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

Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda “Red Sweet Pea” (from Seikoland: Budokan Live ’83)

Many people have likely been captivated by Seiko Matsuda’s cuteness and charisma.

This work is one of the most popular among her songs and is said to be one of her personal favorites.

Released in January 1982, the song expresses the arrival of spring and budding romance in a fresh, breezy way.

It might be the perfect tune for looking back on nostalgic memories, lured by the cheerful warmth of spring.

The Apple SongMichiko Namiki

Apple Song, 1945 (Sung by Michiko Namiki)

This masterpiece, woven by Michiko Namiki’s clear singing voice, is a celebrated song that lit a beacon of hope in postwar Japan.

Brimming with gentleness, the piece sings of love with a pure heart while gazing up at the blue sky, resonating deeply with people of the time.

The memories of sound etched in monaural audio vividly convey the atmosphere of early Showa.

Released to the world as the theme song for the film “Soyokaze,” which premiered in October 1945, it was issued as a record the following January.

The warm melody crafted by lyricist Hachirō Satō and composer Tadashi Manjōme became a source of comfort for people living through the postwar reconstruction period.

It is a song to be enjoyed while sensing the arrival of spring, together with fond memories.

A Letter Waiting for SpringTakuro Yoshida

A Letter Waiting for Spring

This is a classic song by Takuro Yoshida that portrays a man and a woman, far apart from each other, sharing their feelings through letters.

Released in October 1979, it peaked at No.

52 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Inspired by real letters exchanged between director Shunichi Jinyama and his wife Naoko, the song conveys the ache of longing, carried by Yoshida’s warm voice and melody.

Included on several renowned albums, such as ONLY YOU 〜since coming For Life〜 and Yoshida Takuro Best 60, it remains beloved across generations.

It is a song that resonates with those in long-distance relationships or anyone whose heart is filled with thoughts of someone dear, evoking a gentle tenderness and wistfulness like waiting for the arrival of spring.

I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE

Haretara Ii ne by Dreams Come True at the House of Blues Anaheim

It was in October 1992 that a heartwarming masterpiece was born—one that depicts childhood experiences in nature, filled with nostalgic memories and love for family.

Richly emotional lyrics trace memories of time spent with family in early childhood and the evolving parent-child relationship that comes with growing up.

Through this classic, DREAMS COME TRUE beautifully captures the scenery of a nature-rich hometown and the bonds between parents and children.

Selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hirari and included on the album The Swinging Star, the work achieved phenomenal sales in Japan at the time.

The exquisite melody—where Miwa Yoshida’s vocals and Masato Nakamura’s arrangement blend perfectly—has continued to be cherished as a springtime anthem, a song that comforts those longing for the arrival of spring.

When the cherry blossoms bloomMisato Watanabe

Misato Watanabe — When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom

It’s a perfect song for the spring season when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Misato Watanabe’s gentle vocals tenderly embrace nostalgic memories and farewells with loved ones.

Released in March 1988, it became one of her signature songs.

The lyrics are striking, teaching us the importance of cherishing days gone by as beautiful memories, like cherry blossom petals dancing on the spring breeze.

It’s a must-listen not only for those who have experienced graduation or parting, but also for anyone facing new encounters or challenges.

When the spring weather tempts you to go for a walk, give it a listen.

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?

era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima

Era - Live 2010–11 (from Tokyo International Forum Hall A)

March brings the feeling that spring has arrived.

Among Miyuki Nakajima’s songs, there is one that fits this season perfectly.

This piece sings of life’s joys and sorrows, of meetings and partings.

Released in 1975, it won the Grand Prix at the Popular Song Contest.

Its gentle melody and profound lyrics speak to the listener’s heart.

It has been featured at graduation ceremonies and in music textbooks, and is loved across generations.

It is also a familiar song for older adults.

Why not hum it together with your family and friends, along with nostalgic memories? It will surely warm your heart.