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

Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio / Yoshinaga Sayuri

Yukio Hashi & Sayuri Yoshinaga / Itsudemo Yume o (Always Dream)

Because it’s used as an insert song in NHK’s morning drama series “Amachan,” in SoftBank commercials, and in various other contexts, it hardly feels like an old tune.

Of course, for older listeners it’s famous as a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.

It even won the Japan Record Award, was performed on the Red and White Song Battle, and inspired a film—what we’d now call a mega-viral hit! Just hearing the intro will bring back fond memories of days gone by.

It’s also a great choice for karaoke with someone special!

spring thunderfuki no tō

Butterbur Sprouts / Spring Thunder ≪Lyrics≫ (1980)

This is a single released in February 1979 by Fuki no Tō, a duo from Hokkaido, gently expressing the feeling of the coming of spring.

Its poetic worldview—overlaying the fleeting scattering of cherry blossoms with a sense of loss in life—leaves a strong impression.

The tender tones of the acoustic guitar and the duo’s perfectly synchronized harmonies create a deeply moving resonance.

The song was first performed on the TV show “Yoru no Hit Studio,” and was later included on the album “Jinsei・Haru・Ōdan.” The lyrically rich words evoke memories of one’s hometown and youthful days, stirring a pleasant nostalgia.

How about humming along or clapping hands together with older listeners, and feeling the pleasant spring breeze?

Cotton MoodAnri

Cotton Mood

Doesn’t this timeless song, which breezily heralds the arrival of spring, bring back nostalgic memories of your youth? Released by Anri in April 1981, this piece beautifully captures the season of open blue skies with its light melody and fashionable lyrics.

The upbeat words convey a sense of freedom and the thrill of romance.

It was also used in commercials for Nivea-Kao’s cologne and for Nisshinbo, making it a tune beloved by many.

Its rhythm is so delightful that you’ll naturally want to clap along when the music starts.

How about spending a moment singing it together with fellow seniors and letting cherished memories blossom in conversation?

My heart is stop-motionKuwae Tomoko

My Heart Is Stop-Motion – Tomoko Kuwae

This song captures the thrilling moment of a new encounter that makes the heart dance with the arrival of spring.

Tomoko Kuwae’s clear, translucent voice gently wraps the flutter of a love sparked by a chance meeting in an elevator.

The piece beautifully portrays the feeling of one’s heart being set free as the seasons shift from the end of winter to spring.

Released in 1979, it became well-loved as a commercial song for POLA cosmetics and ranked 12th on the Oricon charts.

In 2013, a bossa nova–style arrangement was also released, revealing a new charm.

It’s a highly recommended track for older listeners who wish to spend a heartwarming moment wrapped in fond memories.

wheat fieldOyonēzu

Oyonésu - Wheat Field (with lyrics)

It’s a classic song that unfolds a gentle, heartwarming rural landscape.

With approachable lyrics in the Tohoku dialect, it portrays the pure romances of young people in the countryside.

It sold 900,000 copies and reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart.

The melody is characterized by its singable familiarity, and it was also used in a FamilyMart commercial.

As Oyonese’s signature song, it continues to be loved by many.

It evokes nostalgic scenery and can spark lively reminiscences, making it perfect for music recreation activities for seniors.

With its heartwarming lyrics and gentle melody, it is sure to resonate with listeners.

loquatsakushi: mado michio / sakkyoku: isobe shigeru

Loquat (♪ Because the loquat is a gentle fruit) by Himawari 🌻 with lyrics

On a calm, sunny day, why not imagine fruit ripening in a lush green garden? Created by Michio Mado and Shigeru Isobe, this piece is a gentle-toned children’s song first released in July 1953.

Its soothing melody and lyrics vividly evoke fruit growing beneath large leaves, basking in the sunlight.

It’s a perfect song to share with older adults, spending a moment together immersed in nostalgic memories of early summer.

As the gentle music flows, why not gaze at the greenery outside the window and enjoy a leisurely time?

My shoes are squeaking.Sakushi: Shimizu Katsura / Sakkyoku: Hirota Ryūtarō

Shoes That Go Click-Clack | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Hand in hand, when we walk along the country path

This is a famous song from the Taisho era that depicts children, eyes sparkling, walking hand in hand along a country path.

Katsura Shimizu’s lyrics are set to a gentle, light melody by Ryutaro Hirota, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Although it is a children’s song, it resonates deeply with adults as well.

It’s familiar to many seniors and perfect for music recreation.

If everyone sings it together, it will soothe the heart and create a lovely time to reminisce about the past.