A classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown
Nagasaki Prefecture, located at the western edge of Kyushu, has the most islands of any prefecture in Japan.
Some of you may feel it often comes up in Japanese history classes.
It’s a region with a rich history, where many elements of Western culture spread throughout Japan via this very gateway.
In this article, I’ve compiled a selection of Japanese songs themed around Nagasaki.
Laying them out side by side, I feel “diverse” is the perfect word—there’s a wide range of genres and tracks represented.
I hope this helps you rediscover the charm of Nagasaki!
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A famous song about Nagasaki. The enduring spirit of our hometown, passed down through song (1–10)
Woman of NagasakiKasuga Hachirō
This is a 1963 song by Hachiro Kasuga.
Set in Nagasaki, it’s a song about parting with a woman, with famous landmarks like the Foreigners’ Cemetery and Dutch Slope appearing in the lyrics.
It is a representative Showa-era kayōkyoku that became a hit for singing about Nagasaki.
Dejima Storyshake
This is a Nagasaki song that originated from the NHK program “Oi, Nippon — Thoroughly, Nagasaki.” It was created by the golden duo of Yasushi Akimoto and Tsugutoshi Goto, and is sung by the girls’ duo shake, chosen through an audition.
Harbor SeekerMasaki Aikawa
Masaki Aikawa’s debut single, released in 2008, is an enka song that expresses a woman’s feelings as she travels in pursuit of her beloved through Hakata, Nagasaki, Beppu, and Miyazaki.
Since Masaki Aikawa is from Kumamoto Prefecture, her debut song is set in Kyushu.
Masterpieces that sing of Nagasaki: the enduring spirit of our hometown (11–20)
SaseboLe Couple
This song, Sasebo, features lyrics written by Emi Fujita of Le Couple for a composition by Masashi Sada.
Le Couple also self-covered the song, and it is included on their best-of album 10-nen Monogatari ~All Singles of the decade and more~.
It’s a gentle piece that expresses tender feelings for the parents left behind in one’s hometown.
Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)Masashi Sada
Shōrō-nagashi is a traditional event held during Obon in Nagasaki Prefecture, where the spirits of the deceased are placed on boats and sent off.
The classic song “Shōrō-nagashi,” released in 1974 by Masashi Sada as the folk duo Grape, is about this event.
Incidentally, contrary to the song’s calm and gentle image, the actual Shōrō-nagashi is a firecracker-filled affair where earplugs are practically essential.
Madame Butterfly of NagasakiHibari Misora
This song was used in the 1957 musical film “Oatari Sanshoku Musume,” in which Hibari Misora herself starred.
The lyrics are based on “Madama Butterfly,” the famous opera.
It’s a track where you can enjoy Hibari Misora’s vocals set to a lively melody.
Camphor Tree — Blown by 500 Years of Wind —Masaharu Fukuyama
This work centers on a camphor tree in Nagasaki that survived the atomic bombing and continues to live today.
Spanning 500 years, it embodies the resilience of life that has endured a harsh history, expressed through Masaharu Fukuyama’s steadfast, resonant vocals.
The piece is a rearrangement of a track included on the album “HUMAN,” released in April 2014, newly orchestrated with chorus after roughly eleven years.
Its majestic sonority evokes an even deeper prayer for peace.
It’s also wonderful to feel the power of music in the fact that a portion of the proceeds from this work will be donated to a fund for preserving A-bombed trees.
It is a masterpiece that stirs thoughts of history, gives us strength to face tomorrow, and leaves a lasting mark on the heart.