A classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown
Nagasaki Prefecture, located at the western edge of Kyushu, has the most islands of any prefecture in Japan.
Some of you may feel it often comes up in Japanese history classes.
It’s a region with a rich history, where many elements of Western culture spread throughout Japan via this very gateway.
In this article, I’ve compiled a selection of Japanese songs themed around Nagasaki.
Laying them out side by side, I feel “diverse” is the perfect word—there’s a wide range of genres and tracks represented.
I hope this helps you rediscover the charm of Nagasaki!
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A famous song about Nagasaki. The enduring spirit of our hometown, passed down through song (1–10)
The Pomelo Vendor of NagasakiObata Minoru
One of Minoru Obata’s signature songs—he debuted in 1941 and produced many hits—is “The Zabon Vendor of Nagasaki.” Zabon, also known as buntan, is a large citrus fruit cultivated in Shikoku and Kyushu.
It’s a local Nagasaki song, distinguished by his irresistibly sweet singing voice.
Woman of NagasakiKasuga Hachirō
This is a 1963 song by Hachiro Kasuga.
Set in Nagasaki, it’s a song about parting with a woman, with famous landmarks like the Foreigners’ Cemetery and Dutch Slope appearing in the lyrics.
It is a representative Showa-era kayōkyoku that became a hit for singing about Nagasaki.
Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)sadamasashi
Shōrō-nagashi is a traditional event held during Obon in Nagasaki Prefecture, where the spirits of the deceased are placed on boats and sent off.
The classic song “Shōrō-nagashi,” released in 1974 by Masashi Sada as the folk duo Grape, is about this event.
Incidentally, contrary to the song’s calm and gentle image, the actual Shōrō-nagashi is a firecracker-filled affair where earplugs are practically essential.
Masterpieces that sing of Nagasaki: the enduring spirit of our hometown (11–20)
SaseboLe Couple
This song, Sasebo, features lyrics written by Emi Fujita of Le Couple for a composition by Masashi Sada.
Le Couple also self-covered the song, and it is included on their best-of album 10-nen Monogatari ~All Singles of the decade and more~.
It’s a gentle piece that expresses tender feelings for the parents left behind in one’s hometown.
Madame Butterfly of NagasakiMisora Hibari
This song was used in the 1957 musical film “Oatari Sanshoku Musume,” in which Hibari Misora herself starred.
The lyrics are based on “Madama Butterfly,” the famous opera.
It’s a track where you can enjoy Hibari Misora’s vocals set to a lively melody.
Rain Man, Sunny Woman: Waiting for You at Dutch SlopeFuriwee Haihai
Rain Man, Sunny Woman ~ Waiting for You on Dutch Slope by Freeway High High, a music duo from Nagasaki, is a song about going on a date in Nagasaki.
Released in 2004 as their debut single, it features various spots around the city.
The lyrics—saying that memories of dating you in Nagasaki are precious treasures no matter the weather—are heartwarming.
Doesn’t it make you want to go on a date in Nagasaki? When you do, be sure to visit the places that appear in the lyrics!
Harbor SeekerAikawa Masaki
Masaki Aikawa’s debut single, released in 2008, is an enka song that expresses a woman’s feelings as she travels in pursuit of her beloved through Hakata, Nagasaki, Beppu, and Miyazaki.
Since Masaki Aikawa is from Kumamoto Prefecture, her debut song is set in Kyushu.