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

A classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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!

Classic songs about Nagasaki: the enduring spirit of our hometown (21–30)

Nagasaki of MemoriesAyumi Ishida

Originally, it was a song by Chiyo Okumura, but lyricist Jun Hashimoto presented it to Ayumi Ishida, and it was released as a single.

Rather than being just a sad song about parting, the lyrics are forward-looking, finding hope in Nagasaki, reached at the end of a journey.

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Shianbashi BluesAkira Nakai, Masaru Takahashi, and Koloratino

Shianbashi Blues by Akira Nakai and Masaru Takahashi with Corolatino

Shian-bashi Blues Akira Nakai, Masaru Takahashi and Coloratino

A song by Coloratino, who were active as the house band for a cabaret in Nagasaki.

This track became their breakthrough.

Released as a single in 1968, it was a major hit.

The title “Shianbashi” refers to a bridge that once existed; today, only the site remains.

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The Hill of PromisesMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – Yakusoku no Oka (Hill of Promise)

The Hill of Promise by Masaharu Fukuyama

This is Masaharu Fukuyama’s sixth single, released in 1992.

The title, “Yakusoku no Oka” (The Hill of Promise), is said to be modeled after Mount Inasa in his hometown of Nagasaki City.

It’s a powerful song about pursuing one’s dreams.

It was performed as the opening number at his hometown homecoming concerts held in 2000 and 2009.

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The Bells of NagasakiIchiro Fujiyama

Ichiro Fujiyama - Nagasaki no Kane (Classical Kayōkyoku)

The Bells of Nagasaki – Fujiwara Ichirō

Dr.

Takashi Nagai, a physician who himself suffered from the Nagasaki atomic bombing yet remained on site to treat survivors.

This song of the same title was created based on his essay “The Bells of Nagasaki.” It was released as a single in 1949.

With its heartrending melody that quietly seeps in, the piece inevitably brings to mind Japan’s circumstances at the time, the war, and the tragic events that occurred.

It is a song that may prompt us to reflect on the past—and on what lies ahead.

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Under the skies of my hometownAkihiro Maruyama

Akihiro Maruyama — Yoitomake no Uta / Under the Hometown Sky (July 1965) — Record audio source.

Akihiro Maruyama Under the Hometown Sky

“Under the Sky of My Hometown,” the B-side to “Yoitomake no Uta,” which Akihiro Miwa released under his real name Akihiro Maruyama.

It’s an encouraging song imbued with the background of him having been exposed to the atomic bombing while painting at home and with his feelings for his hometown.

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Nagasaki BluesMina Aoe

This is Mina Aoe’s 11th single, released in 1968.

The song was a major hit and was later adapted into a 1969 film titled “Yoru no Kayō Series: Nagasaki Blues,” in which Mina Aoe herself also appeared.

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Nagasaki ElegyDick Mine / Chitaka Fujiwara

Nagasaki Elegy (Dick Mine / Chitaka Fujiwara)

Nagasaki Elegy Dick Mine · Chitaka Fujiwara

This is a duet song released in 1947 by Dick Mine—an iconic Showa-era star who sang jazz, blues, and popular songs and was also active as an actor—and Chitaka Fujiwara.

It was later covered by Yujiro Ishihara.

The song evokes the picturesque, nostalgic scenery of Nagasaki.

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