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

Rainy Moondōyō

Nursery Rhyme: The Rainy Moon

This children’s song, “Amefuri Otsukisan” (The Moon in the Rain), likens the moon to a bride, and there are said to be two interpretations of its lyrics.

One is that Ujō Noguchi, who wrote the lyrics, composed it to show compassion for his wife, who rode on horseback in the rain and took two days to come to him as a bride—an interpretation that reflects the customs of the time when the song was written.

The other is that it was written about Noguchi’s daughter, who passed away at a young age—perhaps expressing a father’s feelings as he imagines his daughter reaching marrying age and becoming a bride.

Although the melody is sorrowful, just reading the lyrics alone is enough to make one’s heart ache.

Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi

Imperial Regent Declaration

Masashi Sada’s “Kampaku Sengen” literally sings about how he wants women to treat him, like a regent.

Depending on the generation, the values in its lyrics have at times been loved and at other times questioned.

Precisely because the song sparked so much discussion, many older listeners may find plenty of lines they relate to.

And since it’s not something you can usually say out loud, voicing it at karaoke might be a good way to relieve stress.

June is also the season of June brides, so this marriage-themed song could be a great pick.

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Yuuki

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When the rain stopsAsaoka Yukiji

When the Rain Stops ~ Yukiji Asaoka

“When the Rain Stops” was released by Yukiji Asaoka on October 21, 1970.

It became a big hit the following year, 1971.

The song conveys a woman’s sorrowful feelings toward a man.

Its lyrics evoke a poignant scene of a woman standing alone in her room, with the rain mirroring the situation of the man leaving for someone else, heightening the sense of heartache.

Haven’t most of us experienced heartbreak at least once in our youth? It might make you feel a bit sad to sing, but why not choose it as a song that brings back memories of your younger days?

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Nanaka

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It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five

Nagasaki Was Rainy Again Today (High Quality) — Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five

The musician Hiroshi Uchiyamada, who hails from Fukuoka.

The song he released jointly with the kayō group Cool Five, which he leads, is “Nagasaki wa Kyou mo Ame Datta” (“It Was Raining Again in Nagasaki Today”).

The group is from Nagasaki, and the lyrics are sprinkled with many phrases that evoke the city’s streetscape.

With its poignant depiction of a rainy scene, it’s perfect to sing at a karaoke session in June.

The chorus is especially memorable, and it’s a song you’ll want to belt out with a soulful kobushi right through to the end!

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Yuuki

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A rose has bloomed.Maiku Maki

Maki Mike – Roses Bloomed

“Bara ga Saita” is a charming song with a simple, gentle arrangement of just folk guitar and vocals.

Released in 1966 by folk singer Mike Maki, the song helped spark the folk music boom and has continued to be sung on programs like NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Because of this, not only residents but also staff might know how to sing it.

It would be wonderful for everyone at the facility to sing together and lift their spirits.

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Yuuki

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threadNakajima Miyuki

thread

Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito” was created in 1992 as a wedding song.

It’s a piece loved and sung across generations, so many older adults have likely heard it at least once.

June is wedding season, making it a perfect fit.

The song expresses human encounters by comparing them to a single thread.

Its delicate lyrics resonate with many people.

By singing this song, older adults may be able to look back on precious memories with the many people they have met over the years.

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Nanaka

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