[For Seniors] Songs to Sing in Refreshing May When the Fresh Green Shines

Song of MayYakushi: Aoyagi Zengo / Sakkyoku: Mōtsuaruto

Song of May | Japanese lyrics | German lied | Joyful is May, the grasses and trees are budding

Set to a famous piece composed by Mozart, this song features richly expressive Japanese lyrics by the poet Zengo Aoyagi—perfect for the fresh, verdant season of early summer.

Included in an elementary school music textbook in 1947, it has long been loved by many.

The work gently portrays the beauty of spring and the feelings of delight it inspires.

Along with its pleasant melody, it evokes springtime joys sensed through all five senses: the murmur of a brook, the scent of violets, and young leaves swaying in a soft breeze—wrapping listeners in a warm, cheerful mood.

How about singing it together with older adults during a music recreation session? As nostalgic memories blossom into conversation, everyone can savor the arrival of spring to their heart’s content.

scarecrowsadamasashi

Scarecrow — Masashi Sada

This is a song that conveys feelings for one’s hometown, depicting the scenery of the Showa-era countryside with a quiet, gentle melody.

In Masashi Sada’s tender storytelling style, it likens thoughts for younger siblings living alone in the city to the figure of a scarecrow standing in the snow.

Released in November 1977, it is also included on albums such as “Watakushishu” and “Masashi Sada Best.” It’s a wonderful song that older listeners can find familiar, inviting everyone to sing together while fondly recalling family members living far away.

For recreation in care facilities, we hope people will enjoy it by clapping along slowly to the performance.

A rose has bloomed.Maiku Maki

Roses Bloomed - Mike Maki - With Subtitles

The classic song that sings of roses blooming in a heartwarming garden was released in 1966 by Mike Maki.

It’s a folk song that, while simple, conveys a deep sense of affection.

Its gentle melody—like flowers blooming in a garden where you can feel the transition from spring to summer—is also part of its charm.

This work was Mike Maki’s debut song, included on “Bara ga Saita/Mike Maki no Folk Album,” and since September 2016 it has also been used as the departure melody at JR East’s Ishioka Station on the Joban Line.

The tender vocals and melody are perfect for music recreation time with seniors.

Along with nostalgic memories, it offers a soothing, peaceful moment.

wheat fieldOyonēzu

Oyonésu - Wheat Field (with lyrics)

It’s a classic song that unfolds a gentle, heartwarming rural landscape.

With approachable lyrics in the Tohoku dialect, it portrays the pure romances of young people in the countryside.

It sold 900,000 copies and reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart.

The melody is characterized by its singable familiarity, and it was also used in a FamilyMart commercial.

As Oyonese’s signature song, it continues to be loved by many.

It evokes nostalgic scenery and can spark lively reminiscences, making it perfect for music recreation activities for seniors.

With its heartwarming lyrics and gentle melody, it is sure to resonate with listeners.

Choo-choo trainSakushi: Tomihara Kaoru / Sakkyoku: Kusakawa Shin

[Military Song] 🎌 'The Soldiers’ Train'

This is a memorable piece crafted by Kaoru Tomihara and Shin Kusakawa that brings back nostalgic memories.

Its charm lies in the lively melody that evokes the passing scenery outside the window and the rhythmic sounds of a train in motion.

Released in 1937, the song has been cherished by many and was selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” As a masterpiece representing children’s songs around the world, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Masako Kawada.

How about livening up a music recreation session by sharing stories about trains? It could be a wonderful time to share the nostalgic views from train windows in your memories, especially together with older adults.

loquatsakushi: mado michio / sakkyoku: isobe shigeru

Loquat (♪ Because the loquat is a gentle fruit) by Himawari 🌻 with lyrics

On a calm, sunny day, why not imagine fruit ripening in a lush green garden? Created by Michio Mado and Shigeru Isobe, this piece is a gentle-toned children’s song first released in July 1953.

Its soothing melody and lyrics vividly evoke fruit growing beneath large leaves, basking in the sunlight.

It’s a perfect song to share with older adults, spending a moment together immersed in nostalgic memories of early summer.

As the gentle music flows, why not gaze at the greenery outside the window and enjoy a leisurely time?

Melancholy TrainMitsubishi Michiya

Michiya Mihashi - Melancholy Train

This is a gem of a classic that brilliantly sings of a northern land’s travel-laden scenery and a heartrending love.

A crisp male voice vividly paints sweet memories in a hot-spring post town, along with the encroaching moment of parting.

Michiya Mihashi’s powerful vocals, honed through folk songs, create a warm, gentle phrasing in exquisite balance.

Since its 1956 release, it has become a massive hit with over 2.5 million copies sold and was adapted into a film the following year, leaving a deep imprint on the history of Japanese enka.

It’s a recommended song when you want to savor nostalgic memories or connect hearts through music.

It also has a friendly, sing-along quality that naturally invites humming in music recreation settings with seniors.