A classic song that sings of Shiga. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
Shiga Prefecture, home to Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.
It has a long north–south shape, and the climate differs greatly between the north and south.
Even east and west across Lake Biwa have their own distinct local character and culture.
In this article, we introduce a number of songs themed around Shiga, a prefecture with such a rich variety of expressions.
If you’re a resident or live nearby, it might stir a sense of nostalgia.
Take this opportunity to rediscover the charms of Shiga Prefecture.
Also keep an eye on works related to Mount Hiei, which are second only to those about Lake Biwa in number.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- Musicians, singers, and bands from Shiga Prefecture
- [Hyogo Songs] A Collection of Local and Love Songs Set in Hyogo
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.
- Songs related to Mie Prefecture. Beloved local tunes of Mie that continue to be cherished.
- [Song of Shimane] Izumo, Matsue, Tsuwano... Exquisite masterpieces depicting Shimane
- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
- The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart.
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- A classic song that celebrates Fukui. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- [Songs of Gunma] Exquisite masterpieces that sing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people
- A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
A classic song about Shiga. The heart of our hometown passed down through song (1–10)
Awami-bushiShitaya Fumiko
It is one of the folk songs that represent Shiga Prefecture.
In 1917, Shiganoya Tankai performed the “Yoishokosho-bushi” during a play at the Yamato-za theater in Kumamoto, and it came to be known as the “Tankai-bushi.” It is a slightly sultry, kouta-style tune.
Today, it is beloved around the Katata area of Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture.
Lake Biwa, Glasses, and YouMōmō Rurugyaban
This is the first track from Mow Mow LuLu Gyaban’s album with the unusual title “Noguchi, Blown to Bits in Kuzugawa.” I hear that Noguchi refers to their original drummer.
Sung from the perspective of “me,” who apparently just got dumped by you, it’s a powerful Lake Biwa anthem with provocative, striking lyrics right from the start.
Kuzugawa, in the album title, is also a pretty local spot in Kyoto, which suggests a deep love for the Kansai region.
Musically, it’s an addictive track with a cool, throbbing bass line from the bassist, T-Margarita.
This is the hometown village of Shiga.Taniguchi Hitomi
It’s included on a double A-side single CD created by Hitomi Taniguchi, an enka singer born and raised in Shiga, out of her deep love for her hometown and her desire for more people to discover how wonderful Shiga is.
The lyrics and music were written by a songwriter named Kentaro Masuda.
Cherishing one’s birthplace and continuing to sing about it is truly wonderful.
Some listeners may feel inspired to travel to Shiga after hearing this song.
And those from Shiga might find themselves imagining, “This lyric could be about that place.”
Masterpieces that sing of Shiga: The enduring spirit of our hometown (11–20)
Biwako Ohashi OndoKaneda Tatsue
When you think of Shiga Prefecture, you naturally think of Lake Biwa.
This song, “Biwako Ohashi Kouta” (Biwako Ohashi Little Song), is themed around the Biwako Ohashi Bridge that spans the lake.
Sung by Tatsue Kaneda, it was released on record in 1975 (Showa 50).
The Biwako Ohashi is a toll bridge built in 1964 (Showa 39) that connects the east and west sides of Lake Biwa; pedestrians and cyclists can cross for free.
The song describes the views from the Biwako Ohashi and the scenery where the bridge itself comes into sight.
There are many songs that feature the lake itself, but surprisingly few about the bridge.
Sound connects, the bonds of the citysensha P
Toyosato Town, located in the Kohigashi (east of Lake Biwa) area of Shiga Prefecture.
It’s a historic town known as a pilgrimage spot for K-On! fans thanks to the former Toyosato Elementary School buildings, as well as for its connections to Omi merchants.
Since the composer, Sensha-P, is a Vocaloid producer, this song is sung by Hatsune Miku.
The traditional Japanese melody used in the intro and outro is modeled after the Goshu Ondo motif.
It’s a wonderful piece where an old-fashioned tune and modern music blend together.
It might even make you want to visit Toyosato, a town beloved by all generations.
Lullaby of ŌmiTakaishi Tomoya & Za Natāshā Sebun
This song was born from the NHK music program “Anata no Melody,” which ran for 22 years.
Viewers submitted original songs, and five carefully selected pieces were performed by professional singers.
Lullaby of Omi, composed by the writer after moving to Tokyo and thinking of their hometown, evokes the charm of old, good Japan.
Lady of Lake BiwaMiura Hiroshi to Hanī Shikkusu
Released in 2006 by Hiroshi Miura and Honey Six, “Woman of Lake Biwa” tells the story of a man’s regret and sorrow over a woman from Lake Biwa.
Though they loved each other so deeply, in the end he couldn’t choose her and could no longer see her—the Woman of Lake Biwa.
The song paints a poignant scene of him alone by the lake, overwhelmed by a jumble of emotions: the frustration of yearning to meet her again but being unable to reach her, the regret of not loving her to the very end.
It’s not a love one would necessarily praise, yet the sadness it conveys still makes your heart ache.
