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

Song of the SeashoreSakushi: Hayashi Kokei / Sakkyoku: Narita Tamezō

Song of the Seashore (If I wander the beach tomorrow) | With lyrics | Songs for Adults: Japanese Art Songs | English Translation (EN subs)

Speaking of summer, it’s the season when the desire to experience the changing seasons on the beach grows stronger, isn’t it? “Hamabe no Uta” is a piece that seems to depict the scenery seen from the shore, and it conveys a refreshing atmosphere.

The elements of wind and waves are portrayed vividly, and even without specifying a particular season, you can feel something like the vigor of summer.

Although the song proceeds at a gentle tempo, it conveys a sense of exhilaration, as if you can truly feel nature from the beach.

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kappamaki

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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.

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kojifumi

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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.

Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner’s Song)min’yō

[Dance] Tanko-bushi♪

Tankō-bushi is a nostalgic folk song that resonates with older adults.

Its lyrics, which sing of the hardships and joys of coal miners, are likely to evoke empathy in those with rich life experience.

It’s often danced to at Bon Odori festivals, so it can also be a good prompt to get people moving.

While it can be enjoyed year-round, it’s especially lively at summer events.

Singing and dancing together with seniors will create fun memories.

Because it’s a song that conveys community bonds and the dignity of labor, singing it together is sure to warm everyone’s hearts.

Seagull Sailordōyō

Seagull Sailor (Summer Children's Song)

Seagulls with all-white bodies, likened to sailors dressed in white hats and white uniforms, are the subject of “Kamome no Suisansan” (“Seagull Sailor”).

It is a Japanese children’s song released in 1937 and was later included in postwar music textbooks for elementary school students.

The lyricist, Toshiko Takeuchi, is said to have written the lyrics after visiting the Port of Yokohama and seeing seagulls flying beautifully against the setting sun.

The vocalist was Junko, the daughter of the composer Koyo Kawamura.

Later, at venues for international musical exchange, she performed “Kamome no Suisansan” translated into 11 languages, which led to the song being sung overseas as well.

The sea evokes summer, making it a perfect song to capture the feeling of the season.

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Hamada Takuya

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Crimson SunMisora Hibari ・ Blue ・ Comets

Crimson Sun

Under the blazing sun, this is the perfect summer tune that sings of a protagonist consumed by a passionate love.

Hibari Misora’s powerful vocals blend with the lively Group Sounds of Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets, wrapping listeners in a buoyant exhilaration that makes the heart skip with joy.

The song is also included on Hibari’s 20th-anniversary album, “Uta wa Waga Inochi” (Song Is My Life), and upon its single release in May 1967, it sold an impressive 1.4 million copies.

It’s ideal for brightening your mood or enjoying together with handclaps all around.

It just might bring back sparkling memories of summer.

The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi

The Season Given by the Sun (with lyrics) Aoi Sankaku Jōgi

With its warm sound and heartwarming message about cherishing bonds with friends, this song shines as a theme for a coming-of-age drama.

Featuring the gentle tone characteristic of folk music, it resonates deeply alongside precious memories.

Released in February 1972, it is known as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Tobidase! Seishun” and stands as a signature work of Aoi Sankaku Jōgi.

It was later included in music textbooks and has become widely beloved as a school choral piece.

It’s a song that naturally brings smiles when everyone sings along together, sure to revive nostalgic memories.

It’s also perfect for summer recreation or for enjoying while doing exercises.