Lovely spring song

Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells

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.

When it comes to spring songs, there are all kinds: songs about cherry blossoms and other flowers, as well as songs that depict farewells with themes like graduation or moving to a big city.

Many such songs set in spring have been sung since the Showa era.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of spring songs recommended for people in their 60s.

We’ve gathered a wide range—from tracks you likely listened to in your youth to songs you may have discovered as an adult—so please take your time, read the lyrics, and listen closely.

Spring songs for people in their 60s to enjoy: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells (1–10)

MY GRADUATIONThe Checkers

MY GRADUATION

MY GRADUATION Checkers

A gemlike ballad that richly portrays the milestone of graduation.

Set to a gentle melody, it tenderly depicts scenes like exchanging buttons on school uniforms and walking together to the station.

Looking back on memories from ages 16 to 18, it masterfully conveys both the sweetness of young love and the poignancy of parting.

Included on The Checkers’ album “GO” and released in 1987, it was the group’s first self-produced work, with lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music by Susumu Takeuchi.

Deeply rooted in Japan’s music scene as a staple to hear during graduation season, this song is wholeheartedly recommended for anyone who cherishes memories of their youth.

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Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (with lyrics)

Farewell Words by Kaientai

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

Its lyrics about the sadness 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 3B.” If you sing it together with older adults, it might spark lively conversations about fond memories.

Consider including it in your facility’s recreational activities.

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A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi

A Fine Day for a Journey / Momoe Yamaguchi – with lyrics – high-quality CD audio

A Good Day to Set Out – Momoe Yamaguchi

This song, which sings of departure and hope, is a classic that resonates with many older listeners.

Momoe Yamaguchi’s gentle yet powerful voice gives listeners a push forward.

Released in November 1978, it was also used as a campaign song for Japan National Railways.

It is often performed at life’s milestones, such as graduation and weddings, and is loved across generations.

March brings the feeling of spring’s arrival.

In this season of new beginnings, why not listen to this song, bask in nostalgic memories, and feel hope for tomorrow?

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Spring songs for people in their 60s to listen to: A roundup of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells (11–20)

It was spring, wasn’t it?Takuro Yoshida

It Was Spring (Live at Tsumagoi 2006)

It was spring, wasn’t it, Takuro Yoshida.

It’s a classic song that beautifully depicts a spring landscape.

Takuro Yoshida’s gentle voice vividly brings back memories of springs gone by.

Included on his 1972 album “Genki desu.”, this piece features lyrics that strikingly intertwine the fleeting nature of spring with the poignancy of love.

It’s wonderful to listen to alone on a quiet night, and also perfect for enjoying with someone special while reminiscing together.

A heartwarming track you’ll want to play every time you feel the arrival of spring.

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Lingering Snowdolphin

Iruka / Nagori-yuki (with Kōsetsu Minami & Shōzō Ise) “Iruka with Friends Vol.10 (2014)”

Lingering Snow Dolphin

Nagori-Yuki, a classic that symbolizes spring.

It portrays the bittersweet feelings of a man seeing off a woman returning to her hometown while quietly harboring a faint affection for her.

The coined term “Nagori-Yuki” by lyricist Shozo Ise beautifully expresses the sorrow and lingering attachment of parting.

Popularized by Iruka’s cover, the song has continued to be loved by many, its nostalgic tone evoking the Showa era.

Released in 1975, the track appears on the single “Nagori-Yuki” and the album “Kimagure.” In particular, the album “Kimagure” is renowned as a masterpiece that sold over 500,000 copies.

Why not listen at a leisurely pace during spring’s slightly wistful weather? It’s a gem that vividly captures the atmosphere of the 1970s.

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Lingering SnowPrincess Kaguya

Kaguyahime – Nagori Yuki (Official Audio)

Nagori-yuki Kaguya-hime

A classic song that beautifully depicts a winter farewell.

The words woven by Masakazu Ise, a member of Kaguyahime, resonate deeply in the heart.

You can picture a man and woman lingering on a station platform, reluctant to part, their unspoken feelings piling up like falling snow.

Released in March 1974, it became a major hit with Iruka’s cover, selling a total of 800,000 copies.

It’s cherished as a graduation song and continues to be loved as a piece that accompanies many moments of parting.

For older listeners too, it’s surely a memorable song.

It gently stays close to the hearts of those who have experienced farewells with someone dear.

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the first strong spring windCandies

The First Spring Wind / CANDIES

Haru Ichiban Candies

One of Candies’ signature songs, it celebrates the arrival of spring and the sense of anticipation for new beginnings.

The catchy chorus stands out, expressing the changing season’s scenery along with hints of romance and an uplifting mood.

Released in March 1976, it became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the weekly Oricon chart.

Listening to this song brings a buoyant feeling, as if your heart is dancing in the spring sunshine.

If you listen to it with older adults, it might spark lively conversations about memories from their youth.

On a day when you can feel spring in the air, why not open the window and give it a listen?

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