Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県)

Nagasaki Prefecture — A Port City with International Flair and Musical Heritage

Ooura tenshudou (Ooura church) 

Nagasaki Prefecture stands out for its distinctive international atmosphere. The prefectural capital, Nagasaki City, was Japan’s only gateway to foreign trade during the Edo period through its trading post Dejima. Today, it maintains a cosmopolitan character with Western-style buildings and Chinatown. Historical attractions include World Heritage sites like Glover Garden and Ooura Church, Hashima (Gunkanjima),Nagasaki Peace Park.

Glover Garden By Benford Choi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

dejima

Hashima (Gunkan jima)

The peculiar history that Nagasaki has traced is also evident in its music

Among Nagasaki’s musical contributions is “Utsukushiki Tennen” (Beautiful Nature) composed by TANAKA Hozumi, who served as the bandmaster for the Sasebo Naval Band. This composition has become a beloved piece of music throughout Japan.

The traditional “Shimabara Lullaby” continues to be passed down through generations in Nagasaki. Other songs associated with the region include “Nagasaki no Kane” (Bells of Nagasaki) and “Heiwa no Kane” (Bells of Peace), which reflect the prefecture’s historical experiences and commitment to peace.

Heiwa kinenzou

Being the only window to foreign countries, gourmet food was in abundance

Nagasaki’s distinctive cuisine features shippoku, champon noodles, Toruko rice (a local Western-inspired dish), and castella cake—all reflecting the region’s history of cultural exchange. The prefecture’s lantern festival during Lunar New Year offers a spectacular display of Chinese cultural influence that has become integral to Nagasaki’s identity.

shippoku ryouri

Nagasaki Champon By 663highland – Own work, CC BY 2.5, Link

castella