A classic song about Kumamoto. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.

Longing: The Woman of AmakusaYamaoka Koji

Yearning: The Woman of Amakusa — Koji Yamaoka

It’s a famous song by Shinichi Mori, but it has been covered by various artists such as Hiroshi Itsuki and Koji Yamaoka.

This is Yamaoka’s version.

It beautifully captures, alongside the scenery of Amakusa, the pain of a man and woman’s love that is destined to end someday.

Amakusa is an island where happiness shines.Fuchigami Masayo

Amakusa: The Island Where Happiness Shines / Masayo Fuchigami

A song created as a cheer anthem to support registering the group of Christian churches in Kumamoto and Amakusa as a World Heritage site.

A fusion of enka and a Christian worldview! It’s unexpected, but it sounds like a great match.

Masayo Fuchigami’s lustrous, transparent vocals are superb and seem to create a unique atmosphere.

Shiranui Love TaleYashiro Aki

Shiranui Love Story

This is a song by Aki Yashiro that passionately sings about her hometown of Kumamoto.

Released as a single in March 2005, it is set in the Land of Fire and portrays a woman’s helpless feelings as she clings to an unforgettable lover while longing to return to her hometown, “Shiranui.” Yashiro’s richly expressive vocals and the warm Kumamoto dialect woven into the lyrics deeply resonate with listeners.

The song later became the title track of the best-of album “Aki Yashiro Complete Collection: Shiranui Jowa,” and is one of her signature pieces.

It gently speaks to those who carry a yearning for their hometown or a bittersweet, unrequited love.

futureMoritaka Chisato

future

This is a song written and composed by Chisato Moritaka, imbued with a gentle gaze toward her hometown of Kumamoto.

Sung over a mellow melody are the bittersweet feelings that overlap with scenes of rain, and the hope for the future that lies beyond them.

Included as the B-side to the single “SWEET CANDY,” released in June 1997, the song was later chosen as the image song for the 1999 ‘Kumamoto Future National Sports Festival,’ becoming beloved by many.

When you reach a turning point in life and want to pause for a moment, or when you need the courage to take a new step forward, this song will give you a gentle push.

It resonates deeply, echoing the feelings you hold for your hometown.

Kinyamonya

Kinnya Monya — Kumamoto folk song, composed by Kósçak Yamada — Kumamoto’s song

A cheerful children’s song that has been passed down in Kumamoto since long ago.

Its charm lies in the rhythmic, playful sounds that make speaking it aloud feel like a game in itself.

This piece has been lovingly handed down from generation to generation across the prefecture, starting with Kumamoto City.

In places where children gather and at local festivals, it has likely taken root in people’s hearts as a lively call that brightens the atmosphere.

Don’t overthink it—just surrender to the joy of the sounds and hum along, and a smile will naturally appear.

It’s a song that lets you feel the warm spirit of Kumamoto and the cheerful hearts of the people who live there.

Aso Love SongRose

Rose sings ~ Aso Love Song ~ Autumn Scenery of the Plateau

It’s a postwar song themed around Mount Aso.

It became popular because bus tour guides often sang it, and it came to be strongly associated with trips to Kumamoto—so much so that people think of this song when they think of traveling there—and it continues to be sung today.

After the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, it regained popularity as a song of recovery.

Kin’nyomunyoHonjō Hidemi

Kumamoto Folk Song: Kinnyomnyo

It’s a folk song from Kumamoto.

The shamisen’s captivating sound and the woman’s clear, pure singing are wonderful.

The word “Kinnyo-mnyo” in the title has no particular meaning; it’s meant to be enjoyed for its sound.

The lyrics reference performances related to Kumamoto, such as kabuki and joruri.