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

Flower TownSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma

Flower Town (♪ Crossing the seven-colored valley ~) Chorus by Himawari ×6 🌻 With Lyrics [100 Best Japanese Songs]

How about including this classic song—which lit a beacon of hope in postwar Japan—in a heartwarming springtime recreation? Created by Shoko Ema and Ikuma Dan, the piece was first introduced to the public on an NHK radio broadcast in April 1947.

Sharing time through music can spark conversations about treasured memories and what life was like back then.

Why not spend a soothing moment together with older adults, feeling the gentle arrival of spring?

On the Day of DepartureSakushi: Kojima Noboru / Sakkyoku: Sakamoto Hiromi

[Chorus Song] On the Day of Departure / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #chorus #classchorus #graduationsong #choruscontest

There is a song that many older adults love, often associated with the arrival of spring and graduation season.

Originally created at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture as a gift to graduating students, it has since become a standard performed at schools across Japan.

With hopeful lyrics and a bright melody, it conveys courage and determination for a new beginning.

It also gained attention when it was used in a commercial featuring SMAP.

It’s a wonderful song that lets you look back on nostalgic memories while feeling hopeful about the future.

Why not listen to it together with older adults as an opportunity to reflect on life’s milestones?

Northern Country Spring Exercises

Northern Country Spring Exercises

We would like to introduce an exercise set to the classic song “Kitaguni no Haru,” which most older adults are likely familiar with.

March in place during the intro, then raise and lower your hands, do open-and-close (grip-and-release) movements, and tap your hands, shoulders, and knees.

There are also twisting motions for the neck and torso, so be careful not to overexert yourself.

It’s a good idea to review the movements beforehand if it’s your first time.

When doing this as a recreation activity at a senior facility, giving prompts such as “Next is marching in place,” each time will make it more enjoyable.

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kojifumi

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Album of MemoriesSakushi: Masuko Toshi / Sakkyoku: Honda Tetsuma

Memory Album / Opening lyrics: ♪ Before we knew it / With easy-to-read lyrics / [Children’s Song]

Evoking a hint of spring, this song gently recounts memories from kindergarten.

It paints scenes from the changing seasons, bringing a sense of nostalgia and warmth to listeners.

Since its release in 1961, it has continued to be loved by many.

It has been featured on TV Asahi’s children’s program “Tobidase! Panpororin” and NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it familiar across generations.

It’s also lovely for seniors to hum along with their grandchildren.

A wonderful piece that can be enjoyed across generations while reminiscing about the past.

A Hazy Moonlit NightSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi

Ministry of Education Song: Oborozukiyo (Hazy Moonlit Night)

‘Oborozukiyo’ is a song that celebrates a uniquely Japanese scene: the moon quietly illuminating fields of rapeseed blossoms and rice paddies.

Since it was included in an elementary school music textbook in 1914, it has been loved as a staple of choral music.

Try singing it gently to match the mood of the lyrics.

By the way, the title ‘Oborozukiyo’ refers to a spring night when the moon appears hazy.

It’s also worth noting that several pop-style arrangements of the song have been released.

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yamamoto

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Ladybug Sambacherisshu

Ladybug Samba Cherish 1973

Let me introduce a lovely song that captures the arrival of spring.

Its bright, buoyant rhythm and lyrics depicting tiny creatures celebrating a wedding are especially memorable.

Released in July 1973, it was a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It has long been cherished as a classic wedding song.

For many older listeners, it may also bring back fond memories.

It’s perfect when you want to savor the cheerful atmosphere of spring or lift your spirits.

If everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to become a wonderful time filled with smiles.

Song of the Four SeasonsSakushi sakkyoku: Araki Toyohisa

Song of the Four Seasons | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Those who love spring are people with pure hearts

A celebrated song that beautifully portrays Japan’s four seasons, it was created by Toyohisa Araki during a hospital stay as an expression of gratitude to the nurses.

With gentle imagery, it reflects the feelings of those who love each season—pure of heart, strong of heart, deep of heart, and broad of heart—overlaying them with friends, parents, and lovers through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

First recorded in 1972, it became a major hit with Yoko Seri’s version after it was featured on Nippon Broadcasting in June 1976.

Its warm vocals and melody are sure to resonate with listeners.

Singing it together with older adults can create a wonderful time to share memories of the changing seasons and of cherished people.

It’s perfect for enjoying in the mild cheer of spring, with a calm and peaceful feeling.