Kumamoto Prefecture — Songs of Nostalgia Nurtured by Nature and History
Kumamoto castle
By Totti – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Kumamoto Prefecture is situated in central Kyuushuu, known for attractions like Mount Aso and Kumamoto Castle. The prefectural capital, Kumamoto City, features beautiful Japanese gardens such as Suizenji Jojuen. Local specialties include Kumamoto ramen and raw horse meat sashimi (basashi).
Kumamoto ramen
By woinary from Ramen shop near the Kumamoto Station in Kasuga, Kumamoto, – Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
A notable children’s song from Kumamoto is “Kokyou no Haika” (Abandoned House in My Hometown) with lyrics by INDOU Kyukei, who was born in Hitoyoshi City. This poignant song expresses nostalgia for one’s distant homeland and resonates deeply with many listeners. Also well known is the “Itsuki no komoriuta“(The Lullaby of Itsuki), which is passed down in Kuma-gun, famous for its Kuma shochu. The melody of this song, which sings about the life of an underprivileged girl at that time, strikes a melancholy chord in the heart.
“Antagata Dokosa” is a well-known handball rhyme from Kumamoto with roots in the Edo period. The prefecture is also associated with “Kumamoto Kenka Ondo,” a traditional folk song that celebrates the prefecture’s spirited character. Kumamoto’s scenic landscape includes Japan’s largest caldera at Mount Aso and the mystical Takachiho Gorge. The prefecture is also known for its watermelon production and sweet potato shochu (traditional Japanese spirit), which complement its rich cultural heritage.
Mt.Aso caldera
