[For Seniors] Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 70s: A Collection of Nostalgic Spring Tunes

hometownsong

Furusato (♪ The mountain where we chased rabbits ~) by Himawari ×4 [Chorus] With Lyrics [One of Japan’s 100 Famous Songs] FURUSATO Hometown |

Blue mountains, pure waters, and memories of childhood play.

The gentle melody that wraps these scenes of a beloved hometown, along with feelings for family and friends living far away, holds a universal appeal that resonates with everyone.

First published in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, this piece was created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, vividly reflecting the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Japan at the time.

It was sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving countless people.

Its simple, memorable melody in G major and triple meter continues to be sung at life’s milestones, such as graduation and coming-of-age ceremonies.

With lyrics and melody that evoke nostalgia, it is truly a song that stands by all who live away from their hometowns—a work that can be said to symbolize the heart of Japan.

What a nice bath.The Drifters

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.

The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.

The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.

Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your handsKyu Sakamoto

Kyu Sakamoto / If You’re Happy and You Know It (1964–65)

Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.

It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.

Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).

Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.

A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.

It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.

Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?

Happy HinamatsuriLyrics: Hachirō Satō / Music: Koyo Kawamura

Happy Hinamatsuri | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Songs of Japan | Let's light the lanterns

There’s a heartwarming song that enhances the festive mood of Hinamatsuri.

“Ureshii Hinamatsuri” is beloved by a wide range of generations, from children to older adults.

Created by Hachiro Sato and Koyo Kawamura, it has been sung for many years since its release in 1936.

Its charm lies in lyrics that gently depict the scenes and joy of the Doll Festival, paired with a bright and lively melody.

It’s also a song you often hear on TV and radio every March.

How about humming it together with older family members at Hinamatsuri events or during family gatherings? It will surely bring back fond memories.

Album of MemoriesLyrics by Toshi Masuko / Music by Tetsuma Honda

Memory Album / Opening lyrics: ♪ Before we knew it / With easy-to-read lyrics / [Children’s Song]

This song, which evokes a sense of spring, gently recounts memories from kindergarten.

It paints scenes from the changing seasons and brings a warm nostalgia to listeners.

Since its release in 1961, it has continued to be beloved by many.

It has been featured on TV Asahi’s children’s program “Tobidase! Panpororin” and NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it familiar to a wide range of generations.

It’s lovely for seniors to hum along with their grandchildren, too.

A wonderful piece that can be enjoyed across generations while reminiscing about the past.

Aizen BridgeMomoe Yamaguchi

Aizen Bridge

A song that delicately portrays a woman’s complex feelings—her desire not to be bound by the institution of marriage and her anxiety that her partner might grow tired of her in the future—set against the scenery of Kyoto.

Released by Momoe Yamaguchi in December 1979, this track is her 28th single.

The performance strongly emphasizes traditional Japanese elements, and the lyrics incorporating Kyoto dialect leave a strong impression.

The song carefully expresses the emotional pull she feels even as she hesitates over her lover’s proposal.

How about listening to it together with older folks and letting it spark conversations about memories of love and marriage from days gone by? It’s sure to be a lovely conversation starter.

Like a flower, like a birdHiromi Go

Like a flower, like a bird / Hiromi Go

The lyrics beautifully depict a landscape that evokes the arrival of spring, leaving a lasting impression.

Combined with Hiromi Go’s vocals, they seem to convey a pleasant spring atmosphere.

Released in April 1975, the song was beloved by many, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

The lyrics express a gentle coexistence with a loved one “like a flower, like a bird,” filled with kindness that warms the heart.

It’s a perfect song for when the spring weather makes you want to go out, or when you want to spend a peaceful time with someone special.

It would also be lovely to listen to it with older adults and reminisce about youthful days together.