[For Seniors] Recommended spring songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Shōwa-era spring tunes

Whisper of Young Leavestenchi mari

Mari Amachi ☆ Whisper of Young Leaves

A heartwarming song that depicts the arrival of spring as fresh greenery sprouts.

Koichi Morita’s melody intertwines with Michio Yamagami’s poetic lyrics to gently portray springtime scenes and budding romance.

Mari Amachi’s refreshing, crystalline voice resonates like dewy young leaves.

Released as a single in March 1973, the song became a major hit, topping the Oricon weekly chart for five consecutive weeks.

It was also used as the theme song for the film “What Is Love?” released the same March.

It’s a tune you’ll want to hum along with fond memories of spring.

It’s also recommended for seniors to sing together, clapping in time as they share stories of springs past.

A hill with a view of the harborHirano Aiko

A hill with a view of the harbor

Aiko Hirano’s “The Hill from Which You Can See the Harbor” is a classic song released in 1947.

Its rich, lustrous vocals and wistful lyrics really resonate.

Faded cherry blossoms, a ship’s whistle, pale lights on a foggy night—the lyrics delicately depict the scenery of a port town and leave a strong impression.

You can feel the ache of someone quietly carrying memories of a former lover.

It’s perfect for times when you want to look back on nostalgic memories of youth.

It would also be lovely to listen to or sing it together with older people and hear their stories from that time.

Suzhou SerenadeRikōran

Suzhou Serenade (Soochow Serenade) – Li Xianglan (Yoshiko Yamaguchi)

Yoshiko Yamaguchi’s “Suzhou Nocturne” is a masterpiece that beautifully sings of springtime scenes.

You can almost see the peach blossoms blooming by Suzhou’s waters and the willows quietly weeping.

The lyrics, rich with emotion as they mourn parting from a lover, are heart-wrenching.

This song has been covered by many singers and continues to be cherished.

If older listeners hear it, it may bring back fond memories.

It would be lovely to enjoy it with a calm heart in the season when the arrival of spring can be felt.

Flower JourneyMatsutōya Yumi

Traveling Through Scatter Petals / Hanakikou (2022 Ｍix)

With a clear, innocent, girl-like voice, this masterpiece paints the scene of a sudden glimpse of cherry blossoms swirling in an unfamiliar town.

Based on her experience along the Asano River in Kanazawa, Yumi Matsutoya gently expresses a bittersweet yet beautiful spring landscape.

Set to a waltz-like melody in 3/4 time, it exquisitely captures the fleeting nature of falling petals and the wistful feeling of a spring journey.

The song was included on the album “COBALT HOUR” and later used as the B-side to “Ano Hi ni Kaeritai.” It was also featured in the TBS drama “Rouge no Dengon,” becoming a track that has stayed in many listeners’ hearts.

It is a warm piece that brings back memories of springs spent in special places, and one you’ll want to hear by the window while soaking in the gentle spring sunlight.

Spring has come.dōyō

Spring Has Come [Children's Song] Spring has come ♪ Where has it come? ♪

The children’s song “Haru ga Kita” is a classic that evokes the beauty of Japan’s four seasons.

It depicts spring arriving in the mountains, villages, and fields through simple, familiar melodies and lyrics.

You can almost see spring scenes of flowers blooming and birds singing.

Composed in the Meiji era, the song has been cherished for over a hundred years in Japanese music education and cultural events.

The lyrics, filled with the joy of spring’s arrival, convey the happiness of having endured a long winter.

It’s the perfect song when you want to feel the coming of spring along with nostalgic memories.

Spring Streamdōyō

Spring Brook (children’s song)

Spring Streams is one of the most beloved masterpieces among Japanese children’s songs.

Its lyrics, which depict the arrival of spring and the beauty of nature, are especially striking.

You can almost see the gently flowing brook and the flowers in full bloom.

Since its release in 1963, it has continued to be cherished by many people.

Often sung in schools and at home, it may resonate in the heart along with nostalgic memories.

How about singing it slowly while imagining a spring landscape? It will surely warm your heart.

Moon over the Ruined CastleSakushi: Doi Bansui / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō

Moon over the Ruined Castle / Full version with easy-to-read lyric subtitles (Verses 1–4) Music: Rentaro Taki Arrangement: Kósçak Yamada Lyrics: Bansui Doi

A celebrated piece inspired by the beauty of Japan’s spring was created in the Meiji era by Bansui Doi and Rentarō Taki.

Set against the ruins of a castle bathed in moonlight, it poignantly sings of the splendor of a spring banquet and the transience of a changing world.

Revived along with fond memories, the work is frequently used in films and dramas, and its emotive melody continues to linger in many hearts.

Cherished and passed down through a long history, this piece allows listeners to experience rich sensitivity and deep sentiment within a gently flowing sense of time.

As soothing music for a quiet night, we hope you will enjoy it together with us.