Lovely senior life

Recommended summer songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era summer tracks [2025]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
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.

As of 2025, those of you in your 90s are people who spent your teenage years during the difficult times of the war and postwar period.

After reaching adulthood, the era of rapid economic growth arrived, and you lived through the turbulent Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.

So, what songs come to mind when you think of summer? In this article, we’ve researched and compiled songs that 90-year-olds might remember—from children’s songs and choral pieces from their youth to popular tunes and enka they likely enjoyed as adults.

It’s designed to be enjoyable for three generations of a family, so please take this opportunity to have a look.

Recommended Summer Songs for People in Their 90s: A Collection of Showa-Era Summer Tracks [2025] (31–40)

Flamenco of the StarsTeruhiko Saigō

Stellar Flamenco, Teruhiko Saigō

Hoshi no Flamenco Teruhiko Saigō

This song, set to a passionate flamenco rhythm, expresses the tender feelings of young love.

Released in 1966, it gained wide support alongside Teruhiko Saigō’s powerful vocals.

It attracted attention as an innovative attempt to incorporate flamenco elements into Japanese kayōkyoku.

As one of his signature songs, it has been included in numerous music albums.

In recent years, it has also become familiar as an insert song on the variety show “Can I Charge My Battery? Tetsurō Degawa’s Journey.” Well known among seniors, this piece is one that can be enjoyed with a sense of nostalgia.

With its warm vocals and captivating melody, it will keep you smiling even on hot summer days.

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The season the sun gave usBlue triangular ruler

The Season Given by the Sun (with lyrics) Aoi Sankaku Jōgi

The Season Given by the Sun - Blue Triangle Ruler

With its warm sound and heartwarming message about cherishing bonds with friends, this song shines as a theme for a coming-of-age drama.

Featuring the gentle tone characteristic of folk music, it resonates deeply alongside precious memories.

Released in February 1972, it is known as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Tobidase! Seishun” and stands as a signature work of Aoi Sankaku Jōgi.

It was later included in music textbooks and has become widely beloved as a school choral piece.

It’s a song that naturally brings smiles when everyone sings along together, sure to revive nostalgic memories.

It’s also perfect for summer recreation or for enjoying while doing exercises.

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Beach of MemoriesThe Wild Ones

Omoide no Nagisa (Memories of the Beach) / The Wild Ones (1966)

The Beach of Memories — The Wild Ones

The Wild Ones’ “Omoide no Nagisa” (Shore of Memories) is a classic that portrays a bittersweet summer romance by the sea.

Its distinctive guitar sound pairs beautifully with lyrics that depict seaside scenery.

Reading the lyrics brings back nostalgic memories of past love.

Released in 1966, the song was a major hit, selling over a million copies.

It’s a familiar tune for many older listeners as well.

It’s perfect for listening while gazing at the ocean, and also great for singing along.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment reminiscing about the old days?

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Song of the Four SeasonsLyrics and music by: Toyohisa Araki

Song of the Four Seasons | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Those who love spring are people with pure hearts

Song of the Four Seasons Lyrics and Music: Toyohisa Araki

Under the gentle sunshine of spring, a timeless Showa-era classic resonates deep in the heart.

In Toyohisa Araki’s work, the beauty of Japan’s four seasons and his feelings toward people are exquisitely captured within a warm melody.

Born from gratitude toward nurses during a hospital stay, this piece was introduced on Nippon Broadcasting’s “Aozora Wide,” where it received an overwhelming response, and Yoko Seri’s performance went on to become a million seller.

The tenderly drawn seasonal scenes and the deep affection for friends and family evoke a tranquil passage of time.

It’s a wonderful song that invites you to reminisce and reflect on bonds with loved ones.

Perfect for a relaxing music recreation session for seniors.

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Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Tokiko Kato

Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Love) Tokiko Kato 55th Anniversary

Shiretoko Traveler’s Sentiment by Tokiko Kato

Tokiko Kato’s “Shiretoko Ryōjō” is a classic that portrays the beautiful nature of Shiretoko and the ache of a bittersweet love.

The lyrics vividly evoke Shiretoko’s scenery—rugosa roses, Kunashiri Island, and the white nights—leaving a lasting impression.

Memories with a lover and scenes of parting are sung with rich emotion.

Released in 1970, it spent seven consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart and became a massive hit with over 1.

4 million copies sold.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and even included in junior high school music textbooks, making it beloved across generations.

A heartwarming song that brings back fond memories—you might even find yourself getting a bit teary as you recall a youthful romance.

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Recommended summer songs for people in their 90s. A roundup of Showa-era summer tunes [2025] (41–50)

Summer Memoriessong

Summer Memories Natsunoomoide / Opening lyrics ♪ When summer comes, I remember / With easy-to-read lyrics [Japanese song Japanese traditional song]

Summer Memories Hymn

Released shortly after the war, “Summer Memories” is a heartwarming school song that depicts the natural beauty of Oze.

It sings of scenes fondly recalled with the arrival of summer—flowers like skunk cabbage and rhododendron, and landscapes wrapped in mist.

The poetry by Shoko Ema and the music by Yoshinao Nakata match beautifully, stirring a deep sense of nostalgia in listeners.

For many years, this song has been sung in schools and at local events, beloved across generations.

How about softly humming it by the window on a quiet afternoon? It will surely bring back cherished memories of summers past.

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Summer has comesong

Summer Has Come — Song Ayano Nonomura / pf Masakazu Inui

Summer Has Come, Song

“Natsu wa Kinu” is a traditional Japanese song that beautifully depicts early summer landscapes.

Its lyrics are sprinkled with seasonal symbols like deutzia blossoms, cuckoos, and early-summer rains, making it a classic that lets you feel the arrival of summer just by listening.

Since its release in 1896, it has been loved by many for over a century.

It has even been featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and is cherished as a tune people of all ages can hum along to.

Singing it together with older adults may bring back fond memories of summers past.

It’s also a perfect song for those moments when you want to ease the summer heat just a little.

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