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

carp streamerSakushi: Kondō Miyako / Sakkyoku: Fushō

♪ Koinobori – Carp Streamers | Carp Streamers Higher Than the Rooftops; The Big Black Carp Is Father [Japanese Song / Shoka]

When carp streamers are put up for Children’s Day, it really makes you feel that May is just around the corner, doesn’t it? Looking up at the carp streamers dancing in the sky draws your attention to the refreshing early-summer breeze and the clear, blue expanse above.

The song “Koinobori” expresses the sight of those streamers spreading across the blue sky in a straightforward way.

It gently sings of the powerful figures of the streamers soaring through the air and what each one represents.

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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.

Come, fireflyNihon koyō

Come, firefly

“Hotaru Koi” is one of the most famous Japanese children’s songs and is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults.

Its simple, gentle melody and lyrics that call to the fireflies reflect Japan’s fondness for this symbol of summer and a spirit of cherishing nature.

It is said to have spread nationwide after being included in “Jidō Shōka,” a collection compiled in 1933 (Showa 8) by Torukichi Mikami, a schoolteacher from Tottori Prefecture.

Singing it together with older adults may spark warm, nostalgic conversations.

It’s also a perfect track for summertime recreation background music.

pure-heartedTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki 'Innocence'

A love that wells up for one’s mother precisely because we’ve grown into adults.

It’s a love song filled with feelings for that one irreplaceable person in the world.

Written and produced by singer-songwriter Koji Tamaki, it was released as a single in April 2013, and was later included on the best-of album “ALL TIME BEST.” The unadorned vocals and gentle melody are crafted so that tears come naturally as you listen.

Truly, just as it is—without any twist—it’s a song imbued with gratitude to one’s mother.

It expresses thanks while looking back on memories from childhood.

It’s also recommended as a message song to hum together with older adults as you go through a long life, conveying everyday gratitude.

A Gift Without a StampSakushi • Sakkyoku: Zaizu Kazuo

A Gift Without a Stamp – Kazuo Zaitsu | ♪ From me to you, let me send this song | cover by akiurara | Vocals, Chorus, Performance DTM/DAW | With Lyrics | Kitte no nai Okurimono

A love for one’s mother that wells up precisely because we’re now adults.

This is a song packed tight with feelings for that one irreplaceable person in the world.

The lyrics, which turn the feeling of “I love you” into a song and deliver it, are sung over a very gentle melody.

Kazuo Zaitsu of Tulip—known for their signature song “Seishun no Kage”—wrote the lyrics and composed the music.

The piece was first presented in 1977 on “Uta wa Tomodachi,” and it was broadcast on “Minna no Uta” in 1978.

It has been remade several times since the initial broadcast, so the version you know may differ depending on the era.

It’s perfect for expressing everyday gratitude.

Humming it together with seniors on Mother’s Day would likely make them happy.

Many people might even find tears welling up, almost mysteriously.

Height comparisonSakushi: Umino Atsushi / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

Height Comparison – Sei Kurabe | The mark on the pillar was from the year before last [Japanese Song / Shoka]

Speaking of events in May, Children’s Day comes to mind.

It carries the wish for children to grow up healthy.

“Sekukurabe” is a song that powerfully evokes children’s growth and the passage of time.

It depicts a child marking their height on a pillar in the house, and by comparing it with earlier marks, you can feel both their growth and their wish to grow even taller.

Alongside this, the song also portrays the beautiful early-summer scenery, conveying a sense of exhilaration at the changing seasons.

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To MotherHanzaki Yoshiko

Yoshiko Hanzaki “To Mother” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a straightforward song of gratitude that portrays a mother who has always put her family first.

The singer-songwriter from Hokkaido, Yoshiko Hanzaki, has a deeply expressive and gentle voice that’s truly captivating.

The song is filled with a mother’s love—putting herself second and working hard—and with deep thanks for that love.

The track was released as a single in May 2019 and was also included on the album “Utaben 2,” released in August 2019.

The same single also features the TV insert song “Yorokobi no Uta” and the radio song “Kokoro no Katsuro.” Anyone living away from their mother will surely be moved to tears when they hear it.

It’s perfect for humming together with seniors on Mother’s Day to express your everyday gratitude.