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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tsuwano RiverShimazu Etsuko

Song Play Tsuwano River Etsuko Shimazu

It’s an enka song about Tsuwano Town in Shimane Prefecture.

I think Ms.

Shimazu has a very sultry voice.

She really puts her vibrato to good use, making it a compelling song to listen to.

The wistful melody matches the lyrics perfectly.