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

Mischief of the spring breezeMomoe Yamaguchi

Momoe Yamaguchi – Prank of the Spring Breeze

With the arrival of spring, a timeless masterpiece was born.

The lyrics gently express tender first love and poignant emotions, portraying the delicate feelings of a girl walking through the city in the spring breeze.

Momoe Yamaguchi’s pure, clear voice beautifully conveys the wavering heart of a young woman.

Released in March 1974, the song was used as the theme for the film “The Dancing Girl of Izu,” and became a major topic of conversation.

Together with the film, which showcased Yamaguchi’s charm as an actress to the fullest, it remains deeply etched in many people’s hearts.

It’s a perfect song for spending a peaceful moment in the warmth of spring or reminiscing about cherished memories.

Why not enjoy it with older listeners, sharing nostalgia while feeling the arrival of spring?

The Splendor of the PrairieAgnes Chan

The Shine of the Grasslands / Agnes Chan (with lyrics)

Amidst nature’s rich scenery, a name echoes and the wind’s sound brings tears.

While listening to the babbling of a brook, this moving song by Agnes Chan celebrates moments spent in a meadow scented with lotus blossoms.

As wild strawberries are picked, pure thoughts of a dearly loved one far away blend beautifully with her clear, translucent voice.

Released in 1973, the song became a major hit with sales exceeding one million copies, and it was chosen as the entrance march for the spring National High School Baseball Invitational in 1974.

As a springtime song that evokes the beauty of nature and the season of new journeys, it’s a perfect nostalgic tune to hum together with older listeners.

Apple SongMichiko Namiki

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki - Showa-era song

A gentle, warm song that likens the object of one’s affection to an apple.

Released in January 1946, it became a classic that drew a major response for the first time in the postwar era.

As the theme song of the film “Soyokaze,” it was performed as a duet by Michiko Namiki and Noboru Kirishima.

Under the blue sky, the way the singer longs for the charming apple is portrayed alongside a refreshing melody.

In the turmoil of the time, it became a ray of hope.

For older listeners, it’s a nostalgic piece that brings back memories of the good old days.

Setting aside time to sing it together in a care facility may well spark lively conversations about happy times gone by.

Lingering Snowdolphin

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

Sung by Iruka, this song has been passed down as a classic of spring, a work that seems to seep into the listener’s heart.

Depicting a scene of parting in early spring, it beautifully portrays lingering feelings and the loneliness of growing up.

Written and composed by Shozo Ise and given a rich, weighty arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was released in March 1975 on the album “Iruka no Sekai,” then as a single in November of the same year, reaching No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a perfect song to spark conversation with older adults.

You’ll likely enjoy a wonderful time sharing nostalgic memories and evocative scenes that resonate in the heart.

SaraiYuzo Kayama

Yuzo Kayama - Sarai (with lyrics)

This is a heartwarming classic that brings back nostalgic memories.

It delicately portrays the feelings of people who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams, and was created by Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura in November 1992 as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” Its title derives from a Persian word meaning a desert oasis or a staging post, and the soothing melody—like a spiritual homeland—leaves a lasting impression.

The piece was composed based on messages of love sent in by viewers from across the country, and even after more than 30 years, it remains deeply etched in many hearts.

It’s a recommended song for times when you want to quietly bask in memories or connect heart-to-heart with someone special.

Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda - Red Sweet Pea (with lyrics)

This is a classic song by Seiko Matsuda, distinguished by its beautiful melody, filled with the scent of spring, and her fresh, radiant vocals.

The lyrics wonderfully balance innocent first love with a hint of mature romance, and are sprinkled with seasonal imagery such as a spring-colored train and April rain.

Written by Takashi Matsumoto and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, this gem was released in January 1982.

It was also used in a commercial for Fujifilm’s skincare brand Astalift, which drew attention for featuring Miyuki Nakajima.

It’s a song best enjoyed on a calm spring day by the window, inviting a warm, heartwarming moment along with fond memories.

Tokyo Boogie-WoogieShizuko Kasagi

Shizuko Kasagi – Tokyo Boogie-Woogie [Music Video]

This classic song by Shizuko Kasagi, a major influence on the Showa-era music scene, stands as a landmark of Japanese pop that brought brightness and vitality to postwar Japan.

Set to the buoyant rhythm of boogie-woogie, it paints a heart-thumping world filled with the joy and hope of youth.

Released by Nippon Columbia in January 1948, it became a record-breaking hit, selling 270,000 copies in its first year.

Its inclusion in the film Drunken Angel helped it win affection across a wide audience.

Etched in people’s hearts alongside memories of the Showa period, this work has the power to evoke nostalgic recollections.

It’s likely to be a treasured song to hum together with older listeners, sharing the happy memories of those days.