The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies that Carry On the Spirit of the Hometown
Folk songs and children’s songs rooted in the land of Kagoshima vividly reflect the spirit and daily life of the region.
Masterpieces that capture a range of emotions—such as the toil of land-reclamation work, the prayers and joys of islanders, and the pure romantic feelings of young people—have been passed down across generations and are still cherished today by locals and by those living away from their hometown.
In this article, we’ve gathered folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes brimming with love for Kagoshima.
Please enjoy the moving world of Kagoshima’s folk music.
The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies Passing Down the Heart of the Homeland (1–10)
Kagoshima Hama-bushi
A traditional melody where the majestic seascapes of Kagoshima and the hearts of the people who live there resonate as one.
The gentle phrasing is accompanied by the timbre of the shamisen, warmly enveloping the listener.
This piece is a folk song that depicts scenes along the west coast of Kagoshima Bay and was originally a type of boat-rowing song handed down in Kagoshima.
It later spread nationwide as an ozashiki song and still plays a role today in conveying Kagoshima’s culture at local events and the like.
It is a song that quietly stays by your side when you wish to reflect on your hometown scenery.
Satsuma Ondo
This is a song whose melody, filled with nostalgia and warmth, resonates in the heart.
The way it shifts from a relaxed tempo to lively festival music conjures vivid images of a celebration.
Passed down by many folk singers who have carried on Kagoshima’s songs, it became widely known from the late 1940s to around 1950, and is still loved today at festivals across Japan, including Kagoshima City’s Ohara Festival.
When you think of your hometown, or when you feel drawn to Kagoshima’s culture, this will surely become a special song for you.
Nakokai Tobokaichildren’s song
“Come on—if you’ve got time to cry, why not take the plunge and jump!” This lively children’s song brims with the straight-from-the-heart spirit of Satsuma.
In the Edo period, children of the Satsuma domain would hum it in their daily play, nurturing the proactive attitude needed to face hardships—truly a song that embodies the powerful message: “Act first.” Its rhythmic back-and-forth of words alone is enough to make your heart skip with excitement.
Don’t you think it could give you courage when you’re about to take a new step—or when you feel your spirits starting to waver?
Under Yuuna’s treechildren’s song
A gentle lullaby with the charm of a melody that feels like the calm breeze of a southern island.
Wind chimes resonate pleasantly in the shade of the yuna tree, and the deep love of a parent soothing a sleeping baby is sung in an unhurried tune.
Even the sound of the words “rin-rira-rin” gently wraps listeners in a sense of comfort.
Cherished and passed down since long ago across the islands of Kagoshima, this piece continues to be valued as part of local culture—appearing, for example, as material in a community theater production by the Tokunoshima Mixed Chorus.
Why not try singing it during those moments of lulling a little one to sleep?
Ikkyun Nyakana-bushiIsland Song
A poignant yet beautiful traditional melody from Amami that sings of parting from a loved one.
Its profound longing for hometown and family, and emotions so earnest they keep you awake at night, press upon the listener’s heart.
Carried on by many artists who cherish island songs—among them Chitose Hajime and Anna Sato, who sang the theme for the NHK Taiga drama “Segodon”—this piece has been passed down and loved across generations, an irreplaceable masterpiece that conveys the spirit of Amami today.
It’s also perfect as background music for nights when you think of someone dear, or moments spent reminiscing about your hometown.
Chest! Ohara
An energetic performance piece where the powerful shouts of young people intertwine with traditional Kagoshima melodies.
Its appeal lies in reviving the spirit of the local community—passed down across generations—with a contemporary sensibility.
Presented and beloved at the Shibuya Kagoshima Ohara Festival, this work has been a staple of the event since around 2011, moving audiences as part of regional revitalization efforts in collaboration with Shibuya City and Kagoshima Prefecture.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to feel the festival’s vibrancy and the passionate devotion of those who love their hometown.
Yo-isura BushiIsland Song
A powerful melody that shakes the soul of Amami and resonates deep in the heart.
This song is a traditional island chant based on the belief in the Onari-gami—protective spirits dwelling in sisters who watch over their brothers and men who go to sea—and it is cherished not only in Amami but also in Okinawa.
Passed down by renowned island-song vocalists such as Chitose Hajime, many of you have likely heard it before.
Its warm atmosphere, lyrics, and vocals convey fervent feelings for one’s homeland, daily gratitude, and hope for the future.
When you think of Kagoshima, or when your thoughts drift to a faraway hometown, this song will gently wrap around you.