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 (31–40)

A Hazy Moonlit Nightsong

Oborozukiyo (Japanese children's song)

Oborozukiya Song

Oborozukiyo is a famous song that depicts Japan’s beautiful nature and sense of the seasons.

Its lyrics delicately express the quiet and beauty of a spring night, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

The imagery of country roads, forest scenes, and the croaking of frogs brings spring landscapes vividly to mind.

When sung with a soft, gentle voice, it creates an atmosphere that evokes the rustle of a spring breeze.

For older listeners, it may be a song that stirs nostalgic scenes and memories.

It would be lovely to feel the arrival of spring while listening to this song in a leisurely moment.

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A rose has bloomed.Mike Maki

Roses Bloomed - Mike Maki - With Subtitles

Mike Maki, Roses Bloomed

The classic song that sings of roses blooming in a heartwarming garden was released in 1966 by Mike Maki.

It’s a folk song that, while simple, conveys a deep sense of affection.

Its gentle melody—like flowers blooming in a garden where you can feel the transition from spring to summer—is also part of its charm.

This work was Mike Maki’s debut song, included on “Bara ga Saita/Mike Maki no Folk Album,” and since September 2016 it has also been used as the departure melody at JR East’s Ishioka Station on the Joban Line.

The tender vocals and melody are perfect for music recreation time with seniors.

Along with nostalgic memories, it offers a soothing, peaceful moment.

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loquatLyrics by Michio Mado / Music by Shigeru Isobe

Loquat (♪ Because the loquat is a gentle fruit) by Himawari 🌻 with lyrics

Loquat Lyrics by Michio Mado / Music by Masaru Isobe

On a calm, sunny day, why not imagine fruit ripening in a lush green garden? Created by Michio Mado and Shigeru Isobe, this piece is a gentle-toned children’s song first released in July 1953.

Its soothing melody and lyrics vividly evoke fruit growing beneath large leaves, basking in the sunlight.

It’s a perfect song to share with older adults, spending a moment together immersed in nostalgic memories of early summer.

As the gentle music flows, why not gaze at the greenery outside the window and enjoy a leisurely time?

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This roadLyrics: Hakushu Kitahara / Music: Kosaku Yamada

This Road | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | This is the road I once traveled

This Road, lyrics by Hakushu Kitahara / music by Kosaku Yamada

This classic that portrays the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons is a masterpiece of lyrical song, with music by Kósçak Yamada set to a poem by Hakushū Kitahara.

Its bright, gentle melody and vividly scenic lyrics blend in perfect harmony.

The soothing, healing tone of the piece reminds us of the joy of singing.

Since its release in 1927 in a recording by Yoshie Fujiwara, it has continued to be loved by many.

It’s an ideal song for a music recreation activity everyone can enjoy together.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment sharing fond memories as you listen?

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Song of MayLyrics translation: Zengo Aoyagi / Music: Mozart

Song of May | Japanese lyrics | German lied | Joyful is May, the grasses and trees are budding

Song of May Lyrics: Zengo Aoyagi / Music: Mozart

Set to a famous piece composed by Mozart, this song features richly expressive Japanese lyrics by the poet Zengo Aoyagi—perfect for the fresh, verdant season of early summer.

Included in an elementary school music textbook in 1947, it has long been loved by many.

The work gently portrays the beauty of spring and the feelings of delight it inspires.

Along with its pleasant melody, it evokes springtime joys sensed through all five senses: the murmur of a brook, the scent of violets, and young leaves swaying in a soft breeze—wrapping listeners in a warm, cheerful mood.

How about singing it together with older adults during a music recreation session? As nostalgic memories blossom into conversation, everyone can savor the arrival of spring to their heart’s content.

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[For Seniors] Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 90s: A Collection of Showa-Era Spring Tunes (41–50)

Ah, Ueno StationHachirō Izawa

Ah, Ueno Station — Hachiro Izawa

Ah, Ueno Station — Hachiro Izawa

That nostalgic melody echoing from the station that serves as Tokyo’s gateway.

It’s a classic enka song imbued with the feelings of those who left their hometowns to seek new horizons during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth.

Hachirō Izawa’s powerful yet gentle voice warmly envelops the anxieties and hopes of the youth of that era, as well as their love for their families.

Since its release in May 1964, this work has continued to resonate with many and is still cherished today as the departure melody at Ueno Station.

A gem of a song that tenderly gives voice to the complex emotions everyone feels when taking a new step in life.

It’s a track to enjoy while reminiscing and talking with someone dear to you.

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Flower TownLyrics by Akiko Ema / Music by Ikuma Dan

Flower Town (♪ Crossing the seven-colored valley ~) Chorus by Himawari ×6 🌻 With Lyrics [100 Best Japanese Songs]

Hana no Machi Lyrics: Akiko Ema / Music: Ikuma Dan

How about including this classic song—which lit a beacon of hope in postwar Japan—in a heartwarming springtime recreation? Created by Shoko Ema and Ikuma Dan, the piece was first introduced to the public on an NHK radio broadcast in April 1947.

Sharing time through music can spark conversations about treasured memories and what life was like back then.

Why not spend a soothing moment together with older adults, feeling the gentle arrival of spring?

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