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 songs (11–20)

spring hazeHiromi Iwasaki

spring haze

Spring Oboro by Hiromi Iwasaki

With a beautiful singing voice reminiscent of Showa-era idols, she performed a classic that resonates in the hearts of older listeners.

Against a backdrop of cherry blossoms in half bloom, the song delicately portrays the bittersweet love of a young couple.

It carefully expresses the feelings of a woman determined to pursue love despite her father’s opposition.

Hiromi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals vividly capture a fleeting spring moment with cherry blossoms in bloom.

Released in February 1979, this work was beloved by many, even making its first appearance in the Top Ten on TBS’s “The Best Ten.” Even today, it remains a much-loved song brimming with the atmosphere of spring’s arrival.

It’s especially recommended to listen to during cherry blossom season together with older adults—letting them reminisce about the past while feeling the coming of spring.

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Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Cotton Handkerchief by Hiromi Ohta

Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.

It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.

The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.

Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.

How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.

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Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (with lyrics)

Farewell Words by Kaientai

Do you have any nostalgic melodies that make you feel the warmth of spring sunshine the moment you hear them? Kaientai’s classic “Okuru Kotoba” is a heartwarming piece filled with messages perfect for graduation season.

Its lyrics about the sorrow of parting, the courage to trust others, and the depth of love truly resonate.

Released in November 1979, the song also became well-known as the theme for the popular TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” Singing it together with older adults might spark lively conversations about fond memories.

Consider incorporating it into recreational activities at your facility.

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March of 365 StepsKiyoko Suizenji

Kiyoko Suizenji - “365-Step March” (Official Audio)

March of 365 Steps by Kiyoko Suizenji

This song has long been loved as an anthem of encouragement in life, carrying the message that taking one step at a time is important.

Since its release in November 1968, it has continued to resonate with many people.

Born during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, the song is characterized by its cheerful melody and positive lyrics.

It has been used in films, TV commercials, anime, and many other contexts, and has been cherished by people of all ages.

How about humming along with older adults while being enveloped by Ms.

Suizenji’s warm singing voice? It will surely bring back fond memories and give you a boost of energy.

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Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora

Like the Flow of the River Live | Hibari Misora

Like the Flow of the River by Hibari Misora

Let me introduce a masterpiece that represents the world of Japanese popular ballads.

This song is captivating for its metaphor that likens life to the flow of a river.

It sings, over a beautiful melody, of calmly accepting the many events that life brings.

Another hallmark is that many of the lyrics resonate with older adults in their daily lives.

Released in January 1989, it became a major hit.

It is also known as the final work of Hibari Misora and has come to symbolize her life.

It’s a perfect song to sing together with seniors and to share nostalgic memories.

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the first strong spring windCandies

Spring Storm - Candies

Haru Ichiban Candies

With its nostalgic melody, this song that heralds the arrival of spring likely remains in the hearts of many older listeners as a signature work by Candies.

Released in March 1976, it is characterized by a fresh, bright atmosphere reminiscent of a spring breeze.

Its lively rhythm and spirited vocals convey the feeling of a new season beginning.

The song expresses the excitement of new encounters and hopes that come with spring, warmly enveloping those who listen.

It’s perfect for humming along together at a day service, too.

Enjoy a pleasant moment as you bask in the spring sunshine and reminisce about fond memories.

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[For Seniors] Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 90s: A Collection of Showa-Era Spring Tunes (21–30)

Always keep your dreamsYukio Hashi / Sayuri Yoshinaga

Yukio Hashi & Sayuri Yoshinaga / Itsudemo Yume o (Always Dream)

Itsudemo Yume o by Yukio Hashi / Sayuri Yoshinaga

Because it’s used as an insert song in NHK’s morning drama series “Amachan,” in SoftBank commercials, and in various other contexts, it hardly feels like an old tune.

Of course, for older listeners it’s famous as a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.

It even won the Japan Record Award, was performed on the Red and White Song Battle, and inspired a film—what we’d now call a mega-viral hit! Just hearing the intro will bring back fond memories of days gone by.

It’s also a great choice for karaoke with someone special!

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