Kagoshima Prefecture — A Powerful Regional Song Born from the Southern Islands
sakurajima
Kagoshima Prefecture is located at Japan’s southernmost point, symbolized by the majestic active volcano Sakurajima. The city center features numerous historical sites related to SAIGOU Takamori, a key figure in the Meiji Restoration.
By Σ64 – Own work, CC BY 3.0, Link
Popular tourist destinations include Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage site with mystical ancient forests featuring the thousands-of-years-old Jomon Cedar. Ibusuki Hot Springs offers the unique experience of a “sand bath,” where visitors are buried in warm volcanic sand, a popular activity drawing tourists from across Japan. Hidden gems include the beautiful Chiran Samurai Residence Gardens and Mount Kaimondake, known locally as “Satsuma Fuji.”
Ibusuki sandbath / photo by Peggy (Pei-Yi) Chen
Local cuisine features “kurobuta” black pork known for its fine texture, “satsuma-age” fish cakes (called “tsukeage” by locals), and sweet potato shochuu with its distinctive aroma and deep flavor.
satsuma kurobuta shabu-shabu
The representative song “Ware wa umi no ko” (I am a child of the sea), composed by local-born Koichiro Miyahara, is a famous school song selected as one of 100 Best Japanese Songs. Beginning with “I am a child of the sea, of white waves” and featuring the poetic lyrics “listening to waves as a lullaby,” it beautifully depicts the lives of people living with the Kagoshima sea and is still sung in schools throughout Japan. Meanwhile, “Ohara-bushi” is a traditional folk song reflecting regional connections, danced at annual festivals.
Kagoshima men are known as “Satsuma Hayato,” renowned for their bravery and strong will, while women are called “Satsuma Ogojo” and are known for inner strength, like Lady Atsuhime. The unique dialect preserves features of ancient Japanese.
The Amami Islands feature crystal-clear blue waters and natural habitats for endemic species. Activities such as kayaking and cycling around the base of Sakurajima are also appealing experiences.
By 岩元剛 Tsuyoshi Iwamoto – 投稿者本人撮影・著作, CC BY 3.0, Link
Kagoshima Prefecture is a fascinating region where the power of volcanoes and warm climate have nurtured rich nature, blending with the character of people shaped by turbulent history.
