![[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/-qvaXr1eYME/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)
Kagoshima Prefectural AnthemNEW!Kagoshimaken
Composed by the renowned composer Kosaku Yamada, this piece is imbued with the passion of the prefecture’s residents striving for postwar reconstruction.
With lyrics by Toshio Sakaguchi, it weaves hopes for peace and a spirit of friendship together with images of rich natural beauty—such as Sakurajima, the southern blue sky, and the Kuroshio Current.
Characterized by a 6/8 rhythm, it’s a song that conveys an embracing gentleness and a sense of expansiveness.
Established in December 1948, it has been used at official ceremonies like the Prefectural Citizens’ Commendation Ceremony and the Prefectural Sports Festival, and has been sung for generations.
It also serves as the start-of-work chime at the prefectural government building, making it a familiar melody for residents.
It is a work that allows us to feel the sentiments of those who rose from the devastation of the postwar period and sought to build a new homeland.
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.
Kagoshima Prefectural AnthemYamada Kōsaku
This is the official prefectural anthem by Kósçak Yamada, singing of the proud spirit of Satsuma with majestic Sakurajima as its backdrop.
Its solemn yet familiar melody beautifully captures Kagoshima’s nature, history, and culture.
Widely cherished at school events and official ceremonies throughout Kagoshima Prefecture, it has become a symbol of regional identity.
The hometown pride conveyed in the lyrics and the powerful melody resonate deeply with Kagoshima natives living away from home, stirring their feelings for their beloved birthplace.
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?