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.

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

Saigō Takamori: Ah, Satsuma Samurai of the Late Edo PeriodHideharu Akioka

Hideharu Akioka - Saigō Takamori ~Ah, Samurai of Satsuma in the Late Edo Period~ (Music Video)

Takamori Saigo ~ Ah, Satsuma Samurai of the Late Edo Period ~ Hideharu Akioka

An epic work that sings of the life of Takamori Saigo, a hero of the late Edo period.

Released in December 2024, this song features Hideharu Akioka’s powerful vocals, which superbly capture the spirit of the Satsuma samurai.

While following a traditional enka style, the song’s richly layered arrangement is also compelling.

It’s a track that history enthusiasts will enjoy, and one that offers lessons for those of us living today.

Why not immerse yourself in the moving vocals while reflecting on Saigo Takamori’s life?

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My beloved flowerroddy

My beloved flower

My dear flower, Roddy.

“Kagoshima Monogatari” is a web drama, and this song is its image song.

It also seems to feature content like introductions to hot springs as part of “Kagoshima Adult Time.” A gentle, relaxed warmth flows through it, carrying the atmosphere of a series of island songs.

Roddy is a duo from Kagoshima and Okinawa, and they made their major debut in 2010.

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The rake charms of Terukuni ShrineKing Cream Soda

King Cream Soda / Kumade of Terukuni Shrine

Kumade King Cream Soda of Terukuni Shrine

It’s the new theme song for Yo-kai Watch.

Using a rake as the motif is pretty interesting.

The lyrics are deeper than I expected and sing about the joy of sharing.

I hear King Cream Soda is a unit formed to perform the Yo-kai Watch theme songs.

They sing about a mysterious world in a fun way.

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Island BluesAkemi Misawa

Island Blues - Misawa Akemi

Island Blues - Akemi Misawa

This piece is from 1963.

The finger whistling in the intro is said to be by the lyricist Masanobu Toguchi himself, who spent time on Amami Ōshima.

The song expresses the fervent, heartrending feelings of a young woman longing for her lover, weaving in the Amami dialect.

Women of Amami are passionate, aren’t they?

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Satsuma WomanSaburō Kitajima

Satsuma Woman by Saburo Kitajima — Turning her back on someone to whom she owes a duty...

Satsuma Woman by Saburo Kitajima

This is a song from the “Woman” series.

It turns out this series has 15 songs.

You can sense a joy, tinged with bewilderment, in the man who accepts the touching devotion of a woman who has followed him all the way to Kagoshima.

The town, Sakurajima, and the harbor are vividly brought to life, easy to picture as a painting.

Kagoshima is a city that makes for a beautiful picture.

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[Songs of Kagoshima] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Curated Selection of Iconic Tracks That Capture Kagoshima (41–50)

Eiōrabujuri lily flowerRei Yoko

Eiōrabujuri lily flower

Yoko Hanei of the Erythronium Japonicum

It is a folk song from Okinoerabu Island.

On the island, Easter lilies were cultivated to earn foreign currency from the United States.

Later, when trading companies cornered the market, the song came to be seen as one that boosts morale, encouraging people not to be defeated by such rough seas and to protect the island’s treasures.

I didn’t realize that such sentiments were embedded in its gentle, leisurely melody.

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Cherry Blossoms of ChiranMika Hino

Chiran Cherry Blossoms by Mika Hino

Chiran's Sakura by Mina Hino

This is a song about the squad members who took off from Chiran as part of the Tokko (kamikaze) units.

Feelings for the young members who perished are entrusted to the cherry blossoms.

Hino’s singing, which even seems gently motherly, sinks into the heart.

It feels like a quiet warning to today’s unsettling social climate.

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