[For Seniors in Their 80s] Recommended Summer Songs: From Enka and School Songs to Folk Songs

Summer MemoriesTakagi Toshiko to Vooche Anjerika

Summer Memories

“Natsu no Omoide” (Summer Memories) is a classic song that every Japanese person has heard at least once.

Its beautiful lyrics, which evoke the great outdoors of Oze, and its gentle melody are truly captivating.

Listening to this piece makes you feel as if you’re strolling through Oze, filling you with an indescribable sense of awe.

It became a major hit following an NHK radio broadcast in 1949 and has continued to be cherished ever since.

Please take your time and enjoy a leisurely moment as you bask in nostalgic memories.

Aoba Castle Love Songsatou muneyuki

Aoba Castle Love Song - Muneyuki Satō YouTube

A lyric song that poetically celebrates the beautiful scenery of Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture.

Known as the City of Trees, Sendai’s natural beauty and tender feelings of love are artfully interwoven into the lyrics, and Muneyuki Sato’s clear, transparent voice resonates deeply.

Released as his debut in May 1978, the song reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts and ranked 31st on the year-end chart, making it a popular hit.

It has become a representative song of Sendai, even being used as the departure melody at JR Senseki Line’s Sendai Station.

With its gentle melody and evocative lyrics, this piece is perfect for leisurely enjoyment while reminiscing.

It’s a wonderful song that can evoke fond memories and invite older listeners to hum along.

Beware of summerSakurada Junko

Beware of summer

A classic song that paints nostalgic yet sweet summer scenes.

Junko Sakurada’s beautiful voice captures the flutter of a bittersweet summer crush.

Released in May 1976, this track is also known for being performed at the 27th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It evokes a vividly drawn summer afternoon, with sun-warmed sand slipping from tanned skin.

The charming heart of a young woman telling herself “Careful, careful” as she’s nearly swayed by sweet temptation is utterly endearing.

An eternal piece of summer pop, highly recommended for those who remember summers of the Shōwa era.

17 years oldMinami Saori

Saori Minami, 17 years old

Saori Minami’s signature song “17-sai” is a classic that gracefully sings of youthful sparkle and tender first love.

When it was released in 1971, Minami herself was 17.

Her fresh vocals and lyrics, expressing feelings true to her age, likely resonated with people of the same generation.

The song beautifully portrays the delicate emotions of a heart swayed by love, felt most keenly in the midst of youth.

Listening to her voice flowing over the gentle sound makes you feel as if you’ve become the protagonist of a drama.

It’s also a great song for people in their 80s to revisit their own youthful days.

Tokyo Ondomin’yō

Tokyo Ondo - With Guide [Let’s Dance Together! Bon Odori]

Born in 1933 (Showa 8), this is a classic Bon Odori song that represents Japan.

Its lyrics charmingly sing about Tokyo’s famous spots—like the flowers of Ueno and the willows of Ginza—and its light, friendly melody is very appealing.

The rhythm incorporates the flavor of Kagoshima’s folk song “Ohara-bushi,” making it beloved across generations.

Created by Yaso Saijo and Shinpei Nakayama, it was performed by Katsutaro Kouta and Issei Mishima.

Premiered at a Bon Odori festival held in Hibiya Park, it has long resonated with people as a symbol of Tokyo’s recovery and community revitalization.

Filled with nostalgia and perfect for moving your body with joy, this Bon Odori standard is an ideal choice for summer recreation.

Summer MemoriesSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

Summer Memories | With Lyrics | When summer comes, I remember | A lyrical song for adults / Radio Kayō | Romanized: JP subs / English: EN subs

This is a beloved song that weaves nostalgic memories set in Oze.

Written by Shoko Ema with music by Yoshinao Nakada, it is a beautiful Japanese art song that delicately portrays scenes of nature and brings us the dreams and hopes lost after the war.

Since its first broadcast on NHK Radio in June 1949, its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics have left a deep impression on many listeners.

It was sung by Ichiro Fujiyama in 1954 and featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, making it cherished across generations.

Rooted in Japan’s musical culture for many years, it was selected in 2006 for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Humming its melody, imbued with love for abundant nature, brings nostalgic landscapes to mind.

Shall we bask together in the pleasant memories of summer?

We are children of the sea.gasshou

Singing and Music Activities at the Day Service (2): We Are Children of the Sea [Fukukuru]

“Ware wa Umi no Ko” (I Am a Child of the Sea) is a recommended song for August.

Raising your voice isn’t just great for relieving stress; it also really helps improve your cardiopulmonary function.

Take deep breaths and sing children’s songs and beautiful Japanese tunes together in harmony—there are so many benefits, including better sleep.

Even if you feel shy about singing alone, you’ll surely enjoy it when you sing with others.

Advanced singers, try two-part or three-part harmonies.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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