[For Seniors] Songs to Sing in June: Recommended Choices for Karaoke Activities

rainfalldōyō

Rainfall (a cute children's song)

“Amefuri” (Rainfall), a song everyone has probably sung at least once, is a children’s song first published in the Taisho era.

Though rain is unpleasant, the beloved mother comes with an umbrella to pick up her child.

The bouncy rhythm of the piece conveys the child’s excited anticipation while waiting for their mother.

On the way home, the child sees another child getting wet in the rain and offers their own umbrella.

From the words spoken, it is likely a boy taking action toward a girl.

The mother must be very pleased to see her son growing up to be so kind.

Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi

Feifei Ouyang / Midosuji in the Rain (Stranger in Midosuji) (1971) Viewing No. 41

This song was the debut single of Fifi Ouyang, released in 1971, and it was composed by The Ventures, who sparked an electric guitar boom among Japanese youth.

Speaking of songs composed by The Ventures, Yuko Nagisa’s “Kyoto Bojo (Longing for Kyoto)” is also well known.

The lyrics are poignant: on a rainy night, a woman wanders up and down Midosuji, Osaka’s main street, from Kita to Minami, searching for her lover without even carrying an umbrella.

Through Fifi Ouyang’s dynamic vocals, you can sense the resolve of a woman determined to face forward and live strongly from now on.

a bright red sunMisora Hibari

Crimson Sun

The song “Makka na Taiyō” (The Crimson Sun), released in 1967, was performed by Hibari Misora together with Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets.

It was originally created for an album commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hibari Misora’s career, but thanks to strong praise among the staff and the encouragement of Misora’s mother, Kimie Kato, it was released as a single and became a massive hit, selling 1.4 million copies.

The song, which sings of a blazing love lasting only a single summer, has since been covered by many musicians.

Its powerful rhythm is sure to lift the spirits of listeners.

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kojifumi

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raindōyō

Nursery Rhyme 'Rain'

“Rain” is a children’s song with lyrics by Hakushu Kitahara from 1918 (Taisho 7).

As the title suggests, it’s a song about rain, making it a great recommendation to sing in June for recreation at senior facilities or day services.

Many older adults likely sang it with their mothers when they were children, and some may remember hearing it as a lullaby.

Its relaxed tempo makes it very easy to sing.

The lyrics, which express the feelings of a child who can’t play outside on a rainy day, resonate with listeners.

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Nanaka

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If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto / If You’re Happy and You Know It (1964–65)

Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.

It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.

Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).

Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.

A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.

It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.

Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?

Ladybug Sambacherisshu

Ladybug Samba Cherish Cherish

The Japanese folk duo Cherish is centered around the married couple Yoshitaka Matsuzaki and Etsuko Matsuzaki from Aichi Prefecture.

Even people who don’t know much about them may have heard the song Tentedōmushi no Samba (Ladybug Samba).

With its catchy, easy-to-remember melody that has been sung across generations, it’s perfect for karaoke.

On a clear day after the rain, if you spot a ladybug, you might just find yourself humming this tune.

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Yuuki

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UFOpinku redii

UFO [Furitsuke] / PINK LADY

This song, released in 1977 by Pink Lady, the female idol duo that produced numerous hits from the late 1970s through the 1980s, was created by the golden duo of lyricist Yū Aku and composer Shunichi Tokura.

Their innovative choreography shines in this track as well—the “UFO” pose in the intro is something everyone remembers imitating.

The song itself is, of course, excellent, but when it comes to Pink Lady, it’s ultimately the choreography that truly defines them.