Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Recommended spring songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Shōwa-era spring tunes

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

For people in their 90s, songs that were popular in the Showa era likely still remain deeply in their hearts.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic Showa-era songs themed around spring, all at once!

There are various kinds—some that sing of springtime traditions and others that depict spring scenery.

If you’re reading this, please consider recommending the songs we’re about to introduce to people in their 90s.

We’d be delighted if those in their 90s enjoy listening to the songs featured in this article.

Now, let’s dive right into our recommended spring songs!

[For Seniors] Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 90s: A Collection of Showa-Era Spring Tracks (71–80)

Moon over the Ruined Castlesong

Moon over the Ruined Castle

Song Aruji no Tsuki (The Moon over the Ruined Castle)

“Kojo no Tsuki” (Moon Over the Ruined Castle) is a renowned piece widely loved as a Japanese school song.

Composed by Rentaro Taki with lyrics by Bansui Doi, it is characterized by its beautiful melody and profound words.

Through vivid scenes that shift from a springtime castle with blooming cherry blossoms to an autumn battlefield in ruins, the song’s tone evokes the rise and fall of fortunes and the passage of time.

It can be lovely to listen quietly to this piece while reflecting on the past or contemplating life.

It also seems like a precious opportunity to invite older folks to share stories from long ago.

Singing it together is highly recommended as well.

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O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsFuyumi Sakamoto

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Yozakura O-Shichi

Fuyumi Sakamoto — Yoizakura O-Shichi

Fuyumi Sakamoto’s “Yozakura Oshichi” is a masterpiece that depicts heartbreak and rebirth against the backdrop of cherry blossoms at night in spring.

The vivid scene of blossoms in full bloom is beautifully interwoven with the emotions of a woman reflecting on a past love.

From the lyrics, you can feel both the beauty of the cherry blossoms and a resolve to make a fresh start.

Released in 1994, the song has long been cherished as one of Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature works.

It’s a perfect piece to listen to with older adults.

How about listening quietly by the window on a spring night and letting it spark conversations about old memories?

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The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka

Tokyo Flower Girl

Okaharuo, the Flower Girl of Tokyo

Haruo Oka’s “Tokyo no Hanauri Musume” (The Flower-Selling Girl of Tokyo) is a classic set in postwar Tokyo that portrays the hopes and loneliness of the era through the figure of a young flower seller.

The image of a girl cradling a flower basket, dreamlike, on a spring street corner where the willows are budding is particularly striking.

You can also glimpse Tokyo where new culture and tradition intersect, such as the streets touched by jazz.

The Showa-era atmosphere of the lyrics is sure to resonate deeply with older listeners, and it may well spark nostalgic reminiscences.

It’s a song to enjoy at an easy pace while feeling the arrival of spring.

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When the lilacs bloomAtsurō Okamoto

When the lilacs bloom

When the Lilacs Bloom — Atsuro Okamoto

Atsuro Okamoto’s “Lilacs in Bloom” is a classic that beautifully sings of nostalgia for days gone by through the lilac, a harbinger of spring.

Its melody, carried on a faint fragrance, quietly resonates in the listener’s heart.

Released in 1951, the song remains one of Okamoto’s signature works, beloved by many.

Wrapped in the “subtle scent of dreams” that drifts on nights when lilacs bloom, one can sink into distant memories.

It’s recommended for older adults who wish to spend such a gentle spring evening.

We hope you enjoy a heartwarming moment while listening to the nostalgic singing voice.

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When the white flowers bloomAtsurō Okamoto

When the white flowers bloom

When White Flowers Bloom by Atsuro Okamoto

Atsuro Okamoto’s “When the White Flowers Bloom” is a classic that blends nostalgia with bittersweet emotion.

The lyrics beautifully depict the scenery of one’s hometown, touching the heart.

Through images of white flowers, white clouds, and a white moon, the song delicately portrays a farewell to a loved one.

Released in 1950, it has remained a memorable piece for many.

Listening to it with older adults may spark lively conversations about their youth.

As you feel the arrival of spring, why not take some time to gently reflect on cherished memories?

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A hill with a view of the harborAiko Hirano

A hill with a view of the harbor

The Hill Overlooking the Harbor - Aiko Hirano

Aiko Hirano’s “The Hill from Which You Can See the Harbor” is a classic song released in 1947.

Its rich, lustrous vocals and wistful lyrics really resonate.

Faded cherry blossoms, a ship’s whistle, pale lights on a foggy night—the lyrics delicately depict the scenery of a port town and leave a strong impression.

You can feel the ache of someone quietly carrying memories of a former lover.

It’s perfect for times when you want to look back on nostalgic memories of youth.

It would also be lovely to listen to or sing it together with older people and hear their stories from that time.

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Suzhou SerenadeLi Xianglan

Suzhou Serenade (Soochow Serenade) – Li Xianglan (Yoshiko Yamaguchi)

Suzhou Nocturne Li Xianglan

Yoshiko Yamaguchi’s “Suzhou Nocturne” is a masterpiece that beautifully sings of springtime scenes.

You can almost see the peach blossoms blooming by Suzhou’s waters and the willows quietly weeping.

The lyrics, rich with emotion as they mourn parting from a lover, are heart-wrenching.

This song has been covered by many singers and continues to be cherished.

If older listeners hear it, it may bring back fond memories.

It would be lovely to enjoy it with a calm heart in the season when the arrival of spring can be felt.

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