[For Seniors] A collection of nostalgic classics to sing in May: popular songs everyone can hum together

motherSakushi: Tanaka Nana / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao

Mother nursery rhyme with lyrics Mother

Speaking of May, it’s Mother’s Day—how about singing this children’s song, known for its gentle call to mothers? Written by lyricist Nana Tanaka and composed by Yoshinao Nakada, famed for classics like “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa,” this piece portrays a mother’s warmth through the familiar scents of everyday life, such as laundry and cooking.

Since its release in 1954, its dialogue-like lyrics—reminiscent of a parent and child—have endeared it to listeners, making it a beloved classic across generations.

It conjures up scenes of home that everyone has experienced, wrapping you in a feeling of nostalgia.

During recreation time, why not hum it together while sharing memories of your mother?

Youth CyclingKosaka Kazuya

Youth Cycling Kosaka

A youthful kayō song that represents the late 1950s, the kind that makes you want to hum along as you feel the refreshing May breeze.

Sung by Kazuya Kosaka, who captivated many fans both as a country singer and as a film actor, this single was released in April 1957, when cycling was wildly popular among young people.

It also came into the world as the “Nikkan Sports Prize-Winning Song,” and the melody crafted by master composer Masao Koga is exceptionally approachable.

Hearing the cheerful call of “Yah-ho!” will surely bring back vivid memories for many seniors of those days when they rode their bicycles far afield with friends.

As you reminisce together and raise your voices in song, your heart and body are sure to feel lighter!

You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira

Akira Fuse – You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose [Official Audio]

When you reunite with a woman after a long time and she’s become stunningly beautiful, your heart can’t help but race.

Sung powerfully by Akira Fuse, this song is a classic that dramatizes that surprise and budding romance.

Released as a single in January 1979, it sold an impressive 310,000 copies.

Many older listeners may remember it as a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial song, together with footage featuring Olivia Hussey.

Composed by Godiego’s Mickey Yoshino, its bright, pop sound lifts your spirits.

The soaring long notes in the chorus are exhilarating to hear, and if you sing it at karaoke, you’re sure to feel like the star of the show!

Summer has comeSakushi: Sasaki Nobutsuna / Sakkyoku: Koyama Sakunosuke

Summer Has Come (Children's Song)

May, as the season draws nearer to summer, is a time when animals and plants become more lively, isn’t it? This children’s song—selected among Japan’s 100 notable songs—strings together symbols of early summer.

By noticing seasonal flowers and creatures in everyday life, you can feel summer gradually approaching.

With many elements that evoke the early-summer atmosphere, the scenery comes vividly to mind.

The historically flavored expressions are also striking, powerfully conveying the vigor of the landscape.

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tea pickingsakushisakkyokushafushou

Ministry of Education Shoka (school song): Tea Picking

May, when the greenery deepens and the signs of summer draw near, is also the tea season.

The tea fields dyed a vivid green and the sight of tea picking taking place there evoke the shift from spring to summer.

That very scene of tea picking and the surrounding landscape are depicted in “Chatsumi” (Tea Picking).

It’s a song that strongly conjures the beautiful green scenery spreading under a blue sky—a refreshing school song that even conveys the warmth of the air.

You can also feel a kind of exhilaration as the season changes toward summer.

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The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō

The highland train goes — a nostalgic song

A song that gracefully celebrates the natural beauty of the highlands and the romance of train travel evokes heartwarming memories of family trips and brings to mind wonderful moments with loved ones.

Its sweeping scenery and romantic spirit are sure to soothe anyone’s heart.

Carried by Atsuro Okamoto’s comforting vocals, the pastoral landscapes gently resonate within.

Since its release in 1954, this work has continued to be beloved by many and was featured in the 2020 NHK morning drama series “Yell,” moving audiences across generations.

It’s perfect for a time of sharing old memories over tea with everyone.

Settle in, relax, and enjoy a peaceful moment.

Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko

Ryoko Moriyama “Sugarcane Field” (from ‘Concert Tour 2007–2008’)

This song begins with the image of sugarcane fields swaying in the wind.

It expresses the sorrow of losing a loved one to war through a gentle, heartrending vocal delivery.

Recorded by Ryoko Moriyama in 1969 and included on her album “Ryoko Moriyama College Folk Album No.

2,” the piece moved audiences across generations when she performed it with her son, Naotaro Moriyama, at the 56th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2005.

Its lyrics, imbued with a wish for peace, are sure to resonate with many.

Why not hum along, filled with cherished memories and thoughts of someone dear?