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

Shunryō main clauseShimauta

Kōsuke Naka – Island Song Solo Performance 'Shunryō-shu-bushi'

A renowned song with a heart-stirring melody nurtured by the climate of Amami.

It originally expressed passionate love, but after a local legislator’s wife was swept away by the tide in the Meiji era, it came to be sung with deep mourning and consolation.

Sung and recorded by various artists, including Takashi Nakagawa (Atsushi Nakatsuka) [note: Nakagawa Atsushi? If referring to Kousuke Atari, use: by Kousuke Atari], this piece offers a gentle tune that will comfort you when remembering someone dear or when you wish to feel the warmth of your homeland.

Kuninao Yone Ane-bushiShimauta

Kousuke Atari – Shimauta Solo Performance 'Kuninyāku Yonē Bushi'

A single track that sinks deep into the heart, evoking the beautiful seas and greenery of Amami.

It richly sings, to the sound of the sanshin, the tale of the beautiful sisters known as “Kome-nee,” said to have once truly lived there.

For those who listen, it may gently bring to mind the landscapes of a distant homeland and the warm feelings of the people who live there.

Carefully handed down by artists such as Takashige Nakama and Minami Kizuki, this work is one to savor when you feel nostalgic for home or want to immerse yourself in the island’s unhurried flow of time.

Watasya BushiShimauta

Kousuke Atari – Shima Uta (solo acoustic) “Watasha-bushi with Chitose Hajime”

A traditional island song that vividly evokes a sea voyage around the Amami Islands.

With a lively yet wistful melody, it sings of the feelings of those who travel by boat from island to island—partings, longing, and love.

Revitalized by a new generation of artists, including collaborations between Chitose Hajime and Kousuke Atari and remixes by Ryuichi Sakamoto, its allure continues to reach contemporary audiences.

Adopted by Kagoshima Prefecture’s cultural preservation initiatives, it is cherished and carefully protected by local communities.

When you want to experience heartwarming island music, why not take the time to listen closely?

Nagakumo-bushiShimauta

Chitose Hajime Amami island folk song, solo with accompaniment. Song tour on Amami Oshima, a World Heritage island: “Nagakumo-bushi.”

Nagakumo-bushi, which came to be known as a “farewell song” in uta-asobi gatherings, is perceived differently depending on the region—celebrated as a congratulatory song in some areas, and cherished in others as a tune that lures out spirits.

The singing, carried by the timbre of the shamisen, seems to evoke the island’s uniquely unhurried sense of time.

Perhaps it would be nice to listen to this masterpiece of island song—also included on Chitose Hajime’s album—while letting your thoughts drift to the Amami region, a place with a mysterious charm that soothes the soul.

Its profound melodic lines also make it perfect as background music for a quiet night spent alone.

A Petal of a DreamJonan

Kagoshima Welfare Theme Song “A Petal of Dreams”

This is Kagoshima’s welfare theme song.

It was created by composing “words to give to loved ones” submitted by people from Kagoshima.

Many people from Kagoshima appear in it.

It’s a heartwarming song that shows how compassion leads to everyone’s small everyday happiness.

Minami Kizuki’s gentle singing voice is wonderful, too.

Young Men’s Ohara-bushiSaigō Teruhiko

Kagoshima Tourism Ambassador = Teruhiko Saigō

They say Mr.

Saigō is a tourism ambassador for Kagoshima.

I’ve heard his stage name was also taken from Saigō Takamori, and he even sings that Saigō is like an older brother to him.

It shows just how much Saigō Takamori is respected and loved by the people of Kagoshima.

People from places that have produced great figures seem to dream big, which is truly encouraging.

Cherry Blossoms of ChiranHino Mika

Chiran Cherry Blossoms by Mika Hino

This is a song about the squad members who took off from Chiran as part of the Tokko (kamikaze) units.

Feelings for the young members who perished are entrusted to the cherry blossoms.

Hino’s singing, which even seems gently motherly, sinks into the heart.

It feels like a quiet warning to today’s unsettling social climate.