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

LullabySakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Kusahara Shin

Cradle Song (A Gentle Lullaby)

This is a classic song depicting a mother’s love that many of us heard in childhood.

It’s a nursery rhyme with a melody that conveys warmth and tranquility.

The lyrics were written by Hakushū Kitahara, and the music was composed by Shin Kusakawa.

A poem published in a magazine in August 1921 was set to music and then featured in October 1922.

In April 1967, it was used on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” sung by the Bonny Jacks.

In 2007, it was selected for the “100 Best Songs of Japan,” and Rimi Natsukawa also covered it.

The song portrays the gentle scene of a baby sleeping in a cradle, and it may bring back memories for elderly listeners of times spent with their mothers.

As you look back on those nostalgic moments for Mother’s Day, try humming along to this song that can help you express your gratitude.

poppy flowerAgunesu Chan

Poppy Flower / Agnes Chan (Agnes Chan/Chen Meiling)

This is a famous song that poignantly portrays a young woman’s bittersweet feelings of love as she tells her fortune using a single flower blooming on a hill.

The clear singing voice of Agnes Chan from Hong Kong, combined with her pure image, captured the hearts of many.

Released in November 1972, the song reached No.

5 on the Oricon chart and became a major hit, maintaining a sales record for foreign-born artists for 40 years.

When everyone sings this song of memories together, joyful moments from their youth come flooding back.

We recommend it as a gentle spring song that can be enjoyed while reminiscing and sung happily with older adults, perfect for music activities at day-service centers and care facilities.

My shoes are squeaking.Sakushi: Shimizu Katsura / Sakkyoku: Hirota Ryūtarō

Shoes That Go Click-Clack | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Hand in hand, when we walk along the country path

This is a celebrated song from the Taisho era that depicts children, eyes sparkling, walking hand in hand along a country path.

Katsura Shimizu’s poem is set to a gentle, light melody by Ryutaro Hirota, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Though a children’s song, it resonates deeply with adults as well.

It’s a familiar tune for many seniors, making it perfect for music recreation.

Singing it together will soothe the heart and create a lovely time of reminiscing.

It’s also recommended as everyday background music.

Mother’s SongSakushi Sakkyoku: Kubota Satoshi

Mother's Song (with lyrics)

The second Sunday of May is Mother’s Day.

Although it started as a custom in the United States, it has taken root in Japan as a day to express gratitude to mothers.

It’s common to show appreciation, acknowledge their hard work, and give carnations as a gift.

In Japan, the first song that comes to mind depicting a mother is “Kāsan no Uta” (Mother’s Song).

It portrays a mother who works hard for her child and speaks to them with kindness, conveying a mother’s warmth in a straightforward way.

With its gentle atmosphere, the song invites listeners to reflect deeply on their gratitude toward their mothers.

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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.

shoulder tapsakushi: saijou hachi / sakkyoku: nakayama shinpei

shoulder tap

Mother’s Day, when we express gratitude to our mothers and acknowledge their daily efforts, is an important event in May.

Thinking about how to show appreciation and choosing something that will make her happy is part of the fun of this occasion.

The song “Katatataki” is a classic piece that depicts the act of caring for one’s mother.

It portrays a child patting their mother’s shoulders and the various scenes that unfold around them, conveying a joyful feeling.

The sound made while patting the shoulders is also an important element, lightly expressing kindness and gratitude toward the mother.

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Over the hillFujiyama Ichirō

Over the hill

This is a song by Ichirō Fujiyama that expresses, with a cheerful mood, a beautiful landscape where a clear blue sky spreads out beyond the hills.

Based on a mandolin ensemble piece composed by Masao Koga, lyrics were added by Yoshifumi Shimada, and it was also used as the theme song for the film “Ane” (Elder Sister).

The light sound centered on the mandolin strongly evokes the joy of going over the hills.

Its beautifully colored scenery and buoyant uplift conjure the fresh air of early summer.

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