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

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.

It’s Tokyo, Mom.Shimakura Chiyoko

It's Tokyo, Mom.

This is a song by Chiyoko Shimakura that depicts a cheerful scene of sightseeing in Tokyo together with one’s mother.

The song strongly conveys the desire to make the mother happy, bringing to mind the image of a Mother’s Day gift.

Through its gentle atmosphere and lyrics that feel like speaking directly to the mother, it expresses deep love and kindness toward her.

It also conveys a heartfelt wish for the mother to live a long life.

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soap bubbleSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

Soap Bubbles — Song: AI Kiritan (with lyrics)

It’s a classic children’s song that straightforwardly depicts the scene of playing by blowing soap bubbles.

The bubbles, reflecting light and floating beautifully, also prompt us to notice the surrounding scenery.

In early summer, when the plants are a vivid green and the sky a deep blue—especially in May—soap bubbles look particularly beautiful.

The song expresses a pure wish for the bubbles to keep flying without popping, conveying the joy and exhilaration of facing them.

Because it evokes the image of children playing with soap bubbles, it seems perfect as a song to represent Children’s Day as well.

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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.

Koi in the pondMonbushō shōka

Children’s song / school song: Carp in the Pond (Ike no Koi) – Ministry of Education Song

This is a Ministry of Education school song that can be enjoyed while picturing the refreshing scenery of the season.

The gentle way it addresses the carp swimming in the pond brings a sense of calm and warmth.

Included in May 1911 in “Elementary School Songs for the First Grade,” this piece has been loved for many years for its bright, friendly melody and soothing lyrics.

It has appeared in music textbooks and has been passed down through school education.

It will surely resonate in your heart along with nostalgic memories.

Singing it with older adults may revive happy memories from the past and naturally spark conversation.

It’s an ideal song for music activities in care facilities.