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

Kagoshima Hanya-bushifolk song

Kagoshima Hanya-bushi

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.

Ishin dancin’ Kagoshima CityKagoshima City Travel Guide

Ishin Dancin’ Kagoshima City – Special Movie

This is a tourism promotion piece that expresses the charms of Kagoshima City through music and dance.

The first installment was released in January 2018 and drew attention with a unique video featuring the Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School boys’ rhythmic gymnastics team dressed as Saigo Takamori.

The second installment, released in January 2019, delves deeper into regional attractions such as World Heritage sites and the Kagoshima dialect.

In the third installment, Saigo Takamori returns from space and joins citizens to promote Kagoshima City.

Set to upbeat, cheerful pop music, the work blends comical performances with Kagoshima’s rich scenery and food culture.

It’s a perfect piece for those who want to explore the region’s history and culture.

Kagoshima Prefectural AnthemKósçak Yamada

Kagoshima Prefectural Residents' Song with subtitles and furigana

This is the official prefectural anthem by Kósçak Yamada, singing of the proud spirit of Satsuma with majestic Sakurajima as its backdrop.

Its solemn yet familiar melody beautifully captures Kagoshima’s nature, history, and culture.

Widely cherished at school events and official ceremonies throughout Kagoshima Prefecture, it has become a symbol of regional identity.

The hometown pride conveyed in the lyrics and the powerful melody resonate deeply with Kagoshima natives living away from home, stirring their feelings for their beloved birthplace.

Ishin Dancin’ Kagoshima City Returns: This Is the Real KAGOSHIMAKagoshima City Travel Guide

Ishin Dancin’ Kagoshima City Returns ~This is Real KAGOSHIMA~ | Full Version

Brimming with humor and energy, this work lets viewers enjoy a tour of Kagoshima City’s sightseeing spots and gourmet locales through a dynamic performance, earning particular popularity among younger audiences and families.

It was produced as the third installment of Kagoshima City’s official tourism promotion video series “Ishin dancin’,” released in December 2022.

Featuring the Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School boys’ rhythmic gymnastics team dressed as Takamori Saigo and delivering sharp, striking routines, the video quickly drew widespread media attention and became a hot topic upon release.

It’s a track that lets not only local residents looking to rediscover Kagoshima’s appeal, but also those who have never visited, feel the passionate spirit of Satsuma and its rich culture.

Segodon — Main Theme —Anna Sato

Anna Sato / Segodon Opening LIVE Ver.

The main theme of a historical drama infused with the spirit of Kagoshima, looking out over the majestic Sakurajima.

Anna Sato’s resonant vocals brilliantly embody the island-song (Shima-uta) tradition of her hometown, Amami Oshima.

The exquisite blend of a grand orchestra with traditional Japanese instruments evokes the landscape of Satsuma, and you’ll find yourself captivated by its powerful, stirring melody.

Expressing in music the world of the NHK Taiga Drama that began in January 2018, this piece is included on the soundtrack album NHK Taiga Drama “Segodon” Original Soundtrack Vol.

1, released in March of the same year.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to experience magnificent nature and rich culture.

Kagoshima City Residents’ SongYoshinao Nakata

Kagoshima City Song with Subtitles and Furigana (Kagoshima, Kagoshima City) 4K

A song of civic pride where the region’s beautiful nature harmonizes with respect for our predecessors.

Yoshinao Nakata’s familiar melody superbly captures the majestic scenery of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.

Established in June 1972 to commemorate the 27th National Sports Festival, this work sets a poem by Toshio Takagi—selected from 534 public submissions—to music by Nakata, known for pieces such as “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (“I Found a Little Autumn”).

The song remains woven into daily civic life today, played at the start of the workday at city hall and over the noon disaster-prevention broadcast system.

Why not listen while picturing the landscapes of Kagoshima?

Yume ~KIBAIYANSE~ DanceBlazing Inspiration: Kagoshima National Sports Festival and Kagoshima Games

“Yume ~KIBAIYANSE~ Dance” Promotion Movie (Standard Version (Full))

This is the image song for the Kagoshima National Sports Festival and Kagoshima Games, woven from Kagoshima dialect and a bright melody that stirs the soul.

Featuring lyrics that convey the warmth of Kagoshima-ben—such as “Kibaiyanse,” meaning “Do your best,” and “Tege-tege,” meaning “Take it easy/Don’t sweat the small stuff”—set to a lively Latin-style rhythm.

Written by Midori Karashima, the song was released on October 1, 2022, the same day as the National Sports Festival’s opening ceremony.

As the official theme song, it accompanied a large-scale dance performance at the opening ceremony, moving the audience.

Highly recommended for those who want to experience Kagoshima’s culture and history, or who are looking for a boost of energy.