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

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.

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.

Bamboo rake from Terukuni ShrineKingu Kurīmusōda

King Cream Soda / Kumade of Terukuni Shrine

It’s the new theme song for Yo-kai Watch.

Using a rake as the motif is pretty interesting.

The lyrics are deeper than I expected and sing about the joy of sharing.

I hear King Cream Soda is a unit formed to perform the Yo-kai Watch theme songs.

They sing about a mysterious world in a fun way.

Saigō Takamori: Ah, Satsuma Samurai of the Late Edo PeriodAkioka Hideharu

Hideharu Akioka - Saigō Takamori ~Ah, Samurai of Satsuma in the Late Edo Period~ (Music Video)

An epic work that sings of the life of Takamori Saigo, a hero of the late Edo period.

Released in December 2024, this song features Hideharu Akioka’s powerful vocals, which superbly capture the spirit of the Satsuma samurai.

While following a traditional enka style, the song’s richly layered arrangement is also compelling.

It’s a track that history enthusiasts will enjoy, and one that offers lessons for those of us living today.

Why not immerse yourself in the moving vocals while reflecting on Saigo Takamori’s life?