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 (51–60)

Flowers and Sunshine of a Spring Day

Flowers of a Spring Day, Shining — Saori Yuki & Sachiko Yasuda

Flowers and Sunshine of a Spring Day

The youth and beauty of a loved one inevitably change with time.

Yet this work is a gem of a love song that gently embraces those changes while proclaiming that the bonds of the heart remain eternal.

Set to a traditional Irish melody, its calm and warm vow of love resonates deeply.

First published in 1807, it has also been cherished as Harvard University’s alma mater and as a hymn.

In Japan, thanks to Keizo Horiuchi’s beautiful Japanese lyrics—and recordings by sisters Saori Yuki and Sachiko Yasuda—it has won the hearts of many.

It is often sung at life’s milestones, such as weddings and graduations, as a testament to unchanging love.

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Early Spring OdeLyrics by Kazumasa Yoshimaru / Music by Akira Nakata

Early Spring Ode | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Spring in name only, the chill of the wind

Early Spring Song Lyrics by Kazumasa Yoshimaru / Music by Akira Nakata

Composed in 1913 by Kazumasa Yoshimaru (lyrics) and Akira Nakata (music), this piece vividly captures both the anticipation for the warm season and the lingering chill of early spring.

With delicate imagery—such as the song of the bush warbler, melting ice, and reeds beginning to sprout—you can truly feel the breath of spring.

Familiar to many older adults, this work is perfect for recreational singing, allowing people to enjoy the music while reminiscing about fond memories.

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Moon over the Ruined CastleLyrics by Bansui Doi / Music by Rentarō Taki

Moon over the Ruined Castle / Full version with easy-to-read lyric subtitles (Verses 1–4) Music: Rentaro Taki Arrangement: Kósçak Yamada Lyrics: Bansui Doi

Kojo no Tsuki Lyrics by Bansui Doi / Music by Rentaro Taki

A celebrated piece inspired by the beauty of Japan’s spring was created in the Meiji era by Bansui Doi and Rentarō Taki.

Set against the ruins of a castle bathed in moonlight, it poignantly sings of the splendor of a spring banquet and the transience of a changing world.

Revived along with fond memories, the work is frequently used in films and dramas, and its emotive melody continues to linger in many hearts.

Cherished and passed down through a long history, this piece allows listeners to experience rich sensitivity and deep sentiment within a gently flowing sense of time.

As soothing music for a quiet night, we hope you will enjoy it together with us.

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Tokyo RhapsodyIchiro Fujiyama

Tokyo Rhapsody, nostalgic song, Tokyo

Tokyo Rhapsody Ichiro Fujiyama

A classic song representing 1936 (Showa 11) was born in a work set in Ginza, Kanda, Asakusa, and Shinjuku, portrayed in a pure and light foxtrot style.

Ichiro Fujiyama’s beautiful voice elegantly sings of urban scenes and a love story.

This piece, which vividly brings to mind the bustling districts of Tokyo at the time, became a massive hit, selling 350,000 copies.

It was Fujiyama’s first release after moving to Teichiku, and a film of the same title was later produced, cementing its status as a beloved song that symbolizes the Showa era.

It’s a perfect track for a calm moment or when reminiscing about the past.

Enjoy a heartwarming time discussing what Tokyo was like back then together with older listeners.

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[For Seniors] Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 90s: A Collection of Showa-Era Spring Tunes (61–70)

Ladybug SambaCherish

Ladybug Samba Cherish 1973

Ladybug Samba Cherish

Let me introduce a lovely song that captures the arrival of spring.

Its bright, buoyant rhythm and lyrics depicting tiny creatures celebrating a wedding are especially memorable.

Released in July 1973, it was a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It has long been cherished as a classic wedding song.

For many older listeners, it may also bring back fond memories.

It’s perfect when you want to savor the cheerful atmosphere of spring or lift your spirits.

If everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to become a wonderful time filled with smiles.

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era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima

Era - Live 2010–11 (from Tokyo International Forum Hall A)

Era – Miyuki Nakajima

March brings the feeling that spring has arrived.

Among Miyuki Nakajima’s songs, there is one that fits this season perfectly.

This piece sings of life’s joys and sorrows, of meetings and partings.

Released in 1975, it won the Grand Prix at the Popular Song Contest.

Its gentle melody and profound lyrics speak to the listener’s heart.

It has been featured at graduation ceremonies and in music textbooks, and is loved across generations.

It is also a familiar song for older adults.

Why not hum it together with your family and friends, along with nostalgic memories? It will surely warm your heart.

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On the Day of DepartureLyrics by Noboru Kojima / Music by Hiromi Sakamoto

[Chorus Song] On the Day of Departure / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #chorus #classchorus #graduationsong #choruscontest

On the Day of Departure Lyrics: Noboru Kojima / Music: Hiromi Sakamoto

There is a song that many older adults love, often associated with the arrival of spring and graduation season.

Originally created at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture as a gift to graduating students, it has since become a standard performed at schools across Japan.

With hopeful lyrics and a bright melody, it conveys courage and determination for a new beginning.

It also gained attention when it was used in a commercial featuring SMAP.

It’s a wonderful song that lets you look back on nostalgic memories while feeling hopeful about the future.

Why not listen to it together with older adults as an opportunity to reflect on life’s milestones?

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