Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Majestic Sakurajima, the blue-shimmering Kinko Bay, and traditional culture rooted in a bountiful land.

Kagoshima is home to numerous gems—masterpieces that capture its charm in song.

In this article, we introduce works that convey a deep love for Kagoshima, from songs that sing of the proud, passionate Satsuma spirit to gentle melodies that echo across the islands.

Whether you’re far away now or have never visited in person, please listen while letting your thoughts drift to the beautiful land of Kagoshima.

[Songs of Kagoshima] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down Through Song | A Carefully Selected Collection of Iconic Tracks That Capture Kagoshima (21–30)

Nagakumo-bushiIsland Song

Chitose Hajime Amami island folk song, solo with accompaniment. Song tour on Amami Oshima, a World Heritage island: “Nagakumo-bushi.”

Nagakumo Bushi Island 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.

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Hang in there!Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi

Wii U Karaoke Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi - Kibaiyanse

Hang in there, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi!

It may sound a bit rough in the Kagoshima dialect, but it’s a song that hits you later, like friends or seniors encouraging you when you’re about to give up.

Nagabuchi’s manly, dialect-infused encouragement really carries weight.

Adding “yanse” makes it sound softer, doesn’t it?

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[Kagoshima Songs] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down Through Song | A Curated Selection of Classic Tracks That Evoke Kagoshima (31–40)

I long for AmamiMiki Nakasone

This is a work from 1962.

It’s a song from Amami that carries an Okinawan image.

It evokes a relaxed, sun-warmed tranquility, like a horse ambling along.

With thoughts of my hometown Amami, I’ve resolved to return.

My hometown has a gentleness that embraces everything.

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Burning KagoshimaChiyoko Shimakura

Ms.

Shimakura has many hit songs, but I didn’t know this one.

Her gentle, beautiful voice resonates.

It specifically sings about Kagoshima, and I like how she occasionally delivers the phrases in a charming way.

It’s delicate and, I think, suits Japanese traditional dance as well.

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The town where the sun smilesTakashi Ueda

Kagoshima Prefecture Residents’ Song “The City Where the Sun Smiles”

The City Where the Sun Smiles, Ueda Takashi

This is a Kagoshima prefectural song that was selected in 1994 for “NHK’s New Songs of Kagoshima.” The author, Mr.

Ueda, was born in Ibusuki and, as one would expect, knows Kagoshima inside and out.

He sings lightly and refreshingly about Kagoshima’s sea, its historic cityscape, and its symbol, Sakurajima.

It’s an upbeat, forward-looking song.

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A Petal of a DreamMinami Kizuki

Kagoshima Welfare Theme Song “A Petal of Dreams”

A Petal of Dreams — Minami Jōnan

This is Kagoshima’s welfare theme song.

It was created by composing “words to give to loved ones” submitted by people from Kagoshima.

Many people from Kagoshima appear in it.

It’s a heartwarming song that shows how compassion leads to everyone’s small everyday happiness.

Minami Kizuki’s gentle singing voice is wonderful, too.

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Love in KagoshimaEtsuko Shimazu

Love in Kagoshima

Etsuko, the beloved Shimazu of Kagoshima

She’s from Kagoshima and used to work as a bus tour guide in Shizuoka.

It’s already her 30th anniversary since debut, and she has released many duet songs.

She sings the hidden longing and pure heart of a Kagoshima woman with both power and poignancy.

Truly a Satsuma ogojo.

It’s not weepy—there’s a certain strength to it.

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