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

Come, springSakushi: Soma Gyofu / Sakkyoku: Hirota Ryutaro

♪ Come, Spring – Haru Yo Koi | ♪ Come, spring, come quickly. Little Mii-chan, who has just begun to walk [Japanese song/children’s song]

Many of you were probably longing for winter to end and waiting eagerly for spring.

Haru yo Koi captures that yearning for spring and the buoyant feeling as it draws near.

It was composed in 1923, yet it remains a beloved classic today.

Its slow melody makes it easy to sing, and the short lyrics are easy to remember.

It’s also a song that lets you feel spring’s warmth.

By the way, the little girl who appears in the song is said to be the daughter of Gofū Sōma, the lyricist.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

KintaroSakushi: Ishihara Wasaburō / Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazō

Kintarō - Children's Song

When the season of Boys’ Festival comes around, you can hear from somewhere the lively song of the boy from Mount Ashigara.

You can just picture his sturdy figure, a big axe slung over his shoulder as he plays riding on a bear’s back.

Created by Wasaburō Ishihara and Torazō Tamura, this piece was published to the world in June 1900 in “Shōnen Shōka, First Collection, Upper Volume.” It quickly became a big hit among children of the time and has been sung and loved ever since.

Its strong duple-time rhythm is perfect for recreational sing-alongs with hand clapping! Why not join your voices together, recalling the story of pitting strength against the animals? Enjoy a nostalgic moment as you share memories of the festival days from your childhood.

motherSakushi: Tanaka Nana / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao

Mother nursery rhyme with lyrics Mother

Speaking of May, it’s Mother’s Day—how about singing this children’s song, known for its gentle call to mothers? Written by lyricist Nana Tanaka and composed by Yoshinao Nakada, famed for classics like “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa,” this piece portrays a mother’s warmth through the familiar scents of everyday life, such as laundry and cooking.

Since its release in 1954, its dialogue-like lyrics—reminiscent of a parent and child—have endeared it to listeners, making it a beloved classic across generations.

It conjures up scenes of home that everyone has experienced, wrapping you in a feeling of nostalgia.

During recreation time, why not hum it together while sharing memories of your mother?

Flowers of the trifoliate orangeSakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku

Karatachi no Hana (Spring Children's Song)

It is a famous song that sings of the Japanese spirit, themed on a plant with white flowers and sharp thorns that bears golden fruit in autumn.

Based on a slightly bittersweet childhood experience of Kosaku Yamada, Hakushu Kitahara wove beautiful words.

The gently flowing melody sinks into the heart, carrying a tenderness that brings tears to your eyes.

Composed in 1925, it is a work with history, released the same year in collections such as the children’s songs anthology “The Children’s Village.” Its title has been used for dramas and films depicting the life of Hakushu Kitahara, and in 2007 it was selected among the “100 Selected Japanese Songs.” It’s perfect for humming softly under the gentle sunlight of spring.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment sharing nostalgic memories together?

Song of the Language of FlowersSakushi: Saijō Yaso / Sakkyoku: Ikeda Fujio

Flower Language Song | With Lyrics | Cute bud, beautiful dream

Hanakotoba no Uta, with its elegant waltz rhythm that evokes a modern Showa-era atmosphere, leaves a strong impression.

Its romantic theme of entrusting feelings to flowers and the call-and-response between a man and a woman make it a beautiful duet.

It was produced as the theme song for Shinko Kinema’s 1936 film First Love Diary.

With lyrics by Yaso Saijo and music by Fujio Ikeda, the piece became a major hit despite being composed on short notice during filming, and a line from the lyrics even became a popular catchphrase.

The voices of Akira Matsudaira and Nobuko Fushimi still sound fresh today.

The gentle triple-time melody is perfect for swaying leisurely in the spring sunlight.

Why not hum along with older listeners while reminiscing about nostalgic films?

March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko

Kiyoko Suizenji - “365-Step March” (Official Audio)

This song has long been loved as an anthem of encouragement in life, carrying the message that taking one step at a time is important.

Since its release in November 1968, it has continued to resonate with many people.

Born during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, the song is characterized by its cheerful melody and positive lyrics.

It has been used in films, TV commercials, anime, and many other contexts, and has been cherished by people of all ages.

How about humming along with older adults while being enveloped by Ms.

Suizenji’s warm singing voice? It will surely bring back fond memories and give you a boost of energy.

Suzhou SerenadeSakushi: Saijō Yaso / Sakkyoku: Hattori Ryōichi

Suzhou Nocturne/Yamaguchi Yoshiko [With Lyrics] (covered by Mariko Miho) [Miho Mari’s Ototama]

A Showa-era standard number full of exotic atmosphere, created as an insert song for the film “China Nights.” The beautiful scenery of a watery city depicted by lyricist Yaso Saijo and the melody composed by Ryoichi Hattori are in perfect harmony, soothing the listener’s heart.

The record was released in August 1940, sung by Noboru Kirishima and Hamako Watanabe.

It also became widely beloved through the singing voice of Li Xianglan (Yoshiko Yamaguchi) in the film, and has been handed down by many singers over the years, so many older adults are likely familiar with it.

It’s nice to enjoy it at a relaxed pace while imagining a spring night with a hazy moon and the sound of bells.

Why not hum along with older adults, together with nostalgic memories?