Spring songs from the early Showa era: a collection of kayōkyoku and shōka that evoke spring
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.
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Spring songs from the early Showa era: A collection of kayōkyoku and shōka that evoke spring (11–20)
Nineteen SpringsKagurazaka Uki
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.
Early Spring Odeshouka
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.
The Apple SongNamiki Michiko
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.
Song of Springtsukimura mitsuko
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.
Flowershouka
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?