[For Seniors] Classic spring songs to sing in April: A heartwarming moment with nostalgic children’s songs and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs)

PicnicSakushi: Ogiwara Eiichi / Sakkyoku: Igirisu Min’yō

Picnic (children’s song)

It’s a classic song known for its lively energy and light, catchy melody.

Rhythmic and approachable, its gentle lyrics really resonate.

It even includes cheerful animal sounds, making it a piece that captures the beauty of nature.

Released by Columbia Records in March 1935, it was sung by Tadaharu Nakano and the Columbia Rhythm Boys.

In 1962, it was also featured on “Minna no Uta,” where The Three Graces and the Bonny Jacks performed it to great acclaim.

It’s a perfect song to sing with seniors while enjoying the seasons.

Humming along as you share memories will brighten the heart and warm the spirit.

Koi in the pondMonbushō shōka

Children’s song / school song: Carp in the Pond (Ike no Koi) – Ministry of Education Song

This is a Ministry of Education school song that can be enjoyed while picturing the refreshing scenery of the season.

The gentle way it addresses the carp swimming in the pond brings a sense of calm and warmth.

Included in May 1911 in “Elementary School Songs for the First Grade,” this piece has been loved for many years for its bright, friendly melody and soothing lyrics.

It has appeared in music textbooks and has been passed down through school education.

It will surely resonate in your heart along with nostalgic memories.

Singing it with older adults may revive happy memories from the past and naturally spark conversation.

It’s an ideal song for music activities in care facilities.

O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Yozakura Oshichi (with lyrics)

This is a song that portrays the poignant emotions of heartbreak, with graceful cherry blossoms dancing in a dreamlike way.

As the petals scatter and seem to nestle close, Fuyumi Sakamoto’s voice sings of unforgettable feelings that resonate deeply in the heart.

Released in 1994, this work beautifully expresses the heart of a woman with strong emotions, using cherry blossoms as its motif.

The protagonist, while looking back on a past love, also has the strength to face forward and keep walking.

I hope you’ll listen beneath the cherry trees, with a gentle sense of nostalgia.

Perhaps you, too, have memories that come back with the cherry blossoms.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment with Fuyumi Sakamoto in the spring sunlight?

poppy flowerAgunesu Chan

Poppy Flower / Agnes Chan (Agnes Chan/Chen Meiling)

This is a famous song that poignantly portrays a young woman’s bittersweet feelings of love as she tells her fortune using a single flower blooming on a hill.

The clear singing voice of Agnes Chan from Hong Kong, combined with her pure image, captured the hearts of many.

Released in November 1972, the song reached No.

5 on the Oricon chart and became a major hit, maintaining a sales record for foreign-born artists for 40 years.

When everyone sings this song of memories together, joyful moments from their youth come flooding back.

We recommend it as a gentle spring song that can be enjoyed while reminiscing and sung happily with older adults, perfect for music activities at day-service centers and care facilities.

A Letter Waiting for Springyoshida takurou

Takuro Yoshida / A Letter Waiting for Spring (’79, 17th single), I'm Fine (’80, 20th single)

This is a famous song by Takuro Yoshida, woven in gentle, warm, and poetic language about letters exchanged between a man and a woman.

It carefully depicts two people, far apart, entrusting their feelings to letters as they eagerly await the arrival of spring.

Since its release in October 1979, it has continued to resonate with many hearts.

Highly acclaimed, it has been included on various classic albums such as “ONLY YOU ~since coming For Life~” and “Yoshida Takuro Best 60.” With its tender, heartwarming melody and a calm atmosphere reminiscent of the quiet moments spent reading old letters, this piece is perfect for singing or listening together with older adults while sharing nostalgic memories.

Temptation of the Spring BreezeKoizumi Kyoko

Temptation of the Spring Breeze / Kyoko Koizumi (with lyrics) Cover

A refreshing song that evokes the arrival of spring is performed with Kyoko Koizumi’s gentle voice.

Snow clouds drifting across the northern sky, shimmering heat haze above rooftops, skirts swaying in the spring breeze—these vivid images beautifully express the changing seasons and the excitement of budding romance.

Released in February 1983, the song became a milestone as Koizumi’s first to enter the top 10 of the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It is also included on the album “Breezing,” with arrangements by the esteemed Mitsuo Hagita that convey warmth and tenderness.

It’s perfect for singing along at a relaxed pace with older adults; clapping to the rhythm or gazing out the window while sharing memories of spring is also recommended.

The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō

The highland train goes — a nostalgic song

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.