[Song of Shimane] Izumo, Matsue, Tsuwano... Exquisite masterpieces depicting Shimane
Warm-hearted people, beautiful scenery, and tales of the gods.
The songs born from Shimane’s climate overflow with feelings for one’s hometown and deep local pride.
In this article, we’ll share the charm of songs connected to Shimane, carried on the winds of the Sea of Japan.
“Songs about Shimane” range widely—from pieces that depict its landscapes, to heartbreak songs that intertwine famous sights with the feelings of love, to local tunes that convey every facet of Shimane’s appeal.
Please enjoy these gems of music, where nostalgia and freshness are woven together.
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[Songs of Shimane] Izumo, Matsue, Tsuwano... Exquisite masterpieces depicting Shimane (1–10)
Woman of IwamiYuko Nagai
Set against the World Heritage Site of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, this song portrays the poignant feelings of a woman’s unrequited love.
It is performed by Yuko Nagai, known for her local enka repertoire.
The lyrics are sprinkled with imagery unique to the Iwami region, such as the singing sands of Kotogahama and the inns of Yunotsu, and they express the helpless longing of a woman who cannot forget a past love, carried by a gentle, soulful melody.
Released in June 2012 as the official commemorative single marking the fifth anniversary of Iwami Ginzan’s inscription as a World Heritage Site, this piece resonates deeply not only with those who wish to reminisce about Shimane’s beautiful landscapes, but also with anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a bittersweet love story.
Song of Matsue CityLyrics by Hisao Inoue / Music by Kazuyuki Yukawa
It’s a piece that vividly evokes the beautiful scenery of Matsue, the city of water.
The gentle barcarolle, reminiscent of a boat gliding leisurely across Lake Shinji, perfectly matches the atmosphere of this historic castle town.
The lyrics richly weave in the landscapes of the four seasons, the warm smiles of its people, and a sense of dynamism looking toward the future, encapsulating all of Matsue’s charm in a single song.
Established in December 2011 as a song to nurture civic pride in the hometown, it was also adopted for an exercise routine by Hiromichi Sato, known as one of the “Exercise Big Brothers.” It’s a song that warmly embraces those living away from home and anyone wishing to experience the spirit of Matsue.
Melancholy Oku-IzumoHiromasa Shimizu
This is a song set in Okuizumo, Shimane Prefecture, performed by Hiromasa Shimizu, whose soul-stirring voice is his hallmark.
Released in August 2013 as his seventh single, the lyrics mention place names such as the Kisuki Line and the Hii River, intertwining the poignancy of a journey to visit a beloved person with beautiful scenery.
The melancholic melody composed by Tetsuya Gen, the composer who discovered Shimizu, makes the story even more dramatic.
Since January 2016, Hiromasa Shimizu has also served as a PR ambassador for Unnan City.
His singing serves as a bridge, conveying the charm of Shimane’s natural and cultural landscape to the entire country.
[Songs of Shimane] Izumo, Matsue, Tsuwano... A treasury of classic masterpieces depicting Shimane (11–20)
Alone in MatsueYuko Maki
Amid the beautiful scenery of Mizugo, Matsue, it feels as though the secret sorrow of a hidden love gently melts into the scene.
Set against the backdrop of Lake Shinji’s shores and the Kyomise district, this song paints both the longing for a beloved and the loneliness of travel.
With the expressive artistry she honed at the Shiki Theatre Company, Yufuko Maki “sings as if acting,” conveying the protagonist’s delicate emotional shifts as if we were watching a one-act play.
Released in June 2010, this work is perfect for a night when you want to immerse yourself in a mellow enka mood.
And for those about to visit Matsue, listening beforehand may make the scenery feel all the more profound.
My beloved IzumoMariya Takeuchi
Singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi is from Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture.
This song has been crafted into a pure and refreshing piece, reminiscent of a school anthem.
Even as she thrives away from Shimane, it’s a love-filled track that conveys her strong feelings for her hometown and her enduring connection to it.
scarecrowMasashi Sada
A local song themed around Tsuwano Town in Shimane Prefecture, sung by Masashi Sada.
It’s a classic that captures the feelings of parents worrying about their child.
Hearing the lyrics that evoke Tsuwano’s tranquil scenery can put you in a nostalgic mood.
If you’ve visited, try listening while picturing the scenes of Tsuwano; if not, imagine the leisurely pace of life in the countryside as you listen.
Yosumi-chan’s SongX＋
This is a song by X＋, a vocal duo who also serve as Izumo City Tourism Ambassadors, themed around the mascot character of the Izumo Yayoi no Mori Museum.
As you listen, the tranquil scenery of the Yayoi Forest and the character’s warm charm seem to come into view.
A gentle yearning for ancient Izumo and a deep love for one’s hometown quietly shine through.
The song was first performed at the Izumo Yayoi no Mori Festival held in April 2024 and has since become a beloved PR song for the museum in the local community.
It’s a track that softly wraps around your heart when you want to let your thoughts drift to the land of Izumo.