[Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima

Canned SongShimauta

Amami folk song 'Shima Uta' Kantzume-bushi

A beautiful melodic phrasing of the island language, sung at a relaxed tempo, paints scenes of the homeland as if unfolding before your eyes—this is the island song.

In addition to being performed by artists who carry on the island-song tradition, it is often featured in programs that showcase local festivals and culture, and has taken root as a piece that conveys the allure of Amami.

For those living away from home who wish to feel the island breeze, or for anyone seeking to experience the profound depth of traditional Japanese music, it offers a soothing moment of peace.

Hang in there!Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Wii U Karaoke Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi - Kibaiyanse

It may sound a bit rough in the Kagoshima dialect, but it’s a song that hits you later, like friends or seniors encouraging you when you’re about to give up.

Nagabuchi’s manly, dialect-infused encouragement really carries weight.

Adding “yanse” makes it sound softer, doesn’t it?

Burning KagoshimaShimakura Chiyoko

Ms.

Shimakura has many hit songs, but I didn’t know this one.

Her gentle, beautiful voice resonates.

It specifically sings about Kagoshima, and I like how she occasionally delivers the phrases in a charming way.

It’s delicate and, I think, suits Japanese traditional dance as well.

Kagoshima Hama-bushi

Kagoshima Hamabushi (Kagoshima Hamabushi) "Kagoshima Prefecture Folk Song"

A traditional melody where the majestic seascapes of Kagoshima and the hearts of the people who live there resonate as one.

The gentle phrasing is accompanied by the timbre of the shamisen, warmly enveloping the listener.

This piece is a folk song that depicts scenes along the west coast of Kagoshima Bay and was originally a type of boat-rowing song handed down in Kagoshima.

It later spread nationwide as an ozashiki song and still plays a role today in conveying Kagoshima’s culture at local events and the like.

It is a song that quietly stays by your side when you wish to reflect on your hometown scenery.

I’m from Satsuma.

Seventh Portable Shrine: Odoma Sasshu

A traditional celebratory song of Satsuma that sings the soul of Kagoshima.

The lyrics are rich with local dialect, conveying the lively atmosphere of festivals and people’s earnest wishes for prosperous business and good health.

Passed down at local festivals since long ago, the piece also became familiar to residents as the tune used in a shochu brand “Kuro Isanishiki” commercial.

In recent years, performance videos have begun appearing online, and the song seems to be spreading in new ways.

When you want to experience the vibrant culture of Kagoshima, why not give it a listen?

I long for AmamiNakasone Miki

I long for Amami

This is a work from 1962.

It’s a song from Amami that carries an Okinawan image.

It evokes a relaxed, sun-warmed tranquility, like a horse ambling along.

With thoughts of my hometown Amami, I’ve resolved to return.

My hometown has a gentleness that embraces everything.

Yo-isura BushiShimauta

Chitose Hajime Amami Island Folk Song Solo Performance: Song Journey on the World Heritage Island Amami Oshima - “Yoisura-bushi”

A powerful melody that shakes the soul of Amami and resonates deep in the heart.

This song is a traditional island chant based on the belief in the Onari-gami—protective spirits dwelling in sisters who watch over their brothers and men who go to sea—and it is cherished not only in Amami but also in Okinawa.

Passed down by renowned island-song vocalists such as Chitose Hajime, many of you have likely heard it before.

Its warm atmosphere, lyrics, and vocals convey fervent feelings for one’s homeland, daily gratitude, and hope for the future.

When you think of Kagoshima, or when your thoughts drift to a faraway hometown, this song will gently wrap around you.