[Song of Shimane] Izumo, Matsue, Tsuwano... Exquisite masterpieces depicting Shimane

Tsuwano of the WindHikawa Kiyoshi

Tsuwano of the Wind

It’s an enka ballad rich with a sense of travel, evoking the beautiful scenery of Tsuwano in Shimane Prefecture.

Kiyoshi Hikawa’s gentle voice delicately conveys the protagonist’s emotions embedded in the song.

The lyrics, which admire the resilience of grass that keeps living strongly even when trampled rather than the splendor of flamboyantly blooming flowers, express a quiet resolve to face forward without yielding to adversity.

Released in December 2021, the track is also included in the themed compilation album Tabiuta Special BOX, which features songs about journeys across Japan.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to when you’re at a crossroads in life and need a gentle push forward.

Woman of IwamiNagai Yuko

Woman of Iwami

Set against the World Heritage Site of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, this song portrays the poignant feelings of a woman’s unrequited love.

It is performed by Yuko Nagai, known for her local enka repertoire.

The lyrics are sprinkled with imagery unique to the Iwami region, such as the singing sands of Kotogahama and the inns of Yunotsu, and they express the helpless longing of a woman who cannot forget a past love, carried by a gentle, soulful melody.

Released in June 2012 as the official commemorative single marking the fifth anniversary of Iwami Ginzan’s inscription as a World Heritage Site, this piece resonates deeply not only with those who wish to reminisce about Shimane’s beautiful landscapes, but also with anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a bittersweet love story.

Threads of FateTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Threads of Fate (Official Music Video)

This work by Mariya Takeuchi, who hails from Izumo City, was created to mark the 30th anniversary of her debut and is filled with her feelings for her hometown.

Centered on the theme of “go-en”—the invisible bonds and serendipitous encounters that connect people—the lyrics quote classical epithets associated with Izumo, distilling the spirit of the region and a warm hometown love.

The song served as the main theme for the NHK morning drama series Dandan, which began airing in September 2008, and is also included on the acclaimed album TRAD.

It’s a gentle song that embraces those striving away from home and anyone who wants to reflect on the preciousness of the connections they’ve made along the way.

TsuwanoMizumori Kaori

Tsuwano - Kaori Mizumori

This is a local song for Tsuwano Town in Shimane Prefecture, sung by Kaori Mizumori, the queen of local songs.

Although it’s an enka tune, its bright and refreshing atmosphere is truly charming, isn’t it? Tsuwano, known as the “Little Kyoto of the San’in region,” is a town where history and culture are alive.

I imagine many people who heard this song felt inspired to visit.

Lodging in MatsueTsuruoka Masayoshi to Tokyo Romanchika

Lodging in Matsue

This is a song by the mood-kayō group Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica.

The sonic world woven by these artists—who won the Japan Record Award’s Vocal Performance Prize in 1968 for “Tabiji no Hito yo”—is a true tale for grown-ups.

In this piece, the leader’s plaintive requinto guitar and Masato Sanjō’s luscious vocals vividly portray a night spent at an inn in Matsue with a once-beloved.

The track appears on the album “Masato Sanjō / Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica Vol.

1,” released in January 2013.

It’s a perfect gem not only for those who have memories of traveling to Matsue, but also for anyone who wants to quietly immerse themselves in a love long past.

Hinomisaki LighthouseOka Midori

Midori Oka - Hinomisaki Lighthouse (PV) - Enka Hyakusen

The pure-white Hinomisaki Lighthouse towers near Izumo Taisha in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.

Hinomisaki Lighthouse is a song by Midori Oka that overlays a poignant feeling of love onto the scenery of this sightseeing spot, known for its chalk-white lighthouse that boasts the greatest height in Japan.

Calling their name, waiting no matter how long, yet never being able to meet again—the feelings that have nowhere to go for a beloved person… If you carry painful memories of love, you may find yourself deeply resonating with this song.

Yosumi-chan’s SongX＋

Yosumi-chan’s Song

This is a song by X＋, a vocal duo who also serve as Izumo City Tourism Ambassadors, themed around the mascot character of the Izumo Yayoi no Mori Museum.

As you listen, the tranquil scenery of the Yayoi Forest and the character’s warm charm seem to come into view.

A gentle yearning for ancient Izumo and a deep love for one’s hometown quietly shine through.

The song was first performed at the Izumo Yayoi no Mori Festival held in April 2024 and has since become a beloved PR song for the museum in the local community.

It’s a track that softly wraps around your heart when you want to let your thoughts drift to the land of Izumo.