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.
Masterpieces that sing of Shiga: The enduring spirit of our hometown (11–20)
Nagahama Spring and AutumnMiyazawa Yasumi ando Za Battsu
The Oku-Biwa Kannon Pilgrimage in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is a sightseeing spot where you can encounter numerous Kannon statues.
Not a single statue bears the same expression, and you can feel the depth of history in each one.
The Buddhist statue band Masumi Miyazawa and The Buttz express that worldview with instruments like the shamisen in their work “Nagahama Shunju.”
Gyutto-chan Theme SongHasuka
The event “Beef Summit,” held under the slogan “Energizing Japan from Shiga!”, showcased Shiga Prefecture, which is nationally famous for Omi beef.
Amid the excitement, this PR song by the laid-back mascot Gyuutto-chan made its debut.
It somehow makes wagyu feel more familiar.
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.”
childbirthShimazu Aya
This song tells the story of Osan and Mohei from Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s jōruri The Almanac Maker, who were executed for adultery.
In the past, when a woman committed adultery and fled, a retaliatory act called “onnakoguchi” (woman-enemy shooting) was permitted, and both the man involved and the wife would be punished.
By contrast, a husband’s infidelity was not considered a crime… It was that kind of unjust era.
In the depths of despair… it sings of the resolve to throw oneself into Kyoto’s Takase River or Lake Biwa.
Hiei OroshiKomuro Hitoshi
While “Rokko Oroshi” is known as the Hanshin Tigers’ cheering song, this piece is a folk song sung by Hitoshi Komuro, who was the leader of the group Rokumonsen at the time.
Perhaps because the lyricist-composer Seigow Matsuoka studied French literature, the first half of the lyrics is very chic.
And the second half shines with dialect.
Listening while imagining the feelings of the two characters who appear in it, I found it to be a very captivating song.
It’s a song that spans Kyoto and Shiga.
Please take your time and listen closely.
Gōshū OndoKamegai Chikako
Gōshū Ondo is a folk song that has been handed down in Shiga Prefecture since ancient times and is sometimes used for Bon Odori in the Kinki region.
Shiga was once called Ōmi, but because it was also referred to as Gōshū, the title Gōshū Ondo was chosen.
Unlike dances that follow the rhythm of instruments, Gōshū Ondo is danced or accompanied by instruments in time with the singing of a lead chanter called the ondotori.
The performance begins with call-and-response with the ondotori and progresses by gradually unifying the venue.
Osaka’s Kawachi Ondo is said to have been influenced by this Gōshū Ondo.
Masterpieces that sing of Shiga: the enduring spirit of our hometown (21–30)
Hikone BayashiNakasawa Ginji, Otsuka Miharu
Hikone Bayashi is a dance song performed in the summer in Hikone City.
The lyrics praise Hikone Castle, the city’s symbol, and the 350,000-koku domain of Naosuke Ii, the 15th lord of the Hikone domain.
As a song of praise, its melody is brilliant and conveys a festive mood that invites everyone to dance together.
At the dance festival held since 1960, people in a variety of costumes dance beneath vibrant Tanabata decorations.
It’s a lively tune that makes you want to join in, even if you’re not from Shiga Prefecture.