[For Seniors] Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 70s: A Collection of Nostalgic Spring Tunes
When you hear “spring songs recommended for people in their 70s,” what tunes come to mind?
These days, many spring songs are about cherry blossoms, but back in the 1970s and 1980s, spring-themed songs that portrayed a variety of emotions set against the season drew a lot of attention.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of spring songs that feel familiar to those in their 70s.
Listening to warm spring songs seems like a lovely way to spend a pleasant time.
Each song depicts different emotions and stories, so be sure to take your time listening while reading the lyrics.
[For Seniors] Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 70s: A Collection of Nostalgic Spring Tunes (1–10)
The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō

A song that gracefully celebrates the natural beauty of the highlands and the romance of train travel evokes heartwarming memories of family trips and brings to mind wonderful moments with loved ones.
Its sweeping scenery and romantic spirit are sure to soothe anyone’s heart.
Carried by Atsuro Okamoto’s comforting vocals, the pastoral landscapes gently resonate within.
Since its release in 1954, this work has continued to be beloved by many and was featured in the 2020 NHK morning drama series “Yell,” moving audiences across generations.
It’s perfect for a time of sharing old memories over tea with everyone.
Settle in, relax, and enjoy a peaceful moment.
Moon over the Ruined CastleSakushi: Doi Bansui / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō

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.
Parting at 22kaze

The debut song by the folk duo Kaze is a heartwarming classic, as gentle as the spring sunshine.
The lyrics vividly portray the pure love and parting of youth, while the tender acoustic guitar melody weaves a beautiful harmony.
Since its release in 1975, it has been covered by many artists and even adapted into a film by director Nobuhiko Obayashi in 2007, remaining beloved across generations.
In NHK’s “SukiUta — Kouhaku Everyone’s Survey,” it ranked 71st for the White Team.
It’s a perfect song for savoring slowly when you want to bask in nostalgic memories, and it could also spark lively conversations among older listeners about their experiences from back in the day.
Spring has come.Monbushō shōka

Set to the gentle melody of a Ministry of Education song, this piece depicts the calm arrival of spring.
The scene of spring returning to the mountains, villages, and fields spreads through a warm, tender vocal line.
Its tranquil tune vividly conveys the imagery of spring among Japan’s four seasons, imbued with a love for nature and the changing times of year.
Included in 1910 for the third grade of the “Elementary School Songs,” it was created by the renowned duo Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano.
Featured in many music textbooks and song collections, it has often been performed at entrance ceremonies and spring events.
This work soothes the heart, making it a piece to enjoy slowly by a window in the warm sunlight.
It is a wonderful song for sharing the joy of spring’s arrival together with older adults.
Flowershouka

Among the masterpieces that represent the Meiji era is a celebrated song depicting the beautiful spring scenery of the Sumida River: brilliant cherry blossoms along the long embankment, boatmen rowing their oars, and green willows and a hazy moon glowing at dusk.
It is a school song that gracefully expresses the changing seasons of Japan.
Composed by Rentaro Taki with lyrics by Hago Takajima, the piece was included on the album “Shiki” (Four Seasons), released in November 1900.
It was selected in 2006 for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and in April 1962 The Peanuts performed it on the program “Minna no Uta.” Its melody, resonant with nostalgia, is familiar and accessible to older listeners as well, and is a perfect choice for a leisurely spring afternoon.
Spring StreamMonbushō shōka

Accompanied by the gentle murmur of water, this classic song unfolds a simple, tender scene before your eyes.
Among the Ministry of Education’s school songs, its melodic line is especially beautiful, and it is said that Tatsuyuki Takano wrote the lyrics infused with memories of his home in Nagano Prefecture.
The delicate flowers blooming along the shore and the fish swimming in the brook are depicted as if in a painting, superbly expressing the quintessential spring landscape of Japan.
Since its inclusion in 1912 in “Elementary School Songs for the Fourth Grade,” it has been sung across generations.
It is a recommended piece for those who wish to spend a heartwarming moment—both as a song of memories and as a tune that evokes the nostalgic scenery of spring.
Tokyo RhapsodyFujiyama Ichirō

A classic song representing 1936 (Showa 11) was born in a work set in Ginza, Kanda, Asakusa, and Shinjuku, portrayed in a pure and light foxtrot style.
Ichiro Fujiyama’s beautiful voice elegantly sings of urban scenes and a love story.
This piece, which vividly brings to mind the bustling districts of Tokyo at the time, became a massive hit, selling 350,000 copies.
It was Fujiyama’s first release after moving to Teichiku, and a film of the same title was later produced, cementing its status as a beloved song that symbolizes the Showa era.
It’s a perfect track for a calm moment or when reminiscing about the past.
Enjoy a heartwarming time discussing what Tokyo was like back then together with older listeners.


