[For Seniors] Popular Summer Songs: Selections That Liven Up Karaoke

seadōyō

Sea | with lyrics | Ministry of Education shoka (school song) | Where the distant pine groves fade

Speaking of children’s songs with an ocean theme, there is also another song with the same title, “Umi” (The Sea), which was published in 1913 as a Ministry of Education song.

It depicts different seascapes by day and by night.

Since it was included in the “Elementary School Songs” of the Taisho era, it uses many words that aren’t commonly used today.

It might be nice to read through the lyrics while checking the meanings of the words, trace your childhood memories, and let your thoughts wander to the beautiful landscapes of Japan from that time.

Summer has comeSakushi: Sasaki Nobutsuna / Sakkyoku: Koyama Sakunosuke

[Music Recreation / With Lyrics] Shoka: Natsu wa Kinu [For Elderly Care Facilities]

This is a children’s song selected for the 100 Best Songs of Japan, featuring many natural scenes and motifs that evoke early summer.

At first glance, the title may seem to mean “Summer won’t come,” but in classical Japanese it actually means “Summer has come,” which makes it memorable in a slightly tricky way.

Its bright mood and gentle tempo are also notable features, conjuring images of the mild early-summer air and clear, sunny landscapes.

It might be nice to read the lyrics carefully and use them as a prompt to find summer-like motifs.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]

With its signature catchphrase, Kiyoshi Hikawa’s debut single “Hakonê Hachiri no Hanjirō” quickly became widely known.

Beyond his powerful vocals, his handsome looks won broad acceptance among younger women who had previously been less interested in enka, propelling him to instant nationwide stardom.

The song’s phrases function as a call-and-response with fans, reportedly creating an electrifying atmosphere at concerts.

Thanks to this, the song is widely recognized and enjoys great popularity at karaoke.

It’s also sure to liven up recreational activities at senior care facilities.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem

Mount FujiSakushi: Iwaya Sazanami

Mount Fuji | Fuji-san | Fuji Mountain | with lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | putting its head above the clouds

“Fujinoyama” is a hymn with lyrics by Konami Iwaya that depicts the beauty of Mount Fuji.

From its portrayal of the mountain, you can feel Japan’s four seasons, making it a song well-suited for summer as well.

It’s a tune many older adults are familiar with, so how about singing it together? It’s also recommended to switch the lyrics to “pa-ta-ka-ra” and try an oral motor exercise.

Using the muscles of the mouth and tongue helps strengthen eating and swallowing functions.

Moving the body while singing can also help activate the brain.

It seems like a great way to enjoy time with older adults while supporting their health.

fireworksshouka

Fireworks (♬ Boom, the fireworks went off—how beautiful they are) by Himawari 🌻 with lyrics

When it comes to iconic sights of summer, fireworks are indispensable.

In particular, launch fireworks bring back many memories—going to see them with family or on dates with a partner.

The song “Hanabi” is a children’s song that celebrates these fireworks.

The lyrics were written by Takeshi Inoue, who was a bureaucrat at the Ministry of Education at the time, and it was included in a music textbook published in 1941.

The song depicts fireworks blooming beautifully in the night sky, making it perfect for evoking the feeling of summer.

It’s sure to help older adults reminisce about many memories as well.

Please try singing it together!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

tea pickingdōyō

Ministry of Education Shoka (school song): Tea Picking

Hachijūhachi-ya, which marks the changing of the seasons, is the 88th day from the first day of spring (Risshun).

On the calendar, summer begins on this day, and it traditionally served as a cue for farmers to start picking tea.

It’s said that drinking the first-picked tea (ichibancha) harvested on this day will keep you healthy and free from illness for the year.

Speaking of Japanese tea, Shizuoka—the country’s top tea-producing region—Kyoto’s Uji tea, and Saitama’s Sayama tea are especially famous.

In the fresh-green season of early summer, many of you may also know the children’s hand-clapping song that begins with “Ses-ses-se—no yoi yoi yoi,” a folk-style tune that evokes Japan’s pastoral scenery.

Summer Memoriesdōyō

Summer Memories

Oze is a wetland located on a basin-like plateau that spans three prefectures: Fukushima, Niigata, and Gunma.

It has been designated as Oze National Park and selected as one of Japan’s 100 Landscapes.

The lyricist Shoko Ema, who lived in an area where skunk cabbage blooms when she was a child, is said to have composed this song after a chance visit to Oze reminded her of those days.

With a relaxed tempo, it evokes the freshness of early summer and the beautiful, far-reaching scenery of Oze.

It often appears in music textbooks and is also featured as a choral piece.