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

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.

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.

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.

Song of Matsue CitySakushi: Inoue Hisao / Sakkyoku: Yukawa Kazuyuki

Song of Matsue City

It’s a piece that vividly evokes the beautiful scenery of Matsue, the city of water.

The gentle barcarolle, reminiscent of a boat gliding leisurely across Lake Shinji, perfectly matches the atmosphere of this historic castle town.

The lyrics richly weave in the landscapes of the four seasons, the warm smiles of its people, and a sense of dynamism looking toward the future, encapsulating all of Matsue’s charm in a single song.

Established in December 2011 as a song to nurture civic pride in the hometown, it was also adopted for an exercise routine by Hiromichi Sato, known as one of the “Exercise Big Brothers.” It’s a song that warmly embraces those living away from home and anyone wishing to experience the spirit of Matsue.

Melancholy Lake ShinjiKatsura Ryūshi

Shinji Lake of Melancholy: Reprint

This is the debut song of enka singer Ryushi Katsura from Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture.

Set against the backdrop of Lake Shinji at dusk, it richly portrays the sorrow of parting from a beloved and the steadfast resolve to wait forever.

The gentle lake breeze and the sunset scenery mirror the protagonist’s heart, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Released in 1983, the song was re-recorded with orchestral accompaniment for the 35th anniversary of his debut, and it remains a cherished classic to this day.

For those living away from their hometown, it likely conjures up vivid images of Shimane’s beautiful landscapes and stirs a warm sense of nostalgia.

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.