The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies that Carry On the Spirit of the Hometown
Folk songs and children’s songs rooted in the land of Kagoshima vividly reflect the spirit and daily life of the region.
Masterpieces that capture a range of emotions—such as the toil of land-reclamation work, the prayers and joys of islanders, and the pure romantic feelings of young people—have been passed down across generations and are still cherished today by locals and by those living away from their hometown.
In this article, we’ve gathered folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes brimming with love for Kagoshima.
Please enjoy the moving world of Kagoshima’s folk music.
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The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies Carrying on the Spirit of the Hometown (21–30)
Satsuma Heiko-bushi (Satsuma Youth Soldiers’ Chant)Tagami kyōdai
It’s hard to decipher unless you’re from Kagoshima, but someone kindly provided an explanation.
Simply put, it’s a song that celebrates the spirit of a Satsuma man—paying no mind to appearance or dress, raising a dream, and vowing to one day conquer the realm.
It naturally brings Saigō Takamori to mind, doesn’t it?
Kagoshima Ohara-bushiMori Masako
Among Kagoshima’s folk songs, the Ohara-bushi is a representative piece whose light rhythm and accompanying dance are beloved by the prefecture’s residents.
The song is said to have originated in the early Edo period, but it is believed that the original “Yasuhisa-bushi” from Yasuhisa-cho in today’s Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture, was passed down from Harara Village near Kagoshima.
Many singers have covered this song, including Teruhiko Saigo, Akira Kobayashi, and Masako Mori.
Tanegashima Kamone OndoTendō Yoshimi
Although this is a relatively new song for a folk tune, Tanegashima’s history is undeniably tied to guns and rockets, and this piece has now become indispensable for the island’s Bon Odori and festival music.
There are other Bon Odori songs on Tanegashima, but this bright and refreshing number is said to be popular among the islanders, and it’s even available as a karaoke track.
Chiran-bushiJōji no Kai
Chiran Town in Kagoshima Prefecture is known as the Little Kyoto of Satsuma and is a production area for rapeseed and Chiran tea.
The Chiran samurai residences have also become tourist attractions, but the quiet, beautiful townscape—simple and unhurried—finds expression in the Chiran-bushi folk song.
Said to sing of the love between young men and women in rural villages, it is a folk song often performed at weddings.
Not not, boy, you knowNishiyama Kotone
This is a lullaby from the Kasari area of Amami City in Kagoshima Prefecture.
It’s a bit difficult to understand exactly what’s being sung because it’s in the local dialect, but the key figure is the “imo” (sweet potato).
Most likely, judging from the era when sweet potatoes were a staple food, it’s a song gently telling a child who starts crying, “Where did Mom go?” that their mother has gone to dig sweet potatoes (do farm work).
I am a child of the sea.Yūki Hainé
This is the familiar Ministry of Education song, whose author was once listed as unknown, but the lyrics are now attributed to Mr.
Koichiro Miyahara.
In Gion-no-su Park in Kagoshima City, there is a monument inscribed with the song.
The lyrics originally had seven verses, but only up to the third verse are currently included.
It seems the later verses were omitted because the language was too difficult or contained militaristic expressions.
Suzukake Horse Dancebashinkai
In various parts of Kagoshima Prefecture (the Hyuga, Osumi, and Satsuma regions), dances featuring horses and people are dedicated, reflecting the fact that horses were once indispensable power for plowing fields and carrying loads.
The horses are dressed quite flamboyantly; perhaps this is where the saying “Even a packhorse driver looks good in fine clothes” comes from.
The rein handling, with steps like dance footwork, can be fatal unless you’re a very seasoned expert.