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[For Seniors] Classic spring songs to sing in April: A heartwarming moment with nostalgic children’s songs and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs)
In April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and you can feel the arrival of a new season.In this gentle spring weather, why not hum some nostalgic songs together with older adults?Masterpieces that sing of departures, encounters, and farewells have the power to awaken memories hidden in everyone’s hearts.This time, we’ll introduce plenty of songs filled with spring scenes and hope.When everyone raises their voices together, smiles will come naturally, creating a heartwarming moment.May you spend a wonderful time overflowing with smiles, accompanied by singing.
[For Seniors] Classic spring songs to sing in April: A heartwarming time with nostalgic children’s songs and kayōkyoku (1–10)
When the violets bloomSakushi: Fritz Rotter Shirai Tetsuzō / Sakkyoku: Franz Doelle
“When the Violets Bloom,” created as the theme song for the revue Parisette.
Director Tetsuzō Shirai wrote the Japanese lyrics, and it became established as a song symbolizing the Takarazuka Revue.
The original music was composed by Franz Doelle and was a popular tune in Germany in the late 1920s.
With the arrival of spring, memories of first love are revived, and its dreamlike, sweet melody resonates in the heart.
Since its debut in the August 1930 performance, it has been passed down by numerous stars, sung at ceremonies and finales.
Elegant and romantic, it’s a piece that makes you naturally hum along when violet season comes.
Why not sing it together with older adults, recalling the excitement of youth? It’s a perfect song for a bright, springtime moment.
Forget-me-not to youSeri Yoko
It is a classic that represents Japanese lyrical songs, passed down through performances by many singers.
The recording by Yoko Seri introduced in this article is included on albums such as “Shiki no Jojō” (Lyrical Four Seasons).
The lyrics were written by Ryutaro Kinoshita, and the music was composed by Koji Eguchi.
The lyrics, which entrust a wish to the flowers on the beach—hoping to be remembered even after parting—are heartrending yet beautiful.
It also became widely known when Yoichi Sugawara performed it at the 1971 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and many older listeners may feel nostalgic about it.
Yoko Seri’s crystal-clear voice is perfect for listening to under the gentle sunlight of spring.
Please take your time to enjoy it while reflecting on your precious memories.
Flowers ~Flowers for everyone’s heart~Sakushi sakkyoku: Kina Shoukichi
People’s hearts sway between tears and laughter, but this timeless classic carries a universal wish: to let beautiful flowers bloom in our hearts no matter the moment.
Kina Shoukichi’s “Hana ~Subete no Hito no Kokoro ni Hana wo~,” with a melody that evokes the breezes of Okinawa and warm, peace-praying words that resonate deeply.
Included on the 1980 album “BLOOD LINE,” it’s also well known for being sung by Satoko Ishimine as the theme song for the 1995 film “Himeyuri no Tō.” Its relaxed rhythm is perfect even for exercise time, and if everyone hums along while savoring the lyrics, a gentle feeling will come naturally.
It’s the ideal song for spending a calm, heart-unwinding moment along with the cheerful spring weather.
Flowers will bloom.Sakushi: Iwai Shunji/Sakkyoku: Kanno Yoko
This work was created with the aim of supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The lyrics, said to be written from the perspective of those who passed away, carry a gentle yet powerful message.
Shunji Iwai wrote the lyrics, Yoko Kanno composed the music, and it was performed by members of the “Flowers Will Bloom” project.
Released as a single in May 2012, it has long been cherished as NHK’s recovery support song.
There are various arrangements, including a version featuring figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, and it is loved across generations.
It’s the perfect song for moments spent thinking of someone dear while watching flowers bloom with the arrival of spring.
Please hum along to this beautiful melody that rests close to everyone’s heart.
Farewell at 22kaguya hime
This quintessential work by Kaguya-hime, beloved as a milestone in folk music, features lyrics and composition by Shozo Ise, and many people carry it deeply in their hearts.
The lyrics, which delicately depict the parting of two lovers like a scene from a film, are truly moving.
The melody, which conveys a will to look forward even amid sadness, never loses its luster no matter when you listen to it.
Originally included on the album “Sankaidate no Uta,” released in March 1974, the song was later used as the ending theme for a TV drama in 1984 and was released as a single.
It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to in spring, when farewells and encounters intersect, overlaying it with bittersweet memories of youth.
Why not listen slowly under the gentle sunlight?