A classic song that sings of Shiga. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
Shiga Prefecture, home to Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.
It has a long north–south shape, and the climate differs greatly between the north and south.
Even east and west across Lake Biwa have their own distinct local character and culture.
In this article, we introduce a number of songs themed around Shiga, a prefecture with such a rich variety of expressions.
If you’re a resident or live nearby, it might stir a sense of nostalgia.
Take this opportunity to rediscover the charms of Shiga Prefecture.
Also keep an eye on works related to Mount Hiei, which are second only to those about Lake Biwa in number.
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A classic song about Shiga. The heart of our hometown passed down through song (1–10)
This is the hometown village of Shiga.Hitomi Taniguchi
It’s included on a double A-side single CD created by Hitomi Taniguchi, an enka singer born and raised in Shiga, out of her deep love for her hometown and her desire for more people to discover how wonderful Shiga is.
The lyrics and music were written by a songwriter named Kentaro Masuda.
Cherishing one’s birthplace and continuing to sing about it is truly wonderful.
Some listeners may feel inspired to travel to Shiga after hearing this song.
And those from Shiga might find themselves imagining, “This lyric could be about that place.”
Biwako Ohashi OndoTatsue Kaneda
When you think of Shiga Prefecture, you naturally think of Lake Biwa.
This song, “Biwako Ohashi Kouta” (Biwako Ohashi Little Song), is themed around the Biwako Ohashi Bridge that spans the lake.
Sung by Tatsue Kaneda, it was released on record in 1975 (Showa 50).
The Biwako Ohashi is a toll bridge built in 1964 (Showa 39) that connects the east and west sides of Lake Biwa; pedestrians and cyclists can cross for free.
The song describes the views from the Biwako Ohashi and the scenery where the bridge itself comes into sight.
There are many songs that feature the lake itself, but surprisingly few about the bridge.
Sound connects, the bonds of the cityTank P
Toyosato Town, located in the Kohigashi (east of Lake Biwa) area of Shiga Prefecture.
It’s a historic town known as a pilgrimage spot for K-On! fans thanks to the former Toyosato Elementary School buildings, as well as for its connections to Omi merchants.
Since the composer, Sensha-P, is a Vocaloid producer, this song is sung by Hatsune Miku.
The traditional Japanese melody used in the intro and outro is modeled after the Goshu Ondo motif.
It’s a wonderful piece where an old-fashioned tune and modern music blend together.
It might even make you want to visit Toyosato, a town beloved by all generations.
Masterpieces that sing of Shiga: The enduring spirit of our hometown (11–20)
Lullaby of ŌmiTomoya Takaishi & The Natasha Seven
This song was born from the NHK music program “Anata no Melody,” which ran for 22 years.
Viewers submitted original songs, and five carefully selected pieces were performed by professional singers.
Lullaby of Omi, composed by the writer after moving to Tokyo and thinking of their hometown, evokes the charm of old, good Japan.
Lady of Lake BiwaHiroshi Miura and the Honey Six
Released in 2006 by Hiroshi Miura and Honey Six, “Woman of Lake Biwa” tells the story of a man’s regret and sorrow over a woman from Lake Biwa.
Though they loved each other so deeply, in the end he couldn’t choose her and could no longer see her—the Woman of Lake Biwa.
The song paints a poignant scene of him alone by the lake, overwhelmed by a jumble of emotions: the frustration of yearning to meet her again but being unable to reach her, the regret of not loving her to the very end.
It’s not a love one would necessarily praise, yet the sadness it conveys still makes your heart ache.
From Lake Biwa for the EarthU★TIME BAND
Shiga Prefecture, home to the large Lake Biwa, has long had a strong environmental consciousness, including practices like using detergents responsibly and separating waste.
This is a song that could only come from Shiga.
The leader of the acoustic rock band U☆TIME BAND, which performs this song, Isamu Kawamoto, is known as “Mr.
Biwako” for his Shiga-focused compositions and his efforts to energize the region.
His love for Lake Biwa and his commitment to tackling environmental issues are truly admirable.
Nagahama SongYUKA
Here is the image song for Nagahama City in Shiga Prefecture, created as part of the local-song production project “Jimo-uta.” Just from the intro, you might think a jazz standard is about to begin, but the lyrics are, of course, entirely in Japanese, singing about the scenery of Nagahama and a love born there.
The performer is Gifu-based jazz musician Yuji Kojima.
The music video is also a delight, giving you the satisfying feeling of having taken a sightseeing trip to Nagahama.