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!
- [2026] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Songs About Nagasaki [Local Songs]
- A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Nagasaki: the heart of the hometown passed down through song
- A classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- [Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima
- A famous song about Fukuoka. The heart of the hometown passed down through song.
- Classic Songs About Nara: Local Anthems and Popular Hits [2026]
- [Hiroshima Songs] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Curated Selection of Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- Classic songs about Saga. A number of tracks related to Saga Prefecture.
- Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
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.
South wind
This is the Nagasaki Prefectural anthem, “Minami no Kaze” (Southern Breeze).
It was recorded in 1961 and sung by Akira Wakayama and Matsu’e Matsumoto, known as the first “Columbia Rose.” The lyrics are striking for how they capture Nagasaki’s distinctive features: its rich natural beauty, the shipbuilding technology that has flourished by the sea, and a deep respect for the preciousness of life.
Listening to it somehow makes your heart feel open and at ease.
It’s a work that stirs nostalgia not only for residents of Nagasaki Prefecture, but also for people from outside the prefecture.
If you like, let’s sing it together!
ONE FLAGV·Fāren Nagasaki
ONE FLAG is a supporters’ song for V-Varen Nagasaki, the professional soccer club based in Nagasaki.
It was written and composed by Masashi Sada, a singer-songwriter from Nagasaki Prefecture.
The song was created to mark the club’s 15th anniversary in 2020.
The lyrics are filled with the spirit of cheering on the club, and when sung by the supporters, they lift the team’s morale.
The melody is easy to sing, so even new fans can join in without worry.
When you go to cheer on V-Varen Nagasaki, be sure to raise your voice proudly!
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.