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 classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown
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Classic songs about Nagasaki: the enduring spirit of our hometown (21–30)
Nagasaki StoryHibari Misora
The story of Jagatara Oharu, a woman born to a Japanese mother and an Italian father, who appears in Nagasaki Yawagusa by Nishikawa Joken, a scholar of the Edo period.
Based on a letter she wrote to her hometown of Nagasaki, it is a classic Showa-era song that has been covered by artists such as Sayuri Ishikawa and Yoshimi Tendo.
Rain Man, Sunny Woman: Waiting for You at Dutch SlopeFreeway Hi-Hi
This is a song by the Nagasaki-born duo Freeway High High.
Their debut track, released in 2004, is “Ame Otoko, Hare Onna ~ Waiting for You on Dutch Slope.” Set in popular spots around Nagasaki, it’s a youthful, hometown-style tune that depicts a date between a rain-prone boyfriend and his sunny girlfriend.
A classic song about Nagasaki: The enduring spirit of our hometown (31–40)
It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five
Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five were active as the house band for a cabaret in Nagasaki City.
Their debut song, “Nagasaki wa Kyō mo Ame Datta” (“It Was Rainy Again in Nagasaki Today”), was released in 1969.
The song became a big hit, winning the Newcomer Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards that same year, and the group made their first appearance at the 20th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Rain in NagasakiMiyuki Kawanaka
This is a song released in 2011 to commemorate Miyuki Kawanaka’s 35th anniversary since her debut.
The lyrics mention famous spots such as Dejima and Dutch Slope, as well as Kunchi, a festival in northern Kyushu.
Set in Nagasaki, it is a song that poignantly expresses a woman’s heartache.
Nagasaki ChansonShizuo Higuchi
This is a song by Shizuo Higuchi, who had been active as a singer since the early Showa era.
Released after the war, Nagasaki Chanson became a hit.
It sings about the history and specialties of Nagasaki and can be considered a pioneering local song for the city.
Wanderer's YearningKiyoshi Hikawa
This is Kiyoshi Hikawa’s 27th single, released in 2015.
It sings about a journey crossing the Kanmon Straits and traveling through Hakata, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima.
Not only Nagasaki but various sightseeing spots appear in the lyrics, making it a song that makes you want to set off on a trip just by listening.
In conclusion
You might have even had some surprising discoveries, like, “Wait, this person sang a song about Nagasaki?” Of course, local songs from Nagasaki will continue to grow in number.
I plan to update this article from time to time, so I’d be delighted if you stop by again.