[For Seniors] Songs to Hum Together on Mother’s Day: A Collection of Classics that Convey Gratitude

It’s Tokyo, MomShimakura Chiyoko

It's Tokyo, Mom.

Chiyoko Shimakura’s “Tokyo Dayo Okkasan” is a song released on March 10, 1957.

The lyrics were written by Toshio Nomura, and the music was composed by Toru Funamura.

It’s a piece that sings of the bond between parent and child as they visit Tokyo’s famous landmarks, featuring lyrics familiar to many older listeners.

Nostalgic places like Nijubashi, Kudanzaka, and Asakusa make appearances.

At the time of its release, it was also used as a film theme song and became a major hit, selling 1.5 million copies.

It’s great for Mother’s Day events—sing it as a chorus or enjoy it with your mother while reminiscing.

You’re sure to be soothed by Shimakura’s gentle vocals.

MotherMori Masako

Masako Mori, Mother

“Okaasan” (“Mother”) is a song released by Masako Mori in 1974 and is a classic that expresses gratitude and love for one’s mother.

The lyrics reflect on a mother’s importance and the support she provided, conveying heartfelt thanks.

It’s striking how the song weaves together everyday appreciation for one’s mother, memories of time spent together, and wishes for the future.

Beloved across generations, the song was even selected as the entrance march for the 47th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring.

Singing it with seniors at a Mother’s Day event would help everyone renew their feelings of gratitude toward their mothers.

This tribute to a mother’s greatness is sure to resonate with many people across generations.

MotherMori Shinichi

Shinichi Mori — Ofukuro-san

Shinichi Mori’s “Ofukuro-san” is a classic filled with deep love and gratitude for one’s mother.

Since its release in 1971, it has continued to be cherished by people of all ages, so it’s likely very familiar to many seniors as well.

Mori’s warm voice evokes a mother’s affection and memories of childhood.

The lyrics convey life lessons taught by one’s mother and a deep sense of respect for her.

I think it’s a perfect song for everyone to sing together at a Mother’s Day event.

Let’s sing it with heartfelt gratitude to our mothers.

A Ballad Dedicated to My MotherKaientai

Kaientai / A Ballad Dedicated to Mother (Single Version) (1973) [Lyrics]

Kaientai’s “Ballad Dedicated to Mother” is a classic that sings of gratitude and love for one’s mother.

It portrays the strength of the parent-child bond, and the lyrics convey deep respect for mothers.

Included on the album “Bokyō-hen,” it has remained beloved for many years.

Tetsuya Takeda’s lyrical vocals resonate deeply in the heart.

It’s a recommended song for Mother’s Day events or any time you want to express appreciation to your mom in everyday life.

Older listeners will surely recall their own children and be moved to tears.

Memories wrapped in a mother’s love never fade, no matter how old we become.

Mother’s Songdōyō

Mother’s Song | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Mother stayed up late working at night

“Mother’s Song” is a piece written and composed by Satoshi Kubota in 1956.

Its lyrics, warmly depicting a mother’s love and family bonds, truly resonate.

The image of a mother knitting gloves amid the harsh realities of rural life expresses her deep affection for her family.

The song has been performed by many artists, including Peggy Hayama and Dark Ducks, and was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” In 2007, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” It’s a perfect song for older adults to sing while reminiscing about their own mothers.

shoulder tapsakushi: saijou hachi / sakkyoku: nakayama shinpei

shoulder tap

Mother’s Day, when we express gratitude to our mothers and acknowledge their daily efforts, is an important event in May.

Thinking about how to show appreciation and choosing something that will make her happy is part of the fun of this occasion.

The song “Katatataki” is a classic piece that depicts the act of caring for one’s mother.

It portrays a child patting their mother’s shoulders and the various scenes that unfold around them, conveying a joyful feeling.

The sound made while patting the shoulders is also an important element, lightly expressing kindness and gratitude toward the mother.

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Muen-zakasadamasashi

Muen-zaka (1975) Masashi Sada

Masashi Sada’s “Muen-zaka” is a memorable song by the duo Grape, released on November 25, 1975, and it influenced their subsequent activities.

Set on a real slope in Yushima, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, the lyrics depict a son’s deep love and compassion for his aging mother.

Despite its weighty theme, the song’s warm tone, which conveys the mother’s strength and kindness and the son’s pure feelings, is part of its appeal.

It was also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Himawari no Uta,” and became an enduring classic that touched many hearts.

For older listeners, it may be a song that renews feelings of gratitude toward their mothers.

Consider singing it for Mother’s Day events or whenever you want to express your appreciation.