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

Spring StreamSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi

Spring Brook | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | The spring brook flows along with a gentle murmur

It’s a traditional song with a gentle melody that makes you want to hum along as spring arrives.

The lyrics, which depict violets and Chinese milk vetch blooming by the riverbank and creatures in the water, are said to be modeled on the Kobunegawa River in Yoyogi, where Tatsuyuki Takano lived at the time.

Published in December 1912 in “Songs for Elementary School, Fourth Grade,” the piece features a tender tune by Teiichi Okano and has long been cherished on programs such as NHK’s “Minna no Doyō.” Its simple, repeated melody is perfect for a round, and when seniors raise their voices together, it naturally creates a lovely sense of unity.

Why not enjoy layering your voices as you imagine the tranquil scenes of spring?

Early Spring OdeSakushi: Ichimasa Yoshimaru / Sakkyoku: Akira Nakata

Soshunfu (Haru wa na nomi no) | With Lyrics | Shoka (School Song) | One Hundred Selections of Japanese Songs | Romanized & English Lyrics

Composed in 1913 by Kazumasa Yoshimaru (lyrics) and Akira Nakata (music), this piece vividly captures both the anticipation for the warm season and the lingering chill of early spring.

With delicate imagery—such as the song of the bush warbler, melting ice, and reeds beginning to sprout—you can truly feel the breath of spring.

Familiar to many older adults, this work is perfect for recreational singing, allowing people to enjoy the music while reminiscing about fond memories.

The Apple SongNamiki Michiko

The Apple Song | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Bringing my lips close to a red apple

This piece is characterized by a gentle timbre that feels like singing up toward the blue sky.

Its story, as if entrusting feelings for a beloved person to a red apple, resonates in the heart.

Born in the turmoil after the war, it carries hopes, affection, and a longing for a peaceful life.

Michiko Namiki’s warm singing voice heals and encourages people through music.

Released in October 1945, the song is widely known as the theme of the film “Soyokaze” and still radiates undimmed charm.

It’s a song that lets you spend a lovely time—singing together, hearts connect and memories blossom into conversation.

How about humming it with older folks in the gentle warmth of a spring day?

Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō

[With Large Lyrics] Blue Mountain Range [Recreation]

Released in 1949 as a duet by Ichirō Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara, this celebrated song symbolizes Japan’s postwar recovery and hope.

The lyrics, written by Yaso Saijō, overlay the dreams and aspirations of young people onto images of beautiful mountains, while the music was composed by Ryōichi Hattori.

Accompanied by fresh, vibrant vocals, it conveys expectations for a new era, like flowers blooming after a harsh winter.

It was also used as the theme song for a film released the same year based on a work by Yōjirō Ishizaka, and in 1989 it was ranked No.

1 on NHK’s “200 Songs of the Shōwa Era that Remain in Our Hearts.” This piece is a song that, while evoking fond memories, allows older listeners to reminisce together about the topics of that time.

FlowerSakushi: Takeshima Hane / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō

Hana (Flower) — Rentarō Taki (children’s song/school song)

Rentarō Taki, one of Japan’s most renowned composers, released “Hana” in 1900.

Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, you might recognize it as the song that depicts springtime scenes along the Sumida River.

One distinctive feature is how it incorporates the passage of time: the first verse is morning, the second is midday, and the third is night.

In fact, the lyrics were inspired by The Tale of Genji.

Take this opportunity to savor the beautiful words as well.

Also, since the melody sits relatively high, it’s a good idea to divide parts when singing it in a choir.

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Moon over the Ruined CastleSakushi: Doi Bansui / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō

Moon over the Ruined Castle

This celebrated Japanese song, passed down since before the war, features lyrics by Bansui Doi and music by Rentarō Taki.

It beautifully sings of the rise and fall of a towering castle high in the sky, and, through the image of the castle bathed in moonlight, gracefully expresses the transience and impermanence of life.

Since its release in 1901, its beautiful melody and richly poetic lyrics have continued to resonate deeply with people.

This tune, easy to hum along to with nostalgic memories, is perfect for recreational activities among seniors.

Singing it together will surely spark lively conversation.

Spring somewhereSakushi: Momota Soji / Sakkyoku: Kusagawa Shin

Somewhere, spring is | with lyrics | One Hundred Japanese Songs | Somewhere, spring is being born

A beloved song that gently portrays the arrival of spring was born in March 1923.

Created by Soji Momota and Shin Kusakawa, the piece delicately captures subtle changes in nature—like the sound of water beginning to flow, birdsong, and the breath of budding plants.

Its calm, warm melody is filled with the joy and hope of spring, and it has often been featured on NHK’s educational programs.

It is recommended for music recreation sessions that spark nostalgic conversations about the past or allow people to share the feeling of spring’s arrival together.

Like a pleasant spring breeze, it will help you spend a gentle, peaceful moment.