Spring songs from the early Showa era: a collection of kayōkyoku and shōka that evoke spring

Plum blossoms in the spring breezeShinbashi Kiyozo

Kiyozo of Shinbashi, Spring Breeze on Plum Blossoms

When it comes to flowers that herald the arrival of spring, many people surely think of plum blossoms.

The song “Ume ni Harukaze” (Plum Blossoms in the Spring Breeze), introduced in this article, was a popular tune released in January 1935 and strongly retains the atmosphere of early Showa.

The vocalist was Kiyozo Shinbashi, famed for folk songs and kouta, who later became known as the wife of composer Shinpei Nakayama.

With lyrics by Otoha Shigure and music by Shigeru Tamura, this piece captures the beautiful Japanese scene of plum blossoms and a spring breeze through Kiyozo Shinbashi’s stylish singing voice.

Its light, airy melody evokes the hanamachi and ozashiki culture of the time, making it the kind of song you’ll want to listen to leisurely on a tranquil spring day.

The distinctly retro sound of a prewar popular song is sure to stir a feeling of nostalgia.

Nineteen SpringsKagurazaka Uki

Nineteen Springs - Kagurazaka Ukiko

There is also a song of the same name known as an Okinawan folk tune, but the “Jūkyū no Haru” introduced here is the version that became a huge hit in 1956, sung by Ukiko Kagurazaka, who was called the “last geisha singer.” For Kagurazaka, it was also her breakthrough as a singer; the success of this song catapulted her to stardom and led to an active career as an actress as well.

As the title suggests, the lyrics center on a nineteen-year-old woman, and they richly portray the tender feelings of a young girl who likely suffers a heartbreak without ever confessing her love.

It reminds us that spring is not only a season when things begin, but also when some things come to an end.

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The Apple SongNamiki Michiko

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.

Early Spring Odeshouka

Early Spring Ode | With Lyrics | Spring In Name Only, The Cold Of The Wind | Songs and Lyrical Songs for Adults | Romanized: JP subs / English: EN subs

Composed in 1913 by Kazumasa Yoshimaru (lyrics) and Akira Nakata (music), this piece vividly captures both the anticipation for the warm season and the lingering chill of early spring.

With delicate imagery—such as the song of the bush warbler, melting ice, and reeds beginning to sprout—you can truly feel the breath of spring.

Familiar to many older adults, this work is perfect for recreational singing, allowing people to enjoy the music while reminiscing about fond memories.

Flowershouka

Hana (Flower) — Rentarō Taki (children’s song/school song)

It is a classic children’s song that gently portrays scenes of spring.

A beautiful piece that conjures images of cherry blossoms in full bloom and petals dancing on the spring breeze.

Through the depiction of flowers in their glory, the lyrics express the joy of spring’s arrival.

It’s a familiar song for many older adults as well, so why not hum along together? Nostalgic memories will come flooding back, warming the heart.

It’s also perfect as a companion for a springtime stroll.

Savoring the change of seasons while walking at a relaxed pace sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

Song of Springtsukimura mitsuko

Spring Song by Mitsuko Tsukimura

Released in 1937 (Showa 12), “Haru no Uta” (Song of Spring) became a major hit as one of the “National Popular Songs” broadcast over the radio before the war to promote wholesome music to the public.

It is a representative spring song from the early Showa period.

The vocalist was Mitsuko Watanabe, who at the time was a teacher at Tokyo Music School and also recorded as a singer.

When “Haru no Uta” was released, it was issued under the name Mitsuko Tsukimura, reflecting her marital status, but Watanabe is also known for using multiple stage names throughout her career.

Her radiant singing, together with lyrics depicting cheerful townspeople welcoming the arrival of spring, conveys the timeless atmosphere of the season—a time that, in any era, naturally lifts people’s spirits.

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Hate and the spring breezeFujimoto Nisankichi

Hate and Spring Breeze Fumiko Fujimoto

Have you ever found yourself, carried by the spring breeze, suddenly thinking of someone? The song Nikuya Harukaze is charming in how the word “nikuya” in the title doesn’t mean hatred, but rather expresses a chic, Edo-style feeling like “how delightfully irresistible” or “so stylish.” Released by Victor in April of 1931 as a new record, it features lyrics by Shinsui Itō and music by Keizō Saitō, radiating a modern allure as a “jazz-style popular song” of its time.

It’s sung by Fumiko Fujimoto, famed as the “Nightingale Geisha,” whose beautifully trained melodic phrasing from the hauta tradition blends with an urbane sensibility to transport listeners to a modern spring of early Shōwa.

It’s the perfect track for when the spring air puts you in a slightly retro mood to enjoy a drink, or when you want to touch the refined stirrings of an adult romance.