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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Masterpieces that sing of Nagasaki: the enduring spirit of our hometown (11–20)
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!
Get on a boat from NagasakiItsuki Hiroshi
This is a 1971 song that Hiroshi Itsuki released following his smash hit “Yokohama Tasogare,” after a long spell without any hits.
In this song, Nagasaki is merely the point of departure, so it’s not strictly a local-themed song, but the lyrics, depicting a journey from Nagasaki to various parts of Japan, convey an indescribable sense of sorrow.
Terminal Station NagasakiMaekawa Kiyoshi
Shuchaku Eki Nagasaki (Terminal Station Nagasaki) is a song by Kiyoshi Maekawa released in 1995.
The lyrics and music were written by Masashi Sada, who is from Nagasaki and has sung many local songs about the city.
Set at Nagasaki Station, it is a poignant song about parting.
My NagasakiKoyanagi Rumiko
This is the B-side track to the 1975 single “Hanaguruma,” released to commemorate the opening of Nagasaki Airport.
With chiming bells and a refreshing vocal that feels light and airy, it’s a love song in which two people, who deepened their love in the city of Nagasaki, sing about returning someday.
Nagasaki of Memoriesishida ayumi
Originally, it was a song by Chiyo Okumura, but lyricist Jun Hashimoto presented it to Ayumi Ishida, and it was released as a single.
Rather than being just a sad song about parting, the lyrics are forward-looking, finding hope in Nagasaki, reached at the end of a journey.
Classic songs about Nagasaki: the enduring spirit of our hometown (21–30)
It was sunny in Nagasaki today.Ushirogawa Kiyoshi & Hotto Faibu
This is a parody song of the classic local hit “Nagasaki wa Kyou mo Ame Datta” (“It Was Rainy Again in Nagasaki Today”).
The singer is Kiyoshi Ushirogawa, an impersonator of Kiyoshi Maekawa, and two former members of the Cool Five, Etsuro Miyamoto and Masaki Kobayashi, also participate.
In fact, Nagasaki doesn’t get that much rain.
How about spending a sunny day listening to this track?