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

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.

Melancholy Oku-IzumoShimizu Hiromasa

Melancholy Oku-Izumo

This is a song set in Okuizumo, Shimane Prefecture, performed by Hiromasa Shimizu, whose soul-stirring voice is his hallmark.

Released in August 2013 as his seventh single, the lyrics mention place names such as the Kisuki Line and the Hii River, intertwining the poignancy of a journey to visit a beloved person with beautiful scenery.

The melancholic melody composed by Tetsuya Gen, the composer who discovered Shimizu, makes the story even more dramatic.

Since January 2016, Hiromasa Shimizu has also served as a PR ambassador for Unnan City.

His singing serves as a bridge, conveying the charm of Shimane’s natural and cultural landscape to the entire country.

Alone in MatsueMaki Yufuko

Alone in Matsue

Amid the beautiful scenery of Mizugo, Matsue, it feels as though the secret sorrow of a hidden love gently melts into the scene.

Set against the backdrop of Lake Shinji’s shores and the Kyomise district, this song paints both the longing for a beloved and the loneliness of travel.

With the expressive artistry she honed at the Shiki Theatre Company, Yufuko Maki “sings as if acting,” conveying the protagonist’s delicate emotional shifts as if we were watching a one-act play.

Released in June 2010, this work is perfect for a night when you want to immerse yourself in a mellow enka mood.

And for those about to visit Matsue, listening beforehand may make the scenery feel all the more profound.

Iwami Ginzan Lone SlopeNagai Yuko

Iwami Ginzan Lone Slope

Set against the World Heritage Site of Iwami Ginzan, this masterpiece resonates with Yuko Nagai’s poignant vocals.

Just listening conjures images of moss-covered stone-paved slopes and landscapes dotted with blooming mountain azaleas.

The song portrays the protagonist’s solitary journey—visiting the magistrate’s residence and the Gohyaku Rakan statues—while holding memories of a parted loved one.

Its wistful mood beautifully matches the historical atmosphere of Iwami Ginzan.

Included on the single “Iwami no Onna / Iwami Ginzan Hitori-zaka,” released in June 2012, it also served as a tie-in commemorating the fifth anniversary of Iwami Ginzan’s World Heritage inscription.

It will likely deeply move not only those inspired to travel to Shimane, but also anyone who wishes to quietly lose themselves in thought.

Yasugi Love BoogieKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

Shimane Prefecture Local Song “Yasugi Boogie of Love” / Unofficial Tourism Association

Shimane Prefecture has a variety of tourist attractions, including Izumo Taisha and Lake Shinji.

This song is a unique local tune that introduces the charms of Shimane one by one.

The “Katteni Kanko Kyokai” (Self-Appointed Tourism Association), a “mind-your-own-business” unit formed by Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai to energize regions across Japan, has produced numerous local songs.

graduallyrokushi

Dandan (Rokushi Cover) 21 Feb 2014 TakoBar

Singer-songwriter ROKKO from Shimane Prefecture.

The song title “Dandan” is a dialect from the Izumo region of Shimane, meaning “thank you.” A relaxed melody paired with the warm word dandan—it feels like it reflects the character of the people of Shimane Prefecture.