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

Rumba of PassionMieko Takamine

The Wind from the Sea — Hamako Watanabe

This piece blends a wistful Latin rhythm with Mieko Takamine’s sultry vocals.

Beyond the lyrics that paint a world of dancing the night away as if to blow away sorrow, the melody alone makes your heart want to dance—it’s simply wonderful.

Released in December 1950, it also served as the theme song for a Shochiku film that opened the same month.

Many listeners likely remember this passionate song alongside the image of Takamine, a silver-screen star.

It’s a perfect classic for moments when you want to bask in memories of your younger days.

Leaving sunny Tosa behindPeggy Hayama

Leaving Tropical Tosa (Peggy Hayama) with Japanese Lyrics

The famous song that sings of Tosa’s beautiful nature and deep love for one’s hometown remains beloved as one of Peggy Hayama’s signature works.

It weaves in Kochi landmarks such as Harimaya Bridge, Katsurahama, and Cape Muroto, and, together with the melody of the Yosakoi-bushi, conveys a feeling rich with nostalgia.

Released by King Records in May 1959, the song was a massive hit, selling about two million copies.

A film of the same title was also released that year, with Peggy Hayama herself appearing in it.

It’s perfect for those who have lived away from their hometown or when you want to recall the beautiful scenery of the countryside.

If you sing it together at a recreation event, it’s sure to spark a lively sharing of fond memories.

Go south from Roppa.Roppa Furukawa

Go south from Roppa.

Roppa Furukawa, who had a remarkable career as a king of comedy in the Showa era, also left behind many delightful songs as a singer.

This piece feels as if you’re listening to a lively comic monologue right before your eyes.

Carried by a rhythmic performance, it conjures up scenes of a trip to the tropics, and just listening to it makes your heart dance.

It was recorded in December 1940, and although he revealed in his diary that he wasn’t good at cutting records, his resonant singing shows not the slightest trace of that—truly impressive.

You can also hear it on the album “Roppa Furukawa Masterpieces.” It might be the perfect spark to get conversations going during a summer gathering with friends.

seasong

Sea | with lyrics | Ministry of Education shoka (school song) | Where the distant pine groves fade

When it comes to songs that evoke the quintessential summer scenes of Japan, many people might recall this melody.

The glitter of the daytime sea beyond the pine groves, and the calm of the night sea with fishing fires gently swaying—these beautiful images seep into the heart, carried by the unhurried tune.

The song first appeared in March 1941.

Even amid wartime, this work sings of the grandeur of nature and the peaceful rhythms of people’s lives, and it has continued to be loved across generations—earning first place in 2000 in the “Sea Songs We Want to Preserve for the 21st Century.” Why not hum it together with your family as you trace memories from your childhood?

tea pickingsong

Tea Picking | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | The 88th Night as Summer Approaches

Around the time you start to feel summer approaching, aren’t there many who find themselves humming this tune without thinking? Just hearing the opening lines will surely make anyone say, “Ah, that song,” and feel a wave of nostalgia.

This piece is said to be a school song composed around 1910, and it has become widely loved through textbooks.

Beyond its gentle melody, the lyrics are wonderful—vividly depicting fresh, dewy sprouts and the lively scenes of tea picking.

When everyone hums it together, you may be filled with a warm feeling, as if a pleasant breeze brings back the landscapes of days gone by.

VacationMieko Hirota

Mieko Hirota - Vacation

A classic summer song featuring the powerful vocals of Mieko Hirota—affectionately known as “Punch no Miko-chan.” The moment you hear its distinctive calls, it feels like an invitation to a heart-thumping vacation.

Released in October 1962 as a cover of a Western song, it celebrates the joys of holidays not just in summer, but across all seasons.

Beyond her commanding singing, the song’s hopeful atmosphere evokes Japan’s bright future as it headed into the period of rapid economic growth—simply the best.

Some may remember that this piece marked her first appearance at the 13th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, where she gained nationwide popularity.

It’s a tune that will naturally bring smiles when everyone hums along.

The Life of Mutsu (Including “A Thousand Ryō of Guts”)Hideo Murata

The Life of Mutsu (Including “A Thousand Ryō of Guts”)

This is a song by Hideo Murata, who, with a commanding voice honed through rokyoku narrative singing, proudly gives voice to the spirit of a Kyushu man.

With personal conviction and “guts worth a thousand ryō” in his heart, the protagonist lives straightforwardly despite his awkwardness—evoking a scene straight out of a yakuza film.

Released as a single in July 1958, the piece resonated with many, overlapping with the imagery of the film of the same name.

Casting the sorrow of an unrequited love into the rough waves of the Genkai Sea and facing forward to the beat of festival drums, he embodies a strength tempered by a bittersweet humanity.

Perhaps it speaks deeply to the hearts of those who have weathered a turbulent era.