
Their waters are famed for beauty beyond comparing.
Mighty rushing mountain rivers, our beloved Akita

See also

• School songs.
• Sheet music.
• http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/秋田県民歌. Wikipedia article (Japanese).