[For Seniors] With gratitude: A collection of songs to give on Mother's Day

Song of ParentsGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Parents' Song with Lyrics Video

This is a heartwarming piece filled with deep love and gratitude toward one’s parents.

Included on the album “Shio, Kosho,” released in June 2009, the song traces emotional changes from childhood memories through a rebellious phase to the point of growing up and coming to understand a parent’s feelings.

Its charming sound—distinctively GReeeeN—blends a pop melody with rap and leaves a strong impression.

This is a track you’ll want to listen to at life’s milestones or when you wish to reaffirm the parent-child bond.

It’s also easy to incorporate into recreational settings such as day-service programs, allowing you to enjoy reminiscing together with older adults.

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.

Song of the Yoito-makeMiwA Akihiro

Song of the Yoito-make

Akihiro Miwa’s “Yoitomake no Uta” is a song released in 1964 and issued as a single the following year.

It portrays the feelings of a protagonist who, inspired by the strength and courage drawn from watching their mother work, heads back to school.

The mother toiled as a day laborer on a yoitomake crew, working tirelessly for her family despite the hardships.

With gratitude for her efforts, the song traces the protagonist’s journey through high school and university to success as an engineer.

Although there was a period when it faced broadcasting restrictions at the time of its release, it is now beloved across generations.

Why not sing it as a tribute to your family, with gratitude, while reminiscing about your younger days?

Shape of LoveMISIA feat.HIDE(GReeeeN)

MISIA – Shape of Love feat. HIDE (GReeeeN) (Official Music Video)

“Ai no Katachi feat.

HIDE (GReeeeN)” is the first collaboration between MISIA and HIDE from GReeeeN.

It carries a profound message about growing as a person through love, encounters, and bonds with others.

Older adults, too, have surely experienced much love throughout their lives.

Listening to this song may bring those memories back.

Released in August 2018, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Gibo to Musume no Blues,” moving many people’s hearts.

MISIA’s gentle yet powerful voice conveys the meaning of the lyrics even more deeply.

I think it’s a perfect song to sing together on Mother’s Day at senior care facilities or day service centers.

Why not sing it with everyone and spend some time wrapped in a warm atmosphere?

Poem of Miso SoupSen Masao

Poem of Miso Soup

“Miso Soup Poem” is a song released by Masao Sen.

It is a masterpiece among masterpieces that expresses family bonds and nostalgia for one’s hometown through the metaphor of miso soup.

Older listeners may recall eating the miso soup their mothers made when they were children.

On a cold winter’s day, the soothing feeling of sipping warm miso soup brings to mind a gentle mother’s face.

Many people now live away from home in senior care facilities.

Listening to this song can make you feel as if you were back in your hometown, filling you with warmth.

Dinner is ready.Yano Akiko

Dinner is ready.

“Gohan ga Dekita yo” is a song included on Akiko Yano’s 1980 album of the same name, Gohan ga Dekita yo.

Co-produced with Ryuichi Sakamoto, it’s a celebrated masterpiece notable for the full participation of YMO members and staff of the time.

The lyrics convey a sense of family bonds and warmth, expressing the joys and sorrows found in everyday life.

The album also features technopop elements that make inventive use of synthesizers, offering an experimental sound.

For older listeners, its message about valuing family and human connections may resonate deeply.

Reminiscing about the past and singing together will surely make for a delightful time.

It’s Tokyo, Mother.Shimakura 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.