Hun Kotsu Saishin
| Date Composed: | 2012 |
| Composer: | Kiyoshi Nagata |
| Arrangement: | Kiyoshi Nagata |
| Premiere Performance: | November 10, 2012 – Enwave Theatre |
Mining for coal in Japan dates back to the 1700’s. It was not uncommon to see women, especially husband and wife, working in the treacherous mines together. Hun Kotsu Saishin loosely translates to “back breaking” work. Navigating through the narrow shafts with carts full of coal, miners would risk their lives from methane explosions, floods if they tapped into an aquifer, or from breathing in the harmful dust. This song pays tribute to such worker in Japan who through sheer will power, continue to work even in the harshest conditions.