Recommended summer songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era summer tunes [2026]

Summer Mountain Songmin’yō

Michiya Mihashi [Summer Mountain Song]

When it comes to folk songs that evoke the cool mountain air of an early summer morning, this song long sung in Miyagi Prefecture surely comes to mind.

In the stillness before dawn, its simple yet powerful melody seems to convey both the resolve of those heading out to work in the mountains and the drowsiness that still lingers.

The timbre of the shakuhachi feels as if it carries the misty mountain landscape with it.

Originally a work song from Yamagata, it was arranged during the Showa era by the renowned folk shakuhachi virtuoso Momoji Goto and spread widely through record releases.

It has been passed down by many singers and continues to be cherished today, including its inclusion on the May 2018 album “Mountain Folk Songs.” Perhaps it brings to mind, for some, memories of youthful days of hard work or scenes from their hometown.

Crazed FruitIshihara Yūjirō

Yujiro Ishihara "Crazed Fruit"

Under the dazzling summer sun, the blaze of youthful fragility and passion.

It’s a masterpiece that vividly captures a slightly bittersweet page of adolescence, isn’t it? Yujiro Ishihara’s low, velvety voice, carried on the scent of the sea breeze, sings with deep feeling of the helpless emotions swaying in a false love.

This song is the theme for the 1956 film Crazed Fruit, in which Ishihara starred—surely many had their hearts set aflame by his on-screen presence.

How about spending a moment listening to this piece and basking in the radiant summer memories of your younger days?

This roaddōyō

This Road (Summer Children's Song)

Among timeless classics that continue to be sung across generations, this work especially strikes a deep chord.

Poet Hakushū Kitahara wove the poem by overlaying the scenery he saw while traveling in Hokkaido with memories of his own hometown, and his close friend Kōsaku Yamada set it to music.

The imagery of acacia blossoms and the white clock tower rises vividly to mind, gently awakening each listener’s own nostalgic memories.

First recorded in 1927 with a performance by Yoshie Fujiwara, it was later selected in 2006 for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Beloved by many singers, including Hiromi Iwasaki, it was also recently used as the theme song for the film “Kono Michi.” It’s the perfect piece for looking back on the past with a calm heart.

Lady of the SeashoreFunaki Kazuo

Lady of the Seashore

Kazuo Funaki is strongly associated with the image of school uniforms, so it’s surprising to learn he had such a cheerful, tropical summer classic! Released in July 1965, this song’s light, Hawaiian-inspired rhythm feels delightful and instantly transports you to a southern beach just by listening.

It sings of a bright, straightforward love—like the summer sun—for a young lady glimpsed on the shore, and it’s the kind of tune that makes your body start to move.

As a new experiment in “rhythm kayō” (rhythm-driven pop), the track is also included on the masterpiece A-side Collection 1963–2006, which compiles Funaki’s signature songs.

On a hot day, it might be perfect to enjoy in a cool room, clapping along together with friends!

A young lady in a bikini styleDanī Iida to Paradaisu Kingu

Danny Iida and the Paradise King, Susumu Ishikawa / Bikini Style Girl – Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini (1960)

You can almost picture the dazzling seaside sunshine and the fluttering feelings of a girl puzzled by her new swimsuit.

Danny Iida and the Paradise King distilled that sweet-and-sour yet endearing scene into a breezy classic.

Known for their style of performing foreign hits with Japanese lyrics, this 1960 release won the Toshiba Hit Award that same year.

The soothing tone of the steel guitar will never fade.

It’s the kind of song that vividly brings back the sparkling summer memories of youth.

Love VacationZa Pīnattsu

Love Vacation

The Peanuts’ “Koi no Vacance” (Vacation of Love) is a classic that sweetly portrays a summer romance.

Released in 1963, it won the Arranging Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards and was also performed at the 14th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song familiar to many older listeners and may bring back memories of youthful love.

It would be lovely to listen to it under the summer sun, wrapped in a sense of nostalgia.

Beach of MemoriesZa Wairudowanzu

Omoide no Nagisa (Memories of the Beach) / The Wild Ones (1966)

The Wild Ones’ “Omoide no Nagisa” (Shore of Memories) is a classic that portrays a bittersweet summer romance by the sea.

Its distinctive guitar sound pairs beautifully with lyrics that depict seaside scenery.

Reading the lyrics brings back nostalgic memories of past love.

Released in 1966, the song was a major hit, selling over a million copies.

It’s a familiar tune for many older listeners as well.

It’s perfect for listening while gazing at the ocean, and also great for singing along.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment reminiscing about the old days?