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

Tokyo Ondomin’yō

Tokyo Ondo - With Guide [Let’s Dance Together! Bon Odori]

Born in 1933 (Showa 8), this is a classic Bon Odori song that represents Japan.

Its lyrics charmingly sing about Tokyo’s famous spots—like the flowers of Ueno and the willows of Ginza—and its light, friendly melody is very appealing.

The rhythm incorporates the flavor of Kagoshima’s folk song “Ohara-bushi,” making it beloved across generations.

Created by Yaso Saijo and Shinpei Nakayama, it was performed by Katsutaro Kouta and Issei Mishima.

Premiered at a Bon Odori festival held in Hibiya Park, it has long resonated with people as a symbol of Tokyo’s recovery and community revitalization.

Filled with nostalgia and perfect for moving your body with joy, this Bon Odori standard is an ideal choice for summer recreation.

Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner’s Song)min’yō

Tanko Bushi – With Guide [Let’s All Dance! Bon Odori]

It is a folk song from the Chikuho region, cherished as a hallmark of summer in Japan.

Born in the Meiji era from songs sung by women during coal sorting at mines, it spread nationwide in the early Showa period through radio broadcasts.

Its familiar melody, depicting coal mine labor and everyday life, remains a staple for Bon Odori dances.

In August 2024, BEGIN released a new arrangement incorporating Brazilian samba rhythms, but the traditional choreography—characterized by movements that mimic mining work—makes it easy to dance together with older adults.

Since 2006, Tagawa City in Fukuoka Prefecture has hosted the Tanko-bushi Festival every summer, and the song continues to be passed down across generations.

summer vacationyoshida takurou

Summer Vacation by Takuro Yoshida

This is a classic song by Takuro Yoshida, written with a gentle, bittersweet melody that traces summer memories in Kagoshima and Hiroshima.

Included on the 1971 live album “Yoshida Takuro On Stage Tomodachi,” the piece vividly paints scenes of a summer vacation that anyone might find nostalgic.

Childhood memories and moments with a cherished teacher are woven together with heartwarming lyrics.

A studio version was released on the 1972 album “Genki Desu.,” and the song has continued to be beloved by the artist and fans alike.

Inviting listeners to look back tenderly on summers from their youth, it’s a tune you can hum together with older generations, sparking wonderful conversations about treasured memories.

Soran Bushimin’yō

Soran Bushi (Hokkaido folk song) singing method

The work songs that Hokkaido fishermen used to sing between tasks are now loved by many as some of Japan’s representative folk songs.

Their powerful calls and lively rhythms are brimming with energy that makes your heart leap, and they have a lasting charm that stays with you.

Over the years, new allure has been added by numerous singers, including Fuyumi Sakamoto, Yoshimi Tendo, and Takio Ito.

Sayuri Ishikawa also presented her own arrangement on her 2019 album “Tami.” These songs are perfect for moments when you can sing along together—chatting with family and friends, or at community events where people gather and connect.

They’re sure to offer a heartwarming time, wrapped in a sense of nostalgia.

Mount Fuji (Fujinoyama)

Mount Fuji (Fuji no Yama) 🗻 (♪ With its head above the clouds~) by Himawari 🌻×3 with lyrics | Ministry of Education Song [100 Selected Japanese Songs] | Fuji Mountain

This is a song of praise for a beautiful mountain beloved as a symbol of Japan, released in July 1910 as a Ministry of Education school song.

With its concise lyrics and distinctive melody, it has continued to be cherished across generations.

It is often sung on July 1, the opening day of the mountain-climbing season, and is a memorable piece that evokes the feeling of summer.

Treasured in school music education and community cultural activities, this work embodies respect for Japanese tradition and nature, and is surely a familiar, nostalgic song for older adults as well.

It’s perfect for a relaxed recreational moment to enjoy singing while reminiscing about the past through a nostalgic school song.

Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu

Pinky and the Killers — The Season of Love (with lyrics)

This song is distinguished by a bossa nova rhythm that heralds the start of summer.

Riding on a melody that captures the joy of new love, it’s become a classic summer tune brimming with lightness and nostalgia.

The fresh vocals and performance by Pinky & The Killers gently wrap youthful memories in warmth.

Released in July 1968, the song spent 17 consecutive weeks at number one on the Oricon charts.

It was also featured in the 2009 film Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, making it beloved across generations.

On a hot summer day, why not hum along with older adults while reminiscing in a cool room? You can also expand the fun by doing light exercises or clapping along to the beat.

Summer MemoriesSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

Summer Memories | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Radio Kayō | When summer comes, I remember

This is a beloved song that weaves nostalgic memories set in Oze.

Written by Shoko Ema with music by Yoshinao Nakada, it is a beautiful Japanese art song that delicately portrays scenes of nature and brings us the dreams and hopes lost after the war.

Since its first broadcast on NHK Radio in June 1949, its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics have left a deep impression on many listeners.

It was sung by Ichiro Fujiyama in 1954 and featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, making it cherished across generations.

Rooted in Japan’s musical culture for many years, it was selected in 2006 for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Humming its melody, imbued with love for abundant nature, brings nostalgic landscapes to mind.

Shall we bask together in the pleasant memories of summer?