Lovely hit song

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

When you hear “spring,” what songs come to mind?In the early Showa era, spanning from before to after the war, many popular songs, school songs, and children’s songs were created that delicately captured the changing seasons.In this special feature, we present a rich selection of songs and school songs about spring from that time.Some of the linked audio-video materials use original recordings from the era, so please savor the spring air of those days along with the retro sound.We hope you enjoy a gentle springtime, humming along to these nostalgic melodies.

Spring songs from the early Showa era: A collection of kayōkyoku and shōka that evoke spring (11–20)

spring breeze, spring rainYamaguchi Yoshiko

Spring Breeze, Spring Rain (Hold Me)

spring breeze, spring rainYamaguchi Yoshiko

A Showa-era ballad distinguished by the exotic mood evoked by the huqin’s timbre and its heartrending vocals.

The singer is Yoshiko Yamaguchi, who enjoyed an international career.

Released in 1952 (Showa 27) as an insert song for the film “The Woman of Shanghai,” the piece actually exists in two versions—Japanese and Chinese.

The Japanese lyrics were by Tokiko Iwatani, the Chinese lyrics by Jin Ren, and the composition by Chu Min.

Its longing to be held by a loved one conjures the damp atmosphere of a spring night.

The Chinese version heard in the film was issued at the time in Hong Kong as a 78 rpm record, and the song can be seen as emblematic of Yamaguchi’s allure as an actress.

It’s a track you’ll want to play on a gently rainy spring night, when you wish to sit quietly and sink into your thoughts.

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Tulipdōyō

Tulip

Tulipdōyō

With the arrival of spring, that flower which brightens the flowerbeds—isn’t it the one from a children’s song everyone has hummed at least once? The lyrics depict rows of blossoms in vivid reds, whites, and yellows, and, while simple, they brim with a gentle warmth as they affirm that each flower is beautiful in its own way.

In fact, this piece first appeared in July 1932 in the publication Picture Book Songs: Summer Edition, where the lyricist’s name was withheld; later, after a court case, Miyako Kondo was recognized as the author.

It was recorded in 1933, and ever since it has been cherished at kindergarten entrance ceremonies and other spring events.

It’s perfect as a first song for little children to sing, and it’s also lovely to listen to its nostalgic melody and feel the calm cheer of spring.

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Spring breeze blowing at nightsayo fukuko

Sayofuku Spring Breeze (Takarazuka Revue, dance, Sayofuku Spring Breeze; singer: Sayofukuko)

Spring breeze blowing at nightsayo fukuko

Released in April 1941 to coincide with the Takarazuka Revue’s Moon Troupe dance performance, this piece features vocals by Fukuko Sayo, who at the time was the Moon Troupe leader and a popular otokoyaku (male-role) star.

The lyrics and direction were by Keikichi Okada, with music by Masayuki Iwagōchi, and the arrangement—set to the Takarazuka Orchestra—evokes the atmosphere of a spring night, capturing the theater’s ambiance in all its splendor.

Notably, the song was created as the main theme for the same production, with “Ō-Yamato no Uta” coupled on the B-side of the record.

It served both as a keepsake that rekindled memories of the stage and as music to enjoy spring at home.

Why not spend a retro springtime moment listening to Fukuko Sayo’s elegant singing voice?

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Edo is a spring breezeTakada Kōkichi

Edo is a spring breeze

Edo is a spring breezeTakada Kōkichi

This work sweeps you up into a chic, lighthearted mood, as if you were strolling through Edo in the spring breeze.

Released in May 1954, it’s a song by Koichi Takada, also known as the theme for the Shochiku film “Kuromoncho Denshichi Torimonocho.” With lyrics by Toshio Nomura and music by Tadashi Manjome, its distinctive feature is how the shamisen’s timbre overlays the orchestral accompaniment, beautifully expressing the period drama’s unique East-meets-West charm.

Many listeners may find their hearts leap just hearing it, as the dashing figure of Denshichi, played by Takada in the film, comes vividly to mind.

It’s a perfect classic for soaking in the old-time Edo atmosphere while feeling the cheerfulness of spring.

I hope you’ll experience its unique world at least once.

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The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka

Haruo Oka / The Flower-Selling Girl of Tokyo (sung by the artist himself)

The Flower Girl of Tokyo Haruo Oka

A classic from 1946 that paints a single flower of hope blooming at a Tokyo crossroads where blue willows are budding.

Sung with the warmth of Haruo Oka’s voice, the melody gently embraced people’s hearts during the turmoil of the postwar era.

Through the figure of a young flower seller with a gentle demeanor, the image of Tokyo rising from the ashes comes into view.

The lyrics by Sasa Shio and the composition by Gento Uehara blend beautifully, creating a gem of a song in which a definite hope can be felt even amid loneliness.

This work gracefully depicts the feelings of those seeking to take a new step with the arrival of spring.

It is a moving masterpiece recommended for anyone who wishes to spend a heartwarming moment in the spring sunshine.

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