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

Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko

Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Love) Tokiko Kato 55th Anniversary

Tokiko Kato’s “Shiretoko Ryōjō” is a classic that portrays the beautiful nature of Shiretoko and the ache of a bittersweet love.

The lyrics vividly evoke Shiretoko’s scenery—rugosa roses, Kunashiri Island, and the white nights—leaving a lasting impression.

Memories with a lover and scenes of parting are sung with rich emotion.

Released in 1970, it spent seven consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart and became a massive hit with over 1.4 million copies sold.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and even included in junior high school music textbooks, making it beloved across generations.

A heartwarming song that brings back fond memories—you might even find yourself getting a bit teary as you recall a youthful romance.

Summer Memoriesshouka

Summer Memories Natsunoomoide / Opening lyrics ♪ When summer comes, I remember / With easy-to-read lyrics [Japanese song Japanese traditional song]

Released shortly after the war, “Summer Memories” is a heartwarming school song that depicts the natural beauty of Oze.

It sings of scenes fondly recalled with the arrival of summer—flowers like skunk cabbage and rhododendron, and landscapes wrapped in mist.

The poetry by Shoko Ema and the music by Yoshinao Nakata match beautifully, stirring a deep sense of nostalgia in listeners.

For many years, this song has been sung in schools and at local events, beloved across generations.

How about softly humming it by the window on a quiet afternoon? It will surely bring back cherished memories of summers past.

Summer has comeshouka

Summer Has Come — Song Ayano Nonomura / pf Masakazu Inui

“Natsu wa Kinu” is a traditional Japanese song that beautifully depicts early summer landscapes.

Its lyrics are sprinkled with seasonal symbols like deutzia blossoms, cuckoos, and early-summer rains, making it a classic that lets you feel the arrival of summer just by listening.

Since its release in 1896, it has been loved by many for over a century.

It has even been featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and is cherished as a tune people of all ages can hum along to.

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

It’s also a perfect song for those moments when you want to ease the summer heat just a little.

coconutshouka

Coconut (from the serial TV drama “Chimudondon”) [Official Lyric Video]

Yashi no Mi (Coconut) is a beloved song that gently embraces the feelings of those who have left their hometown.

With poetry by Toson Shimazaki set to music by Toraji Onaka, it expresses longing for home through the image of a coconut drifting ashore from a distant island.

Rocked by the waves and carrying the melancholy of a journey, the singer wishes someday to return home…

It’s a bittersweet sentiment many can surely relate to.

This song was selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Why not hum it together with older family members and reminisce about the past? It’s sure to bring a heartwarming moment.

Song of the Seashoreshouka

Song of the Seashore (Summer Children’s Song)

A Showa-era classic that will surely be sung forever, “Hamabe no Uta” (Song of the Seashore).

Composed by Tamezou Narita with lyrics by Kokei Hayashi, this piece was born in the Taisho period.

Its beautiful melody evokes the quiet scenery of a beach, perfectly matched with lyrics that touch the heart.

It skillfully expresses the beauty of Japan’s nature and human emotion, and as you listen, nostalgic memories may come flooding back.

Many people likely sang it in junior high school music class.

If you hum it together with older adults, you’ll probably share a warm, lovely moment.