[For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions

Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki - Showa-era song

“Apple Song” heals the mind and body of older adults and lifts their spirits through the power of music.

This piece is known for its bright, nostalgic melody, famously sung by Michiko Namiki.

Its sweet-and-sour lyrics gently light a warm glow in the heart, making it especially appealing to seniors.

The relaxed tempo is perfect for gentle physical activity, and humming along can create a joyful shared moment.

It’s a wonderful song that supports both communication and health by encouraging movement while singing.

Over the hillFujiyama Ichirō

Over the hill

Beyond the Hills is a major hit from the Showa era, and this song sung by Ichiro Fujiyama captivates with its touching melody and lyrics.

Set against the richness of nature, the phrase “beyond the hills,” which symbolizes hope, evokes a refreshing feeling just by listening and can serve as encouragement for a fresh start.

For seniors who have lived through that era, it is surely a cherished song at heart.

With its relaxed tempo, the time you spend together will feel even richer.

Let’s enjoy the music, sharing stories and reminiscing as we go.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Sakurazaka” is a song that nostalgically reflects on days gone by with a beautiful, gentle melody.

Singing about memories that stay in the heart, it offers a special time to share with older adults.

Its relaxed rhythm soothes the mind and gently awakens distant recollections.

The lyrics, filled with warm words, tenderly accompany the hearts of seniors and invite empathy.

Incorporating it into music therapy can help honor each person’s memories while spending moments that cherish mental well-being.

Flowers of the trifoliate orangeSakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku

Karatachi no Hana (Spring Children's Song)

A song that can be called a representative work of Japanese art songs, themed around a plant that blooms with white flowers at the end of spring.

Through images of white flowers, blue thorns, and golden fruit ripening in autumn, it portrays the pains of childhood and warm memories.

The lyrics are by Hakushū Kitahara, and the music is by Kōsaku Yamada.

It was published in the magazine Josei in May 1925 and later spread in sheet music form.

In April 1958, a TV program bearing the song’s title aired in the Yomiuri TV drama slot “Yamaichi Masterpiece Theater.” Imbued with Kōsaku Yamada’s memories of his boyhood, it deeply resonates with listeners.

Its melody grows more flavorful the more you sing it, so why not hum along with older adults and let your thoughts drift to each person’s hometown and childhood?

KintaroSakushi: Ishihara Wasaburō / Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazō

Kintarō - Children's Song

When the season of Boys’ Festival comes around, you can hear from somewhere the lively song of the boy from Mount Ashigara.

You can just picture his sturdy figure, a big axe slung over his shoulder as he plays riding on a bear’s back.

Created by Wasaburō Ishihara and Torazō Tamura, this piece was published to the world in June 1900 in “Shōnen Shōka, First Collection, Upper Volume.” It quickly became a big hit among children of the time and has been sung and loved ever since.

Its strong duple-time rhythm is perfect for recreational sing-alongs with hand clapping! Why not join your voices together, recalling the story of pitting strength against the animals? Enjoy a nostalgic moment as you share memories of the festival days from your childhood.

Red bird, little birdSakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Narita Tamezō

Red little bird by Himawari 🌻 / with lyrics | Children's song | Akaitori kotori

A children’s song that delights with its vivid colors and rhythmic wordplay.

The lyrics were written by Hakushu Kitahara, and the music was composed by Tamezo Narita.

It depicts a charming little bird pecking at red and white berries, and simply listening conjures up a warm, gentle scene.

Its simple repetition is pleasing, making it a piece you’ll find yourself humming along to, perfect for enjoying the rhythm of the words.

It has long appeared in textbooks and music materials and has been sung across generations.

It’s recommended to sing it together in unison and add hand claps for extra fun.

Try singing this nostalgic melody at recreational gatherings for older adults.

WakabaSakushi: Matsunaga Miyao / Sakkyoku: Hiraoka Hitoshi

Wakaba | With Lyrics | Ministry of Education School Song | O vivid green

Wakaba (Young Leaves) is a cherished song often sung in May, when the fresh green foliage dazzles.

With lyrics by Miyao Matsunaga and music by Kinshi Hiraoka, it was included in the National School textbook Elementary Music II published in February 1942.

Evoking vistas filled with beautiful greenery and the scent of a refreshing breeze, the piece lets you savor the arrival of early summer even indoors.

The key is to hum it gently to a relaxed rhythm while picturing Japan’s nostalgic rural landscapes—rice fields, farms, and wooded hills.

It’s a song that lets you enjoy the resonance of the Japanese language and brings a calm, peaceful feeling.

Why not join voices and sing this work—filled with the vibrant air of the season—together during a recreational moment?