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 Tunes (21–30)

Cotton MoodAnri

Cotton Mood

Cotton Mood Anri

Doesn’t this timeless song, which breezily heralds the arrival of spring, bring back nostalgic memories of your youth? Released by Anri in April 1981, this piece beautifully captures the season of open blue skies with its light melody and fashionable lyrics.

The upbeat words convey a sense of freedom and the thrill of romance.

It was also used in commercials for Nivea-Kao’s cologne and for Nisshinbo, making it a tune beloved by many.

Its rhythm is so delightful that you’ll naturally want to clap along when the music starts.

How about spending a moment singing it together with fellow seniors and letting cherished memories blossom in conversation?

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Flower JourneyYumi Matsutoya

Flower Journey 2021 Yumi Matsutoya

Flower Journey Yumi Matsutoya

With a clear, innocent, girl-like voice, this masterpiece paints the scene of a sudden glimpse of cherry blossoms swirling in an unfamiliar town.

Based on her experience along the Asano River in Kanazawa, Yumi Matsutoya gently expresses a bittersweet yet beautiful spring landscape.

Set to a waltz-like melody in 3/4 time, it exquisitely captures the fleeting nature of falling petals and the wistful feeling of a spring journey.

The song was included on the album “COBALT HOUR” and later used as the B-side to “Ano Hi ni Kaeritai.” It was also featured in the TBS drama “Rouge no Dengon,” becoming a track that has stayed in many listeners’ hearts.

It is a warm piece that brings back memories of springs spent in special places, and one you’ll want to hear by the window while soaking in the gentle spring sunlight.

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[For Seniors] Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 90s: A Collection of Showa-Era Spring Tunes (31–40)

tricolor violetJunko Sakurada

KENWOOD KX-1100G Three-Colored Violet Junko Sakurada

Tricolor Violet Junko Sakurada

Let me introduce a song by Junko Sakurada that beautifully captures springtime scenes with her gentle, translucent voice.

Released in February 1974, it features a strikingly pure, idol-like melody.

Through the motif of tricolor violets, it quietly tells of a first love and cherished memories.

The lyrics gracefully express the delicacy and fragility of budding feelings, resonating deeply with listeners.

The song reached No.

10 on the Oricon charts and was widely loved by young people at the time.

It was frequently featured on radio and TV music shows, and for many, it has become a memorable anthem of their youth.

I hope you can spend a heartwarming moment, listening to that nostalgic voice as you bask in the cheerful warmth of spring.

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Cape ErimoShinichi Mori

[Sunday Late-Night Masterpieces vol. 204] Cape Erimo (Erimo Town, Hokkaido) | Cape Erimo (Shinichi Mori)

Erimo Misaki Mori Shinichi

Shinichi Mori delivers this celebrated song, whose depiction of spring in the northern country resonates deeply, with his distinctive husky voice.

It begins with an image of warming past sorrows by the fireplace, and carefully portrays the process of putting one’s heart in order amid a gentle, everyday life.

It conveys the importance of stepping away from the bustle of the city and reexamining the happiness found in a simple life.

Released in 1974, this work was born from an unconventional collaboration with Takuro Yoshida and won the Japan Record Award.

If you listen to the song slowly under the mild spring sunlight, nostalgic memories will naturally come back to you.

It’s also nice to share old stories over coffee with someone dear.

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Sleep on my chestPrincess Kaguya

Kaguyahime – Sleep on My Chest (Official Audio)

Good night on my chest, Princess Kaguya.

This gem of a classic sings of deep love for a partner through a melody full of kindness and heartwarming lyrics.

The words, brimming with compassion and warmth, convey the importance of supporting one another.

The gentle lead vocals are layered with the beautiful timbres of cello and violin, creating a soothing piece.

Released as a single in July 1973, it peaked at No.

72 on the Oricon charts and sold approximately 250,000 copies.

It also became well-loved as the theme song for Usuki Pharmaceutical’s “Goto-san Cold Medicine” commercial, earning affection across generations.

Resonating with the feeling of caring for someone dear, this is a track you’ll want to hear in the pleasant breezes of spring.

As you listen to the tender vocals, why not let yourself drift into fond memories?

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Whisper of Young LeavesMari Amachi

Mari Amachi ☆ Whisper of Young Leaves

Wakaba no Sasayaki by Mari Amachi

A heartwarming song that depicts the arrival of spring as fresh greenery sprouts.

Koichi Morita’s melody intertwines with Michio Yamagami’s poetic lyrics to gently portray springtime scenes and budding romance.

Mari Amachi’s refreshing, crystalline voice resonates like dewy young leaves.

Released as a single in March 1973, the song became a major hit, topping the Oricon weekly chart for five consecutive weeks.

It was also used as the theme song for the film “What Is Love?” released the same March.

It’s a tune you’ll want to hum along with fond memories of spring.

It’s also recommended for seniors to sing together, clapping in time as they share stories of springs past.

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12th graderKazuo Funaki

[With Large Lyrics] High School Senior [Rec]

Kazuo Funaki, a third-year high school student

This lyrical song is filled with memories of youth, and Kazuo Funaki’s fresh vocals in a student uniform make a striking impression.

Set to a march-like, approachable melody, it gently recounts the joys and loneliness of school life and the partings with friends.

After its release in June 1963, the work achieved astonishing sales and won the New Artist Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.

It was also adapted into a film, starring Kazuo Funaki himself, with scenes shot in his hometown of Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture.

It’s a song meant to be hummed together as you reminisce about nostalgic youthful days.

Let’s sing along with cheerful handclaps.

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