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

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!

If I go to seagunka

If I go to the sea

With its majestic yet restrained melody, this is a requiem that seeps deeply into the listener’s heart.

Composed in 1937 by Kiyoshi Nobutoki, the piece became widely known during the war as a quasi-national anthem.

What is striking is that it conveys not hostility but inner feelings—resolve and prayer—of people living through difficult times.

The work was also used in a pivotal scene in the film “Umi Yukaba: The Great Sea War of Japan,” and it likely remains etched in many people’s memories.

It is included on the album “Japanese Military Songs Archives Vol.

2: Songs of the Sea ‘Umi Yukaba’ 1932–1944.” It may be fitting to listen quietly as those who lived through a turbulent era take a moment to reflect on their journeys.

Festival MamboMisora Hibari

Festival Mambo

A song themed around summer traditions, Omatsuri Mambo.

Hibari Misora’s 15-year-old voice vividly captures the lively atmosphere of a festival.

With a sprightly rhythm, it portrays a festival-loving Edoite and even sings of the loneliness that follows once the festivities end—making it a true classic.

Released on August 15, 1952, it became one of Hibari Misora’s signature songs.

Singing it together with older adults may bring back fond memories of summers past.

It’s also recommended to sing along while moving your body to the cheerful melody.

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.

Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun

Jun Mayuzumi “Angel’s Temptation” 1968

Among the many hit songs that vividly colored summers in the Showa era, there are surely plenty of people who remember this classic, powerfully sung by Jun Mayuzumi, most of all.

Released in May 1968, the track blends a lively Group Sounds-style rhythm with a subtly exotic Hawaiian flavor—an ideal tune to heighten the mood of a summer resort getaway.

Jun Mayuzumi’s punchy yet coquettish vocals hint at a sweet and dangerous romantic game, captivating countless listeners.

The song won the 10th Japan Record Award, she starred in a film of the same title, and she also performed it on NHK’s year-end Kohaku Uta Gassen—proof of the fervor it stirred at the time, which has since become the stuff of legend.

It’s perfect for a summer drive, and a must-listen for anyone who wants to feel the atmosphere of that era.