Songs for an Unwinding Heart in May: From Showa-Era Classics to Recent Hit Singles

Mother’s Poem ~White Carnation~Kenjiro

[MV] Kenjiro/Mother's Poem (Uta) ~White Carnation~ (full ver.)

When it comes to May events, Mother’s Day naturally comes to mind.

In this song performed by Kenjiro, the lyrics—overflowing with gratitude for his late mother and regrets he could never fully express—are delicately depicted alongside the everyday scene of a flower shop in front of a station.

Kenjiro’s own experience of losing his mother shortly after his debut in 2009 overlaps with the song, and each unadorned word resonates deeply.

Released as a single in August 2020, the piece has been cherished and carried forward so much that an acoustic version was included on the following year’s single, “Fog Horn Lullaby,” in 2021.

If you usually feel too shy to put your feelings for your mother into words, why not let this song speak for you? And of course, make the gift a carnation.

Nemophilakoaramōdo

COALAMODE. “Nemophila”

Koalamode., a male-female duo from Yokohama, colors everyday life with their translucently pure vocals and richly hued melodies.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime “The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter,” this song was released in February 2021 as their eighth single.

It’s a heartwarming medium-tempo number themed around the blue, delicate flower whose language of flowers is “I forgive you.” The lyrics brim with the kindness of accepting each other’s differences and rekindling bonds, gently loosening the heart with every listen.

With Annu’s soaring vocals woven together with Yasuhiro Obata’s meticulously crafted sound, this track is perfect for listening under the soft May sunlight.

Give it a listen when you’re a bit worn out from relationships or when you want to spend a calm, tender day with someone special.

lilac timeAiba Yumi (Kimura Juri)

lilac time

A pop tune that brings a refreshing breeze—the kind that makes you want to open the window after the rain and take a deep breath.

It’s a character song sung by Yumi Aiba, a popular idol from the social game The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls.

Included on the CD THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 044 Yumi Aiba, released in March 2016, this track was written, composed, and arranged consistently by Yukari Hashimoto, allowing the character’s kindness to be expressed in every corner of the sound.

Juri Kimura’s vocals, like being wrapped in the scent of lilac blossoms, are soothing, making this a perfect song for relaxed weekend moments like gardening or a stroll.

In this season when the fresh green shines, why not listen to it on a leisurely afternoon?

A clear May skyOkamura Takako

Takako Okamura - Clear Skies in May

A number distinguished by a crystal-clear melody that evokes the refreshing breezes of May.

It’s a song by Takako Okamura, who, after her work as part of Aming, secured an unshakable position as a solo singer.

Included on the classic album “liberté,” released in July 1987, the track was later selected for the compilation album “Ballade,” which reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts, and has continued to be cherished over the years.

The lyrics’ worldview, contrasting the panorama of a clear, cloudless sky with the shifting emotions within, makes it perfect for May.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to pause amid busy days or spend some quiet time.

Early summer rainOhtaki Eiichi

Eiichi Ohtaki Samidare

This is the B-side track to Eiichi Ohtaki’s single “Soratobu Kujira,” released in June 1972 after his work with Happy End.

Its lyrics, said to gather words from Basho’s haiku and Nagai Kafu’s essays, pursue the appeal of sound and euphony over literal meaning, brimming with Ohtaki’s signature experimental spirit.

The track was produced by recording the rhythm first and then overdubbing, and when it was later included on the classic album “Eiichi Ohtaki,” the arrangement was changed.

Even under gloomy skies, Ohtaki’s characteristically light vocals and unique sound design are sure to put you at ease.

It’s a richly flavored number that makes you want to relax indoors, listen to the rain, and sip a coffee.

carnationJanne Da Arc

carnation

On Mother’s Day, which falls on the second Sunday of May, you can’t help but want to express the gratitude that you’re usually too shy to say out loud.

The song that stirs up those warm feelings is this track included on the visual kei rock band Janne Da Arc’s album ARCADIA.

Released in July 2004, it’s a piece that graces the latter part of the album and can be considered one of the band’s hidden gems.

In contrast to the intensity you’d expect from a rock band, it’s a ballad whose gently plucked guitar tones and unadorned lyrics of love for one’s mother resonate deeply.

It delicately portrays the greatness of a parent that you only come to appreciate as an adult, as well as the childlike awkwardness that makes it hard to be honest, and just listening to it brings a slow, comforting warmth to the heart.

This May, why not listen to this song as if you were offering flowers to someone dear?

A drizzle of May rain throws the beauties into disarrayJuice=Juice

Juice=Juice “Samidare Bijo ga Sa Midareru” [SA-MI-DA-RE girls It’s crazy] (MV)

The playful, pun-like ring of the title really leaves an impression, doesn’t it? Tsunku♂’s indie second single for Juice=Juice is a scorching dance track where rock guitar tangles with dazzling brass.

The lyrics, which vow to charge down the path they believe in without being swayed by rumors or others’ judgments, are nothing less than a declaration of resolve from the girls at that time.

By deliberately using a word that’s originally a seasonal term for June, it conveys a momentum that seems to bring the rain a little early.

Released in May 2013, this song was also a key track that supported their run-up to a major-label debut.

Give it a listen when you want to blow away the damp, gloomy mood and be your truest self.