![[Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/pVlPPLPUpws/maxresdefault.webp)
[Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima
Majestic Sakurajima, the blue-shimmering Kinko Bay, and traditional culture rooted in a bountiful land.
Kagoshima is home to numerous gems—masterpieces that capture its charm in song.
In this article, we introduce works that convey a deep love for Kagoshima, from songs that sing of the proud, passionate Satsuma spirit to gentle melodies that echo across the islands.
Whether you’re far away now or have never visited in person, please listen while letting your thoughts drift to the beautiful land of Kagoshima.
[Songs of Kagoshima] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Curated Selection of Iconic Tracks That Evoke Kagoshima (1–10)
Ishin Dancin’ Kagoshima Citykagoshima shi kankou nabi
This is a tourism promotion piece that expresses the charms of Kagoshima City through music and dance.
The first installment was released in January 2018 and drew attention with a unique video featuring the Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School boys’ rhythmic gymnastics team dressed as Saigo Takamori.
The second installment, released in January 2019, delves deeper into regional attractions such as World Heritage sites and the Kagoshima dialect.
In the third installment, Saigo Takamori returns from space and joins citizens to promote Kagoshima City.
Set to upbeat, cheerful pop music, the work blends comical performances with Kagoshima’s rich scenery and food culture.
It’s a perfect piece for those who want to explore the region’s history and culture.
Kagoshima Hanya-bushimin’yō
This folk song, cherished for its Satsuma-inspired, emotion-rich melodies and uniquely resonant rhythms, reflects the nature, climate, and everyday lives of the people of Kagoshima.
Its lyrics and the timbres of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and taiko blend in exquisite harmony.
Originally a work song sung during farm labor and festivals, it is still frequently performed at local festivities and events.
Endowed with the power to invigorate and uplift listeners, the piece offers comfort and warmth—especially to those from Kagoshima living away from home—serving as a heartfelt anchor to their roots.
Ishin Dancin’ Kagoshima City Returns ~This Is the Real KAGOSHIMA~kagoshima shi kankou nabi
Brimming with humor and energy, this work lets viewers enjoy a tour of Kagoshima City’s sightseeing spots and gourmet locales through a dynamic performance, earning particular popularity among younger audiences and families.
It was produced as the third installment of Kagoshima City’s official tourism promotion video series “Ishin dancin’,” released in December 2022.
Featuring the Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School boys’ rhythmic gymnastics team dressed as Takamori Saigo and delivering sharp, striking routines, the video quickly drew widespread media attention and became a hot topic upon release.
It’s a track that lets not only local residents looking to rediscover Kagoshima’s appeal, but also those who have never visited, feel the passionate spirit of Satsuma and its rich culture.
Trace ~Footprints~JA soo Kagoshima no Orijinaru Songu
A heartwarming song filled with love for Kagoshima’s land and its people.
Its gentle melody conveys the region’s rich nature, the efforts of those who came before, and hope for the children of the future.
Completed in June 2020, the piece inspired a dance video in April 2021 aimed at energizing workplaces and local communities, featuring staff and officers dancing together—a performance that became a talking point.
It is a song that resonates across generations, serving as a spiritual hometown for those living away from Kagoshima and a source of pride for locals.
A must-listen for anyone who cherishes the future of agriculture and the bonds within the community.
Segodon — Main Theme —Sato Anna
The main theme of a historical drama infused with the spirit of Kagoshima, looking out over the majestic Sakurajima.
Anna Sato’s resonant vocals brilliantly embody the island-song (Shima-uta) tradition of her hometown, Amami Oshima.
The exquisite blend of a grand orchestra with traditional Japanese instruments evokes the landscape of Satsuma, and you’ll find yourself captivated by its powerful, stirring melody.
Expressing in music the world of the NHK Taiga Drama that began in January 2018, this piece is included on the soundtrack album NHK Taiga Drama “Segodon” Original Soundtrack Vol.
1, released in March of the same year.
It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to experience magnificent nature and rich culture.
Keep the flag flying！Furāgoraddo Kagoshima Kōshiki Ōen Songu
This is the official cheer song for the men’s volleyball team “Furagorad Kagoshima,” where Rei Kirishima’s clear, translucent vocals blend perfectly with a powerful rhythm.
It conveys messages about moving forward without fear of challenges and cherishing bonds with teammates, adding color to the excitement of volleyball matches.
Released in early 2023, the song has been used at home games and events, helping strengthen ties with the local community.
It’s recommended for those who want to savor a moment of hometown pride in Kagoshima or support their local team.
For people from Kagoshima living away from home, it’s sure to conjure nostalgic scenes.
Kagoshima City Residents’ SongNakata Yoshinao
A song of civic pride where the region’s beautiful nature harmonizes with respect for our predecessors.
Yoshinao Nakata’s familiar melody superbly captures the majestic scenery of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.
Established in June 1972 to commemorate the 27th National Sports Festival, this work sets a poem by Toshio Takagi—selected from 534 public submissions—to music by Nakata, known for pieces such as “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (“I Found a Little Autumn”).
The song remains woven into daily civic life today, played at the start of the workday at city hall and over the noon disaster-prevention broadcast system.
Why not listen while picturing the landscapes of Kagoshima?