Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Nagasaki: the heart of the hometown passed down through song
Nagasaki, with places like Dejima, exudes an exotic atmosphere.
In this article, we’ll introduce folk songs and children’s songs that capture Nagasaki’s customs, practices, and current events.
Above all, many of Nagasaki’s folk songs, in their melodies and in many other aspects, carry historical backgrounds and convey a distinctly non-Japanese feel.
Listening to these Nagasaki folk and children’s songs, you can’t help but picture the streetscapes of Nagasaki.
Please try listening while imagining Nagasaki brimming with that exotic charm.
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Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Nagasaki: The heart of our hometown passed down in song (1–10)
Shimabara Lullaby
The song sung around the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture is “Shimabara no Komoriuta” (Shimabara Lullaby).
Its lyrics depict the poverty of everyday life and the tragic fates of young girls that arise from it.
In 1957, it was released on record as a popular song performed by Chiyoko Shimakura, and later a version sung by Peggy Hayama was released through a different label and became a hit as well.
The tune and melody line, with their somewhat wistful atmosphere, are striking.
It’s a lullaby full of melancholy, yet it has a calming effect.
Nagasaki Burabura Song
Many of you may know it as the title of a novel or a film.
The folk song “Nagasaki Burabura-bushi,” passed down as a song sung over drinks, is said to be based on the Edo-period tune “Yadachū-bushi.” While it has been recorded on vinyl and thus has a certain standardized format, a defining feature is the abundance of lyrics rooted in the regions where it’s sung.
Given that it was performed at banquets and in raucous, boisterous settings, that may be how it developed in such a way.
Goto Iso-bushi
This is the folk song “Goto Iso-bushi,” which has been sung in the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture.
It is said to be a song that originated from “Iso-bushi,” one of Japan’s three great folk songs from Ibaraki Prefecture, and evolved into lyrics rooted in the local culture after being brought to Nagasaki.
It’s interesting that the term “Mitsubishi Dock” appears—something you’d expect in shipbuilding-rich Nagasaki.
Places like Maruyama in Nagasaki City, once a geisha district, and Daitokuji, now a beloved park, also make an appearance, so even locals hearing it for the first time would likely feel an immediate connection.
Nagasaki folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: The heart of our hometown passed down in song (11–20)
It’s dangerous
It’s a New Year’s children’s song that was also used as the jingle for Bunmeido Sohonten, famous for its castella cake.
Nagasaki has long had close ties with the Netherlands.
The “kanakin” mentioned in the lyrics refers to a type of fabric written as 金巾, and the song portrays people happily receiving that cloth from the Dutch.
The lyrics are simple, but the piece feels packed with the history of Nagasaki Prefecture.
By the way, it’s also a children’s circle game song, played by several people holding a red cloth.
Authentic Goto Sanosa
The song “Seichō Gotō Sanosa” began to be sung in Nagasaki Prefecture after the “Nine Linked Rings,” which came from China—then called Qing—arrived there.
Its lyrics focus on the Gotō Islands to the west of Nagasaki, reflecting the feelings of the fishermen who lived there.
Incidentally, there is also a version called “Gotō Sanosa” with lyrics different from the seichō (standard) version introduced here.
In Wakayama Prefecture, a further evolved variant known as “Kushikino Sanosa” is beloved.
That’s how folk songs are passed down and transformed across different regions.
Nagasaki Ondo
Among the songs inspired by the exposition, the one most familiar to the citizens was this “Nagasaki Ondo.” At the time, “Tokyo Ondo” was gaining popularity nationwide, and ondo-style songs were in vogue across the country.
“Nagasaki Ondo” was also created by the same popular trio—lyricist, composer, and singer—behind “Tokyo Ondo.” With choreography and gestures added, the people of Nagasaki became captivated by it.
Takashima-bushi
Takashima Coal Mine, located in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a coal mine registered on the World Heritage List.
The song “Takashima-bushi” was sung by the coal miners who once worked there.
While the tune has the familiar feel of a traditional ondō rhythm, a closer look at the lyrics reveals emotions reflecting the hardships of life and a sense of resentment felt by those who labored in the mines.
Life in a coal mine—just imagining it is heartrending.
This folk song may serve as an opportunity to reexamine history.