[For Seniors] Spring Songs You'll Want to Hum: Feel the Season with Nostalgic Classics

Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (with lyrics)

Do you have any nostalgic melodies that make you feel the warmth of spring sunshine the moment you hear them? Kaientai’s classic “Okuru Kotoba” is a heartwarming piece filled with messages perfect for graduation season.

Its lyrics about the sorrow of parting, the courage to trust others, and the depth of love truly resonate.

Released in November 1979, the song also became well-known as the theme for the popular TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” Singing it together with older adults might spark lively conversations about fond memories.

Consider incorporating it into recreational activities at your facility.

the first strong spring windkyandīzu

Haru Ichiban / Candies (with lyrics)

With its nostalgic melody, this song that heralds the arrival of spring likely remains in the hearts of many older listeners as a signature work by Candies.

Released in March 1976, it is characterized by a fresh, bright atmosphere reminiscent of a spring breeze.

Its lively rhythm and spirited vocals convey the feeling of a new season beginning.

The song expresses the excitement of new encounters and hopes that come with spring, warmly enveloping those who listen.

It’s perfect for humming along together at a day service, too.

Enjoy a pleasant moment as you bask in the spring sunshine and reminisce about fond memories.

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

Kazuo Funaki / High School Senior

Kazuo Funaki’s “Koko San Nensei” (“Senior High School, Third Year”) is a classic that awakens the bittersweet memories of youth.

A school building bathed in the red glow of sunset, voices playing in the shade of the elms, the scent of black hair when hands joined during a folk dance… The feelings of high schoolers on the verge of graduation are vividly portrayed.

Released in June 1963, the song was a massive hit as Kazuo Funaki’s debut single.

A film of the same title was also released, leaving a lasting impression on many people.

You can enjoy it quietly while seated, or clap along to the rhythm and sway your body.

It’s also wonderful to hum it together with older adults and let conversations blossom with shared memories.

March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko

Kiyoko Suizenji - “365-Step March” (Official Audio)

This song has long been loved as an anthem of encouragement in life, carrying the message that taking one step at a time is important.

Since its release in November 1968, it has continued to resonate with many people.

Born during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, the song is characterized by its cheerful melody and positive lyrics.

It has been used in films, TV commercials, anime, and many other contexts, and has been cherished by people of all ages.

How about humming along with older adults while being enveloped by Ms.

Suizenji’s warm singing voice? It will surely bring back fond memories and give you a boost of energy.

Until we meet againNEW!Ozaki Kiyohiko

Until the Day We Meet Again / Kiyohiko Ozaki (with lyrics)

Kiyohiko Ozaki, who took the Showa-era pop scene by storm with his overwhelming vocal ability and rich voice.

Released in March 1971, “Mata Au Hi Made” is an enduring masterpiece with lyrics by Yu Aku and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi, and it won the 13th Japan Record Award that same year.

Though it depicts the parting of a man and woman, it never turns maudlin; instead, its powerful message of stepping into the future while believing in a reunion is truly moving.

The following year, 1972, it was also chosen as the entrance march for the spring National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it perfectly suited to a season of new beginnings.

Why not let the spring warmth inspire you to reminisce about your youthful days? If older listeners hum along together with friends, it’s sure to create a warm moment filled with fresh, beaming smiles.

Goodbye for today.NEW!Moriyama Ryoko

Goodbye for today.

This classic by Ryoko Moriyama lights a warm glow in the heart during March, the season of farewells.

The lyrics, filled with unchanging friendship and the hope of reunion, let us feel hope even amid loneliness.

Originally born out of volunteer activities in 1966, it was released in 1967 as the B-side to the single “Love Is Blue.” Since then, it has been loved for many years, being broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” selected in 2007 for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and even adopted as a station melody in 2018.

Its simple, beautiful melody is easy to hum—perfect for recreation time or moments of nostalgic reflection.

How about joining your voices together, reaffirming the bonds of friendship with everyone?

Graduation PhotoNEW!Arai Yumi

Graduation Photo 2022 [NEW] Yumi Arai

As a towering classic among graduation songs, this track by Yumi Matsutoya has long continued to stay close to the hearts of many.

Released to the public in 1975 as a song provided to Hi-Fi Set, it later became a celebrated piece when she released a self-cover on her album COBALT HOUR.

Rather than depicting a graduation ceremony itself, the lyrics evoke the ache of flipping through old photos as an adult, reminiscing about days of youth and the unchanging image of someone dear—something that really tugs at the heart.

It was also featured in a Kirin Lager Beer commercial in 2007, so many people have likely heard it.

When you feel a little wistful about how you’re changing, or want to bask in nostalgia, why not spend a relaxed moment listening to this song?