Easy-to-sing songs recommended for women in their 90s: A roundup of tracks to try at karaoke

Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki - Showa-era song

A gentle, warm song that likens the object of one’s affection to an apple.

Released in January 1946, it became a classic that drew a major response for the first time in the postwar era.

As the theme song of the film “Soyokaze,” it was performed as a duet by Michiko Namiki and Noboru Kirishima.

Under the blue sky, the way the singer longs for the charming apple is portrayed alongside a refreshing melody.

In the turmoil of the time, it became a ray of hope.

For older listeners, it’s a nostalgic piece that brings back memories of the good old days.

Setting aside time to sing it together in a care facility may well spark lively conversations about happy times gone by.

Happy HinamatsuriSakushi: Satō Hachirō / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Kōyō

Happy Hinamatsuri | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Songs of Japan | Let's light the lanterns

There’s a heartwarming song that enhances the festive mood of Hinamatsuri.

“Ureshii Hinamatsuri” is beloved by a wide range of generations, from children to older adults.

Created by Hachiro Sato and Koyo Kawamura, it has been sung for many years since its release in 1936.

Its charm lies in lyrics that gently depict the scenes and joy of the Doll Festival, paired with a bright and lively melody.

It’s also a song you often hear on TV and radio every March.

How about humming it together with older family members at Hinamatsuri events or during family gatherings? It will surely bring back fond memories.

I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Falling in Love with You Again (with lyrics)

A gem by Fuyumi Sakamoto that gently sings of a deepening bond with a loved one.

Also known as the CM song for Sanwa Shurui’s barley shochu iichiko, it conveys the newfound affection that can blossom between longtime spouses through a calm, soothing melody.

From everyday moments—the morning light, the breathing of someone sleeping by your side—the lyrics unfold tender feelings toward a cherished person, enhanced by a voice that pierces the heart.

Released in January 2009 as the coupling track to “Asia no Kaizoku,” it was included that October on the album “Love Songs ~ Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru ~,” garnering widespread media attention.

It’s a wonderful song to hum together as a couple or to sing with thoughts of someone dear.

A beautiful piece that lets you feel love growing deeper with time.

My Pure LadyOzaki Ami

My Pure Lady / Ami OzakiOfficial Lyric Video

This is a memorable track with a refreshing bossa nova-style melody that evokes the arrival of spring.

Its gentle, soft atmosphere, which tenderly wraps around feelings of a faint crush and affection for someone, will warm your heart before you know it.

Ami Ozaki’s clear, translucent vocals blend beautifully with lyrics that depict the small joys of everyday life.

Released in February 1977, the song was also used in a Shiseido cosmetics commercial and reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

The arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya and the performance by members of Tin Pan Alley are among its many charms.

It’s a lovely piece you’ll want to listen to with the windows open, feeling the pleasant breeze under the calm spring sunlight.

Spring StreamMonbushō shōka

With Lyrics: “Spring Stream” Ministry of Education Song

Accompanied by the gentle murmur of water, this classic song unfolds a simple, tender scene before your eyes.

Among the Ministry of Education’s school songs, its melodic line is especially beautiful, and it is said that Tatsuyuki Takano wrote the lyrics infused with memories of his home in Nagano Prefecture.

The delicate flowers blooming along the shore and the fish swimming in the brook are depicted as if in a painting, superbly expressing the quintessential spring landscape of Japan.

Since its inclusion in 1912 in “Elementary School Songs for the Fourth Grade,” it has been sung across generations.

It is a recommended piece for those who wish to spend a heartwarming moment—both as a song of memories and as a tune that evokes the nostalgic scenery of spring.

tea pickingMonbushō shōka

Tea Picking | With Lyrics | Ministry of Education Song | One Hundred Japanese Songs | The 88th Night as Summer Approaches

We present a piece that beautifully portrays the charm of Japan’s four seasons.

This classic song richly depicts the tea-picking scene from Hachijūhachi-ya into early summer.

As the tranquil weather continues, you can picture people wearing vermilion sashes and sedge hats, diligently picking tea to the warmth of heartfelt singing.

Included in 1912 in “Elementary School Songs for the Third Grade,” it conveys the lifestyle of the time and the changing seasons to the present day.

Please listen with a relaxed mind as you recall nostalgic landscapes.

It may also spark fond memories and lively conversations with family and friends.

Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio / Yoshinaga Sayuri

Yukio Hashi & Sayuri Yoshinaga / Itsudemo Yume o (Always Dream)

Because it’s used as an insert song in NHK’s morning drama series “Amachan,” in SoftBank commercials, and in various other contexts, it hardly feels like an old tune.

Of course, for older listeners it’s famous as a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.

It even won the Japan Record Award, was performed on the Red and White Song Battle, and inspired a film—what we’d now call a mega-viral hit! Just hearing the intro will bring back fond memories of days gone by.

It’s also a great choice for karaoke with someone special!