For seniors: Recommended youthful songs for people in their 90s. A collection of classic Showa-era hits.

Spring Night

Spring Night – Miyagi Michio

This piece beautifully portrays a scene where the pure tones of the koto reverberate through a spring evening wrapped in silence.

Released in 1914 (Taisho 3), it is known as a masterpiece of Japanese music composed by Michio Miyagi at the young age of twenty.

It delicately depicts a man, guided by the sound of the koto on a night scented with white plum blossoms, experiencing a fleeting encounter with a beautiful woman.

The melodies Miyagi wove after overcoming blindness gracefully express the quiet of a spring night and the subtleties of the human heart, opening a new horizon for traditional Japanese music.

This work is recommended for those who wish to feel the changing seasons of Japan and the nuances of emotion.

On a tranquil spring night, why not surrender yourself to the harmonies of koto and shakuhachi?

Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda - Red Sweet Pea (with lyrics)

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

The lyrics exquisitely balance pure young love with a slightly more mature romantic feeling, and are sprinkled with seasonal imagery such as a spring-colored train and April rain.

A gem born from the remarkable talents of lyricist Takashi Matsumoto and composer Yumi Matsutoya, it was released in January 1982.

The song was also used in a commercial for Fujifilm’s cosmetics brand “ASTALIFT,” which drew attention for featuring Miyuki Nakajima.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to quietly by the window on a gentle spring day, offering a heartwarming moment along with a touch of nostalgia.

spring thunderbutterbur sprout

Butterbur Sprouts / Spring Thunder ≪Lyrics≫ (1980)

This is a single released in February 1979 by Fuki no Tō, a duo from Hokkaido, gently expressing the feeling of the coming of spring.

Its poetic worldview—overlaying the fleeting scattering of cherry blossoms with a sense of loss in life—leaves a strong impression.

The tender tones of the acoustic guitar and the duo’s perfectly synchronized harmonies create a deeply moving resonance.

The song was first performed on the TV show “Yoru no Hit Studio,” and was later included on the album “Jinsei・Haru・Ōdan.” The lyrically rich words evoke memories of one’s hometown and youthful days, stirring a pleasant nostalgia.

How about humming along or clapping hands together with older listeners, and feeling the pleasant spring breeze?

school daysPeggy Hayama

school days

A song filled with youthful memories comes back to life in the voice of Peggy Hayama.

Released in 1964, this piece richly portrays student life at a mission school.

Prayers in the chapel, memories with friends, studying in the library, and fleeting first love—nostalgic scenes come vividly to mind.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1965 and went on to become a million-seller.

Beloved as a standard song for graduations and reunions, it may prompt older listeners to reflect on their own school days.

Why not hum along, together with your cherished memories?

Flowers and Sunshine of a Spring Day

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

The youth and beauty of a loved one are things that change with time.

Yet this work is a gemlike love song that gently embraces such change while proclaiming that the bonds of the heart remain eternal.

Set to a traditional Irish melody, its calm and heartfelt vow of love sinks deep into the soul.

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

In Japan, thanks to Keizo Horiuchi’s beautiful translation, it has been widely loved and included on the sisters Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda’s album, among others.

Often sung at life’s milestones—such as weddings and graduation ceremonies—it serves as a testament to unchanging love.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (with lyrics)

Do you have any nostalgic melodies that make you feel the warmth of spring sunshine the moment you hear them? Kaientai’s classic “Okuru Kotoba” is a heartwarming piece filled with messages perfect for graduation season.

Its lyrics about the sorrow of parting, the courage to trust others, and the depth of love truly resonate.

Released in November 1979, the song also became well-known as the theme for the popular TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” Singing it together with older adults might spark lively conversations about fond memories.

Consider incorporating it into recreational activities at your facility.

Your NameShigeko Orei

Your Name

Released in 1953, “Kimi no Na wa” (What Is Your Name?) is one of Shigeo Orai’s signature songs and was a major hit at the time.

Its lyrics, delicately and poignantly expressing lost love, nostalgia, and feelings for time gone by, resonate deeply with listeners.

Recorded as the theme song for a radio drama of the same name, it went on to sell 1.

1 million copies.

It was adapted into a film the following year, further boosting its popularity.

Beloved across generations, this song is likely to bring back memories of youth for those in their 90s.

Please enjoy it together with your family.