[For Seniors] Speaking of July, it’s this song! A selection of tunes to enjoy the hot summer

Swim, Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato

Swim! Taiyaki-kun

“Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun” is a children’s song sung by Masato Shimon, released in 1975, depicting the story of a taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry) embarking on an adventurous journey.

First introduced on the children’s TV show “Hirake! Ponkikki,” it achieved a historic feat on the Oricon charts by debuting at number one—the first ever to do so—and remaining at number one for 11 consecutive weeks.

Reflecting the social climate of the time, it is said to convey the feelings of adults overwhelmed by daily work and housework, as well as their dreams of small escapes.

It has endured as a timeless classic beloved by a wide range of generations, from children to adults.

Set to a nostalgic melody, it is also perfect for singing and dancing together with older adults, making it a song that helps share the joys of life.

Festival MamboMisora Hibari

Festival Mambo

When you think of summer in Japan, festivals are an essential part of the season, aren’t they? They’re precious spaces where everyone—from children to adults—can have fun.

This is one of Hibari Misora’s signature songs, and it seems to capture the lively atmosphere of a festival and the excitement of the people who spend time there.

Its distinctive, unique lyrics portray the way of life of someone who loves festivals, and the refusal to stop celebrating no matter what happens conveys not only a playful mood but also a deep devotion to the festival itself.

The light, airy sound further accentuates the image in the lyrics of someone throwing themselves into the festival with all their might, making it a bustling, energetic track.

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Goldfish’s NapSakushi: Kashima Naruaki / Sakkyoku: Hirota Ryūtarō

Goldfish's Nap [With Song] – Children's Song/Nursery Rhyme/Folk Song

Goldfish are closely associated with summer festivals and the like, and could be considered a symbol of summer in Japan.

This piece has a cute atmosphere, as if it were depicting life in a fishbowl for these beautifully colored goldfish.

It portrays the way they drift gently inside the bowl, looking as if they’re taking a nap, and someone calling to them, hoping they’ll wake up.

The detailed gestures of the goldfish are described so vividly that you can imagine someone carefully observing them in front of the bowl; it’s a piece that evokes not only the goldfish inside but also the adorableness of the onlooker.

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Plover on the BeachSakushi: Kashima Naruaki / Sakkyoku: Hirota Ryūtarō

Hamachidori (children’s song / school song)

The work that richly portrays a plover crying as it searches for its parents on a blue moonlit beach was first introduced to the world by Meishū Kashima and Ryūtarō Hirota in the New Year’s issue of the magazine Shōjo-gō in 1919.

It poetically depicts a bird born from the realm of waves, with wet wings of silver, crossing the sea in search of its parents and vanishing into the land of moonlight.

It is said that behind this piece lies Meishū Kashima’s feelings for the parents from whom he was separated early in life, giving the song a profound content that symbolizes the bond between parent and child and the sorrow of parting.

Although classified as a children’s song, it is also appreciated as a lyric song, and its calm, gentle melody beautifully colors the seaside scenery.

It’s perfect for those who wish to sing while reminiscing about the past, or for moments when you want to feel the changing of the seasons.

We are children of the sea.Monbushō shōka

[Music Recreation / With Lyrics] Children's Song: We Are Children of the Sea [For Elderly Care Facilities]

It’s a grand-sounding piece that conveys feelings about living by the sea and episodes related to the ocean.

Because the theme is the sea, it also evokes an image of a refreshing summer breeze.

Although no specific location is depicted, the detailed portrayal of seaside life invites listeners to picture their own familiar coastlines.

The song feels both expansive and light, and it seems to carry a positive sentiment toward one’s hometown.

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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star | Children's Song | Super Simple Japanese

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is a classic children’s song with a simple melody rooted in a French folk tune, celebrating the stars shining in the night sky.

In particular, it can be said that the piece spread worldwide thanks to Mozart’s “Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman” variations, known in Japan as the “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Variations.” The melody, which became popular in the late 18th century, continues to be loved by children and adults alike even centuries later because of its universal charm.

It’s a perfect song for seasons when we often gaze up at the night sky, such as on Tanabata.

There are many ways to enjoy it—sing it together as a family or play it as a piano practice piece.

Why not spend some time leisurely letting your thoughts wander under the starry sky, along with nostalgic memories?

Song of Circumnavigating Lake Biwa

Song of Circumnavigating Lake Biwa

This is a local Shiga Prefecture song that depicts scenery centered on Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, located in Shiga.

With its relaxed tempo and water-themed lyrics, it evokes the image of a refreshing breeze blowing through in summer.

Another highlight is the frequent mention of specific place names in Shiga, which gives the impression that the song fosters interest in the prefecture through Lake Biwa.

It has a gentle atmosphere, conveying a sense of calm as one gazes upon the vastness of Lake Biwa and the grand summer landscape.

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