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.
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The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies Passing Down the Heart of the Homeland (1–10)
Shunryō main clauseIsland Song
A renowned song with a heart-stirring melody nurtured by the climate of Amami.
It originally expressed passionate love, but after a local legislator’s wife was swept away by the tide in the Meiji era, it came to be sung with deep mourning and consolation.
Sung and recorded by various artists, including Takashi Nakagawa (Atsushi Nakatsuka) [note: Nakagawa Atsushi? If referring to Kousuke Atari, use: by Kousuke Atari], this piece offers a gentle tune that will comfort you when remembering someone dear or when you wish to feel the warmth of your homeland.
Nagakumo-bushiIsland Song
Nagakumo-bushi, which came to be known as a “farewell song” in uta-asobi gatherings, is perceived differently depending on the region—celebrated as a congratulatory song in some areas, and cherished in others as a tune that lures out spirits.
The singing, carried by the timbre of the shamisen, seems to evoke the island’s uniquely unhurried sense of time.
Perhaps it would be nice to listen to this masterpiece of island song—also included on Chitose Hajime’s album—while letting your thoughts drift to the Amami region, a place with a mysterious charm that soothes the soul.
Its profound melodic lines also make it perfect as background music for a quiet night spent alone.
Tropical Love Story
A song that vividly evokes warm southern scenes and the pure love nurtured there.
The duet’s playful back-and-forth in love blends with a wistful melody and the distinctive inflections of folk singing, gently enveloping the listener’s heart.
Depicting the tender yet bittersweet romance between a deep-sea sailor and a woman from Satsuma, the piece was originally released in 1957, sung by Akira Wakayama and Yoshiko Nozawa, and later covered by the Komadori Sisters in 1963.
Frequently featured in films and radio programs, it also helped convey the charms of the region.
It is said to be beloved as a local song sung by bus guides during sightseeing in Kagoshima.
The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies Passing Down the Heart of Our Homeland (11–20)
Kagoshima Hanya-bushifolk song
This folk song, cherished for its Satsuma-inspired, emotion-rich melodies and uniquely resonant rhythms, reflects the nature, climate, and everyday lives of the people of Kagoshima.
Its lyrics and the timbres of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and taiko blend in exquisite harmony.
Originally a work song sung during farm labor and festivals, it is still frequently performed at local festivities and events.
Endowed with the power to invigorate and uplift listeners, the piece offers comfort and warmth—especially to those from Kagoshima living away from home—serving as a heartfelt anchor to their roots.
I’m from Satsuma.
A traditional celebratory song of Satsuma that sings the soul of Kagoshima.
The lyrics are rich with local dialect, conveying the lively atmosphere of festivals and people’s earnest wishes for prosperous business and good health.
Passed down at local festivals since long ago, the piece also became familiar to residents as the tune used in a shochu brand “Kuro Isanishiki” commercial.
In recent years, performance videos have begun appearing online, and the song seems to be spreading in new ways.
When you want to experience the vibrant culture of Kagoshima, why not give it a listen?
Full Moon Night Tug-of-Warchildren’s song
A soul-stirring traditional song that conveys the passion of Southern Satsuma and the bonds of its people to this day.
Cherished since old times as a children’s song, this melody is indispensable to the tug-of-war held on the night of the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar.
Gratitude to the moon, prayers for a bountiful harvest, and children’s innocent joy resonate in simple words and powerful calls and responses.
The events in Southern Satsuma adorned by this traditional song are designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
Experience its lively rhythms and antiphonal chants, and your heart is sure to dance.
Highly recommended for those who wish to immerse themselves in Japan’s rich folk culture.
Canned SongIsland Song
A beautiful melodic phrasing of the island language, sung at a relaxed tempo, paints scenes of the homeland as if unfolding before your eyes—this is the island song.
In addition to being performed by artists who carry on the island-song tradition, it is often featured in programs that showcase local festivals and culture, and has taken root as a piece that conveys the allure of Amami.
For those living away from home who wish to feel the island breeze, or for anyone seeking to experience the profound depth of traditional Japanese music, it offers a soothing moment of peace.