[For Seniors] A heartwarming round song. Let’s layer our voices with this nostalgic classic.

I’m happy it’s spring.Sakushi: Yamazaki Iwao / Sakkyoku: Komiyaji Satoshi

♪ It’s spring, how delightful (round song)

“Spring Is Here, I’m So Happy” captures the feeling of longing for the arrival of warmer days.

The lyrics are by Iwao Yamazaki, and the music was composed by Satoshi Komiyaji, who taught at Tamagawa Academy’s elementary division for 32 years.

It features language that evokes spring’s pleasant warmth and a bright melody that naturally makes your heart dance.

Start by singing together in unison, and once you’re comfortable, split into groups and turn it into a round, chasing each other’s lines.

Its simple structure makes it easy to enjoy natural harmony while keeping to the rhythm—highly recommended.

This children’s song conjures springtime scenes of grasses, flowers, and little birds rejoicing.

In recreational gatherings for seniors, try sharing a pleasant moment as everyone’s voices blend together.

Moon over the Ruined Castlesakushi: doi bansui / sakkyoku: taki rentarō

Moon over the Ruined Castle

It is a timeless classic whose delicate yet beautiful melody and lyrics steeped in history deeply touch the heart.

The words were written by Bansui Doi, and the music was composed by Rentarō Taki.

The song depicts the moonlight that continues to shine unchanged upon the remnants of former glory and old battlefields, unfolding a worldview imbued with a sense of impermanence.

Since its publication in 1901 as “Middle School Songs,” it has been cherished for generations.

In addition to being recorded by Yoshie Fujiwara in 1925, it was also featured in the 2017 film La La Land, showing how it is loved across generations and borders.

Try singing it leisurely with fellow residents while imagining scenes of the past.

It’s a soothing piece that, during recreation time, can spark nostalgic conversations and bring calm to the heart.

What shall we make with rock, scissors, paper?furansu min’yō

Round Song: What Shall We Make with Rock-Paper-Scissors (Vocaloid)

This piece is cherished as a hand-play song in which you shape your hands into scissors or a fist to depict creatures like crabs and snails while singing.

The original melody is the French folk song “Frère Jacques,” a venerable classic whose tune had already been documented in song collections around 1811.

In Japan, it has continued to be loved across generations, including its inclusion on the 2012 album “Let’s Play with Doraemon! Children’s Songs Special.” The simple, follow-the-melody round style is perfect for uniting everyone’s hearts.

Moving the fingertips also provides good stimulation for the brain, so why not incorporate it into daily recreation? It would be wonderful to spend a warm, smile-filled time singing together with your grandchildren.

Spring StreamSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi

Spring Brook | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | The spring brook flows along with a gentle murmur

It’s a traditional song with a gentle melody that makes you want to hum along as spring arrives.

The lyrics, which depict violets and Chinese milk vetch blooming by the riverbank and creatures in the water, are said to be modeled on the Kobunegawa River in Yoyogi, where Tatsuyuki Takano lived at the time.

Published in December 1912 in “Songs for Elementary School, Fourth Grade,” the piece features a tender tune by Teiichi Okano and has long been cherished on programs such as NHK’s “Minna no Doyō.” Its simple, repeated melody is perfect for a round, and when seniors raise their voices together, it naturally creates a lovely sense of unity.

Why not enjoy layering your voices as you imagine the tranquil scenes of spring?

Song of AutumnSakushi sakkyoku: Mine Akira

[Piano Accompaniment] Autumn Song / With Vocals Version / Children’s Song / Nursery Rhyme / Royalty-Free Video

When it comes to children’s songs that capture the excitement of growth in the autumn season, this one stands out.

Written and composed by Minami Akira, its lyrics are sprinkled with autumn-only details like seasonal clothing, clear blue skies, and fun events such as sports days and festivals.

You can easily picture the children’s lively energy—just listening makes your heart skip with joy.

Its gentle, familiar melody is also perfect for recreation time in gatherings of older adults.

It’s lovely to try a round and let the harmonies ring out while reminiscing about nostalgic autumn events and memories with grandchildren.

Feel the changing seasons with your whole body, and create a warm, welcoming space.

koinobori (carp streamers)Sakushi: Kondō Miyako

♪ Koinobori – Carp Streamers | Carp Streamers Higher Than the Rooftops; The Big Black Carp Is Father [Japanese Song / Shoka]

This piece depicts the majestic figures of fish swimming grandly through the sky—an essential sight for Tango no Sekku (Children’s Day).

With lyrics by Miyako Kondo, it was included in a songbook published in December 1931.

It’s a classic also selected for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Songs of Japan,” and its lyrics, featuring a father black carp and children red carp swimming together, evoke the warmth of family bonds.

The key is to sing with a gentle three-beat rhythm, swaying your body from side to side.

If you layer voices in a round so they enter one after another, it creates a sense of unity, as if many fish are swimming across the vast sky.

While sharing nostalgic memories of seasonal festivals, try creating a heartwarming harmony together with older adults.

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

With the arrival of spring, this is one of Naotaro Moriyama’s signature songs that you can’t help but hum.

It overlays the beauty and transience of falling blossoms with life’s turning points, expressing a heartfelt wish for farewells to dear friends and hopes for reunion.

The piano melody and clear vocals resonate deeply; released as a single in March 2003, it’s also included on the acclaimed album “In Search of New Spices.” Many may remember that a rearranged version was used as the theme song for the October 2019 drama “Sh同期のサクラ” (Sakura, My Boss).

This melody, beloved across generations, is perfect for grandparents and grandchildren to sing together.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment picturing scenes of cherry blossoms?