A classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown

Shianbashi BluesNakai Akira, Takahashi Masaru to Kororatīno

Shianbashi Blues by Akira Nakai and Masaru Takahashi with Corolatino

A song by Coloratino, who were active as the house band for a cabaret in Nagasaki.

This track became their breakthrough.

Released as a single in 1968, it was a major hit.

The title “Shianbashi” refers to a bridge that once existed; today, only the site remains.

Under the skies of my hometownMaruyama Akihiro

Akihiro Maruyama — Yoitomake no Uta / Under the Hometown Sky (July 1965) — Record audio source.

“Under the Sky of My Hometown,” the B-side to “Yoitomake no Uta,” which Akihiro Miwa released under his real name Akihiro Maruyama.

It’s an encouraging song imbued with the background of him having been exposed to the atomic bombing while painting at home and with his feelings for his hometown.

The Bells of NagasakiFujiyama Ichirō

Ichiro Fujiyama - Nagasaki no Kane (Classical Kayōkyoku)

Dr.

Takashi Nagai, a physician who himself suffered from the Nagasaki atomic bombing yet remained on site to treat survivors.

This song of the same title was created based on his essay “The Bells of Nagasaki.” It was released as a single in 1949.

With its heartrending melody that quietly seeps in, the piece inevitably brings to mind Japan’s circumstances at the time, the war, and the tragic events that occurred.

It is a song that may prompt us to reflect on the past—and on what lies ahead.

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Nagasaki BluesAoe Mina

This is Mina Aoe’s 11th single, released in 1968.

The song was a major hit and was later adapted into a 1969 film titled “Yoru no Kayō Series: Nagasaki Blues,” in which Mina Aoe herself also appeared.

The Hill of PromisesFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Yakusoku no Oka (Hill of Promise)

This is Masaharu Fukuyama’s sixth single, released in 1992.

The title, “Yakusoku no Oka” (The Hill of Promise), is said to be modeled after Mount Inasa in his hometown of Nagasaki City.

It’s a powerful song about pursuing one’s dreams.

It was performed as the opening number at his hometown homecoming concerts held in 2000 and 2009.

Nagasaki ElegyDikkumine Fujihara Chitaka

Nagasaki Elegy (Dick Mine / Chitaka Fujiwara)

This is a duet song released in 1947 by Dick Mine—an iconic Showa-era star who sang jazz, blues, and popular songs and was also active as an actor—and Chitaka Fujiwara.

It was later covered by Yujiro Ishihara.

The song evokes the picturesque, nostalgic scenery of Nagasaki.

Camphor Tree — Blown by 500 Years of Wind —Fukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Camphor Tree: Blown by 500 Years of Wind (Performed on NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen)

This work centers on a camphor tree in Nagasaki that survived the atomic bombing and continues to live today.

Spanning 500 years, it embodies the resilience of life that has endured a harsh history, expressed through Masaharu Fukuyama’s steadfast, resonant vocals.

The piece is a rearrangement of a track included on the album “HUMAN,” released in April 2014, newly orchestrated with chorus after roughly eleven years.

Its majestic sonority evokes an even deeper prayer for peace.

It’s also wonderful to feel the power of music in the fact that a portion of the proceeds from this work will be donated to a fund for preserving A-bombed trees.

It is a masterpiece that stirs thoughts of history, gives us strength to face tomorrow, and leaves a lasting mark on the heart.