Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Nagasaki: the heart of the hometown passed down through song
Nagasaki, with places like Dejima, exudes an exotic atmosphere.
In this article, we’ll introduce folk songs and children’s songs that capture Nagasaki’s customs, practices, and current events.
Above all, many of Nagasaki’s folk songs, in their melodies and in many other aspects, carry historical backgrounds and convey a distinctly non-Japanese feel.
Listening to these Nagasaki folk and children’s songs, you can’t help but picture the streetscapes of Nagasaki.
Please try listening while imagining Nagasaki brimming with that exotic charm.
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Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Nagasaki: The heart of our hometown passed down in song (1–10)
Nagasaki Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge)Chieko Baisho
This is a Nagasaki-themed song that was broadcast on NHK’s music program “Minna no Uta.” It’s sung by Chieko Baisho, who is also known for her role as Sakura Suwa in the “It’s Tough Being a Man” (Otoko wa Tsurai yo) film series.
The composer is Hirooki Ogawa, who also worked on “Sayonara wa Dansu no Ato ni,” and the lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman.
As the title suggests, the song features many famous sights of Nagasaki, including Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge), which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
If you live in Nagasaki Prefecture, you’ll probably feel an immediate sense of familiarity with it, even on your first listen.
Nagasaki Nonnoko-bushi
Isahaya Bay, famous for its vast tidal flats where creatures like mudskippers and fiddler crabs live, faces a bountiful sea.
The folk song handed down in Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is “Nagasaki Nonnoko-bushi.” Because it’s danced while holding small plates, it’s also known as the “Plate Dance.” Its unique lyrics, which sing about the Edo-period system of sankin-kōtai (alternate attendance), may be one reason it’s so widely loved.
Rooted in the local community, the piece brings joy to many citizens who dance to it at the Nonnoko Isahaya Festival held in Isahaya City every September.
Nagasaki Ondo
Among the songs inspired by the exposition, the one most familiar to the citizens was this “Nagasaki Ondo.” At the time, “Tokyo Ondo” was gaining popularity nationwide, and ondo-style songs were in vogue across the country.
“Nagasaki Ondo” was also created by the same popular trio—lyricist, composer, and singer—behind “Tokyo Ondo.” With choreography and gestures added, the people of Nagasaki became captivated by it.
Nagasaki folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: The heart of our hometown passed down in song (11–20)
Goto Iso-bushi
This is the folk song “Goto Iso-bushi,” which has been sung in the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture.
It is said to be a song that originated from “Iso-bushi,” one of Japan’s three great folk songs from Ibaraki Prefecture, and evolved into lyrics rooted in the local culture after being brought to Nagasaki.
It’s interesting that the term “Mitsubishi Dock” appears—something you’d expect in shipbuilding-rich Nagasaki.
Places like Maruyama in Nagasaki City, once a geisha district, and Daitokuji, now a beloved park, also make an appearance, so even locals hearing it for the first time would likely feel an immediate connection.
Authentic Goto Sanosa
The song “Seichō Gotō Sanosa” began to be sung in Nagasaki Prefecture after the “Nine Linked Rings,” which came from China—then called Qing—arrived there.
Its lyrics focus on the Gotō Islands to the west of Nagasaki, reflecting the feelings of the fishermen who lived there.
Incidentally, there is also a version called “Gotō Sanosa” with lyrics different from the seichō (standard) version introduced here.
In Wakayama Prefecture, a further evolved variant known as “Kushikino Sanosa” is beloved.
That’s how folk songs are passed down and transformed across different regions.
Takashima-bushi
Takashima Coal Mine, located in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a coal mine registered on the World Heritage List.
The song “Takashima-bushi” was sung by the coal miners who once worked there.
While the tune has the familiar feel of a traditional ondō rhythm, a closer look at the lyrics reveals emotions reflecting the hardships of life and a sense of resentment felt by those who labored in the mines.
Life in a coal mine—just imagining it is heartrending.
This folk song may serve as an opportunity to reexamine history.
spring rain
This is an emotive short song that overlays a fluttering heart in love with the image of a bush warbler lingering on a plum tree.
Born in Maruyama, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Harusame is a song with nationwide recognition.
It was composed by Shibata Hanamori, who was born in Hizen Ogi and later became a Shinto practitioner.
Its appeal lies in the sense of depth that makes you feel as if the scene is unfolding right before your eyes.
Incidentally, a stone monument to this song stands at the ryotei (traditional restaurant) Kagetsu.
It is a fine old classic that stirs thoughts of history.