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

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

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

It’s familiar to many seniors and perfect for music recreation.

If everyone sings it together, it will soothe the heart and create a lovely time to reminisce about the past.

Northern SpringSen Masao

Spring in the Northern Country / Masao Sen (with lyrics)

This classic song, gently depicting the changing seasons, expresses Japan’s beautiful nature and the longing for one’s hometown.

Prompted by a parcel from his mother, the protagonist living in the city recalls northern landscapes—white birch, magnolia blossoms, babbling brooks, and morning mist—and we empathize with his feelings.

Masao Sen’s warm vocals tenderly embrace nostalgic memories and love for family.

Since its release in April 1977, the song has been beloved by many, including three consecutive appearances on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

This piece is a heartwarming song that, when sung together with older adults during music recreation at care facilities, helps share cherished memories.

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

PicnicSakushi: Ogiwara Eiichi / Sakkyoku: Igirisu Min’yō

Picnic (children’s song)

It’s a classic song known for its lively energy and light, catchy melody.

Rhythmic and approachable, its gentle lyrics really resonate.

It even includes cheerful animal sounds, making it a piece that captures the beauty of nature.

Released by Columbia Records in March 1935, it was sung by Tadaharu Nakano and the Columbia Rhythm Boys.

In 1962, it was also featured on “Minna no Uta,” where The Three Graces and the Bonny Jacks performed it to great acclaim.

It’s a perfect song to sing with seniors while enjoying the seasons.

Humming along as you share memories will brighten the heart and warm the spirit.

Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Kāpo

Like a Flower Blooming in the Field / Da Capo (with lyrics)

Set to a gentle, refreshing melody, this heartwarming song celebrates the resilience and vitality of wildflowers.

It sings of the hardships everyone encounters in life, overlaying them with scenes from nature.

Its message, which stays close to each person’s life, is sure to resonate.

Since July 1983, it has been cherished by many as a signature song of Da Capo and has been loved as the theme song for the drama “The Naked General’s Wandering Journal.” This piece becomes even more special when sung together, allowing people to share a wonderful time.

It’s perfect for recreation under calm sunlight, or for humming before and after a stroll.

Oh, the pastures are greenChekosurobakia min’yō

Green Are the Meadows (Oo, Makiba wa Midori) with Lyrics – Suginami Children's Choir – Czech Folk Song

This is a Czechoslovak folk song that gently sings of a lush, green pastoral landscape.

With a friendly melody and refreshing lyrics that conjure up soothing scenes of nature, it’s full of charm that makes you want to hum along.

Introduced in April 1961 during the very first broadcast of “Minna no Uta,” it has since become a beloved classic in Japan.

It is also known for being performed by the Tokyo Broadcasting Children’s Choir on an NHK program.

Why not sing it together during a music recreation session, imagining the beautiful scenery of the meadows and the young people singing? It might even spark nostalgic conversations and fond memories.

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem