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

Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki - Showa-era song

A gentle, warm song that likens the object of one’s affection to an apple.

Released in January 1946, it became a classic that drew a major response for the first time in the postwar era.

As the theme song of the film “Soyokaze,” it was performed as a duet by Michiko Namiki and Noboru Kirishima.

Under the blue sky, the way the singer longs for the charming apple is portrayed alongside a refreshing melody.

In the turmoil of the time, it became a ray of hope.

For older listeners, it’s a nostalgic piece that brings back memories of the good old days.

Setting aside time to sing it together in a care facility may well spark lively conversations about happy times gone by.

Happy HinamatsuriSakushi: Satō Hachirō / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Kōyō

Happy Hinamatsuri | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Songs of Japan | Let's light the lanterns

There’s a heartwarming song that enhances the festive mood of Hinamatsuri.

“Ureshii Hinamatsuri” is beloved by a wide range of generations, from children to older adults.

Created by Hachiro Sato and Koyo Kawamura, it has been sung for many years since its release in 1936.

Its charm lies in lyrics that gently depict the scenes and joy of the Doll Festival, paired with a bright and lively melody.

It’s also a song you often hear on TV and radio every March.

How about humming it together with older family members at Hinamatsuri events or during family gatherings? It will surely bring back fond memories.

hometownSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi

Hometown | With Lyrics | 100 Best Japanese Songs | The Mountain Where We Chased Rabbits

“Furusato” is a lovely song that gently accompanies older adults.

Its lyrics evoke nostalgic hometown scenery, and its melody touches the heart.

With the arrival of spring, it also offers a chance to look back on days gone by.

It’s perfect for music therapy in senior day-care centers and other elder care facilities.

Singing it together with hand claps would make for a delightful time.

It also seems well-suited as background music for gentle exercise.

How about moving your bodies with slow, relaxed motions together with older adults? Wrapped in the warmth of spring, listening to “Furusato” can refresh both heart and body.

Northern SpringSen Masao

Spring in the Northern Country / Masao Sen (with lyrics)

It’s a classic song woven from nostalgic scenery and heartwarming melodies.

You can picture the springtime scenes of the northern country—snowmelt, white birches, and kobushi magnolia blossoms.

The protagonist’s longing for their hometown while living in the city is poignant.

Released in April 1977, it stayed on the hit charts for two and a half years.

For many older listeners, it may be a song full of memories.

Humming the lyrics while recalling your hometown and cherished people is a lovely idea.

It’s also great to listen to with family and friends.

You’ll enjoy a wonderful time wrapped in nostalgia and warmth.

Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.

It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.

The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.

Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.

How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.

spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi

spring haze

With a beautiful singing voice reminiscent of Showa-era idols, she performed a classic that resonates in the hearts of older listeners.

Against a backdrop of cherry blossoms in half bloom, the song delicately portrays the bittersweet love of a young couple.

It carefully expresses the feelings of a woman determined to pursue love despite her father’s opposition.

Hiromi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals vividly capture a fleeting spring moment with cherry blossoms in bloom.

Released in February 1979, this work was beloved by many, even making its first appearance in the Top Ten on TBS’s “The Best Ten.” Even today, it remains a much-loved song brimming with the atmosphere of spring’s arrival.

It’s especially recommended to listen to during cherry blossom season together with older adults—letting them reminisce about the past while feeling the coming of spring.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (with lyrics)

Do you have any nostalgic melodies that make you feel the warmth of spring sunshine the moment you hear them? Kaientai’s classic “Okuru Kotoba” is a heartwarming piece filled with messages perfect for graduation season.

Its lyrics about the sorrow of parting, the courage to trust others, and the depth of love truly resonate.

Released in November 1979, the song also became well-known as the theme for the popular TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” Singing it together with older adults might spark lively conversations about fond memories.

Consider incorporating it into recreational activities at your facility.