[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... A treasury of classic masterpieces depicting Shimane (11–20)
Melancholy Lake ShinjiRyuji Katsura
This is the debut song of enka singer Ryushi Katsura from Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture.
Set against the backdrop of Lake Shinji at dusk, it richly portrays the sorrow of parting from a beloved and the steadfast resolve to wait forever.
The gentle lake breeze and the sunset scenery mirror the protagonist’s heart, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
Released in 1983, the song was re-recorded with orchestral accompaniment for the 35th anniversary of his debut, and it remains a cherished classic to this day.
For those living away from their hometown, it likely conjures up vivid images of Shimane’s beautiful landscapes and stirs a warm sense of nostalgia.
Lodging in MatsueMasayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica
This is a song by the mood-kayō group Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica.
The sonic world woven by these artists—who won the Japan Record Award’s Vocal Performance Prize in 1968 for “Tabiji no Hito yo”—is a true tale for grown-ups.
In this piece, the leader’s plaintive requinto guitar and Masato Sanjō’s luscious vocals vividly portray a night spent at an inn in Matsue with a once-beloved.
The track appears on the album “Masato Sanjō / Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica Vol.
1,” released in January 2013.
It’s a perfect gem not only for those who have memories of traveling to Matsue, but also for anyone who wants to quietly immerse themselves in a love long past.
Iwami Ginzan Lone SlopeYuko Nagai
Set against the World Heritage Site of Iwami Ginzan, this masterpiece resonates with Yuko Nagai’s poignant vocals.
Just listening conjures images of moss-covered stone-paved slopes and landscapes dotted with blooming mountain azaleas.
The song portrays the protagonist’s solitary journey—visiting the magistrate’s residence and the Gohyaku Rakan statues—while holding memories of a parted loved one.
Its wistful mood beautifully matches the historical atmosphere of Iwami Ginzan.
Included on the single “Iwami no Onna / Iwami Ginzan Hitori-zaka,” released in June 2012, it also served as a tie-in commemorating the fifth anniversary of Iwami Ginzan’s World Heritage inscription.
It will likely deeply move not only those inspired to travel to Shimane, but also anyone who wishes to quietly lose themselves in thought.
Hinomisaki LighthouseMidori Oka
The pure-white Hinomisaki Lighthouse towers near Izumo Taisha in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.
Hinomisaki Lighthouse is a song by Midori Oka that overlays a poignant feeling of love onto the scenery of this sightseeing spot, known for its chalk-white lighthouse that boasts the greatest height in Japan.
Calling their name, waiting no matter how long, yet never being able to meet again—the feelings that have nowhere to go for a beloved person… If you carry painful memories of love, you may find yourself deeply resonating with this song.
TsuwanoKaori Mizumori
This is a local song for Tsuwano Town in Shimane Prefecture, sung by Kaori Mizumori, the queen of local songs.
Although it’s an enka tune, its bright and refreshing atmosphere is truly charming, isn’t it? Tsuwano, known as the “Little Kyoto of the San’in region,” is a town where history and culture are alive.
I imagine many people who heard this song felt inspired to visit.
Yasugi Love BoogieSelf-styled Tourism Association
Shimane Prefecture has a variety of tourist attractions, including Izumo Taisha and Lake Shinji.
This song is a unique local tune that introduces the charms of Shimane one by one.
The “Katteni Kanko Kyokai” (Self-Appointed Tourism Association), a “mind-your-own-business” unit formed by Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai to energize regions across Japan, has produced numerous local songs.
[Song of Shimane] Izumo, Matsue, Tsuwano... Exquisite masterpieces that depict Shimane (21–30)
graduallySix children
Singer-songwriter ROKKO from Shimane Prefecture.
The song title “Dandan” is a dialect from the Izumo region of Shimane, meaning “thank you.” A relaxed melody paired with the warm word dandan—it feels like it reflects the character of the people of Shimane Prefecture.