Memories gifted with the songs of May: timeless spring classics and moving tales of music
May blesses us with comfortable weather—a perfect season for enjoying music.
From early-summer breezes that make you hum a gentle “samidare” (May rain) melody, to moving song stories perfect for Mother’s Day, and even tunes that support you through the May blues, there are so many songs tied to this month.
In this article, we’ll introduce gems that capture the shift from spring to summer, as well as masterpieces filled with heartfelt messages for loved ones.
You’re sure to discover a song that resonates with your heart.
Enjoy the read to the very end!
- [Karaoke Songs for May] A list of classic tracks that capture the lingering spirit of spring and the arrival of early summer
- [May Songs] Uplifting Cheer Songs & Moving Mother’s Day Song Collection
- [For Seniors] Songs to Sing in Refreshing May When the Fresh Green Shines
- Blow away the May blues! Cheer songs and feel-good tunes to listen to in May
- [Spring Songs] Classic and Latest Hit Collections Perfect for a Bright, Gentle Spring
- [For Seniors] Spring Songs You'll Want to Hum: Feel the Season with Nostalgic Classics
- Spring songs that were hits in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
- [2026] Time-Travel to Your Memories Just by Listening! Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 50s
- Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells
- Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs to enjoy in May! Songs perfect for the fresh green season
- [Spring Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s] Carefully Selected Nostalgic Classics & Big Hits
- Spring songs to color the season of meetings and partings—recommended for the Yutori generation
- Songs to Listen to in June: A Curated Selection of Rain-Themed Tracks and Classics for Father’s Day
Memories gifted with May’s songs: Spring masterpieces and moving song stories (1–10)
MayHata Motohiro
A gentle, feel-good pop song that depicts returning to a partner’s family home during Golden Week.
It’s a work by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata, also known for “Himawari no Yakusoku,” and it’s included on his fourth album, Signed POP, released in 2013.
The story-like lyrics, the enveloping band sound, and the beautiful tone of the strings come together to delight the ears.
A relationship like this with a partner—can’t help but admire it, right?
Clover in MayEGO-WRAPPIN’
This is “May Clover,” released by the Osaka-born duo EGO-WRAPPIN’.
They put out distinctive songs that incorporate elements from various genres like jazz and blues, and they’re highly regarded overseas as well, including in Asia and Europe.
You could easily get swept away by the moody vibe of this track, reminiscent of a Showa-era nightclub.
Its unique, lovely expressions evoke the lukewarm air of a warm May night.
How about relaxing under the May moon and giving it a listen?
To MomAI
“To Mom” is a powerful and moving song of gratitude to her mother by AI, an artist born in America and raised in Kagoshima.
The song was created in 2013 for the 50th anniversary commercial of Ghana Milk Chocolate, and it is filled with AI’s feelings for her mother.
It’s a masterpiece that offers thanks for all the hope and kindness her mother showed her.
Every family’s circumstances are different, but dedicating this song would surely delight any mom.
How about gifting a song on Mother’s Day?
Memories delivered with the songs of May: Spring masterpieces and moving song stories (11–20)
Farewell in MayInoue Yosui
May is when summer starts to begin, and it often puts us in a buoyant mood, but Yosui Inoue deliberately wrote a May song with the theme of parting.
Precisely because the sky is a clear blue and the trees turn lush green in this season, a song about farewell seems to resonate even more deeply.
Perhaps only he can sing not just the sadness of parting, but also its freshness.
rose flowerkururi
What flowers come to mind when you think of blooms in May, early summer? For me, roses are the first.
Roses are actually the flower with the most varieties in the world.
Speaking of roses, there’s “Bara no Hana” by Quruli, the band from Kyoto.
It’s a song brimming with the fragility of a rose losing its petals one by one.
The sparse lyrics that evoke memories of past love are also outstanding.
“Bara no Hana” isn’t just a ‘song’! The music video, filmed at a beach and lighthouse in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, is rich in subtext.
If you haven’t seen it yet, please check it out!
Let’s go slowKALMA
KALMA is a rock band from Hokkaido that’s especially popular among younger generations.
Their song “Slow de Ikō,” included on their 2021 album Millennium Hero, carries a warm message about the importance of enjoying life in our day-to-day routines.
Its energetic band performance, driven by a heavy groove, conveys a bright, uplifting feeling.
It’s a refreshing rock number that adds color to the rainy month of May.
Take it easy and enjoy their humming-like vocals.
Early summer rainSakiyama Soshi
Soshi Sakiyama’s “Samidare” even gives you the sense that the guitar itself is singing.
It’s so cool! His musicality has been highly praised by Enon Kawatani and Quruli’s Shigeru Kishida.
The impassioned acoustic guitar cutting layered with his distinctive vocals creates a one-and-only Sakiyama world.
The striking lyrics feel literary, and perhaps they sing of society’s barbs and of youth.
It’s the perfect song to blast away the damp, muggy air that sets in around May! The THE FIRST TAKE version is insanely cool too—definitely a must-watch!
