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

Flowers ~Flowers for everyone’s heart~NEW!Sakushi sakkyoku: Kina Shoukichi

Hana ~Flowers for Everyone's Hearts~/Shoukichi Kina [With Lyrics] (covered by Mariko Miho) [Mihomari no Ototama]

People’s hearts sway between tears and laughter, but this timeless classic carries a universal wish: to let beautiful flowers bloom in our hearts no matter the moment.

Kina Shoukichi’s “Hana ~Subete no Hito no Kokoro ni Hana wo~,” with a melody that evokes the breezes of Okinawa and warm, peace-praying words that resonate deeply.

Included on the 1980 album “BLOOD LINE,” it’s also well known for being sung by Satoko Ishimine as the theme song for the 1995 film “Himeyuri no Tō.” Its relaxed rhythm is perfect even for exercise time, and if everyone hums along while savoring the lyrics, a gentle feeling will come naturally.

It’s the ideal song for spending a calm, heart-unwinding moment along with the cheerful spring weather.

When the violets bloomNEW!Sakushi: Fritz Rotter Shirai Tetsuzō / Sakkyoku: Franz Doelle

[Cinderella herself appears 🏰✨] When the Violets Bloom – Takarazuka Revue [Yoriko Suzuki feat. Hoshino]

“When the Violets Bloom,” created as the theme song for the revue Parisette.

Director Tetsuzō Shirai wrote the Japanese lyrics, and it became established as a song symbolizing the Takarazuka Revue.

The original music was composed by Franz Doelle and was a popular tune in Germany in the late 1920s.

With the arrival of spring, memories of first love are revived, and its dreamlike, sweet melody resonates in the heart.

Since its debut in the August 1930 performance, it has been passed down by numerous stars, sung at ceremonies and finales.

Elegant and romantic, it’s a piece that makes you naturally hum along when violet season comes.

Why not sing it together with older adults, recalling the excitement of youth? It’s a perfect song for a bright, springtime moment.

Forget-me-not to youNEW!Seri Yoko

Seri Yoko / Forget-me-not to You

It is a classic that represents Japanese lyrical songs, passed down through performances by many singers.

The recording by Yoko Seri introduced in this article is included on albums such as “Shiki no Jojō” (Lyrical Four Seasons).

The lyrics were written by Ryutaro Kinoshita, and the music was composed by Koji Eguchi.

The lyrics, which entrust a wish to the flowers on the beach—hoping to be remembered even after parting—are heartrending yet beautiful.

It also became widely known when Yoichi Sugawara performed it at the 1971 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and many older listeners may feel nostalgic about it.

Yoko Seri’s crystal-clear voice is perfect for listening to under the gentle sunlight of spring.

Please take your time to enjoy it while reflecting on your precious memories.

Flowers will bloom.NEW!Sakushi: Iwai Shunji/Sakkyoku: Kanno Yoko

Flowers Will Bloom Hanahasaku / Opening lyrics ♪ On a pure white snowy road / With easy-to-read lyrics [Choral Piece Chorus]

This work was created with the aim of supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The lyrics, said to be written from the perspective of those who passed away, carry a gentle yet powerful message.

Shunji Iwai wrote the lyrics, Yoko Kanno composed the music, and it was performed by members of the “Flowers Will Bloom” project.

Released as a single in May 2012, it has long been cherished as NHK’s recovery support song.

There are various arrangements, including a version featuring figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, and it is loved across generations.

It’s the perfect song for moments spent thinking of someone dear while watching flowers bloom with the arrival of spring.

Please hum along to this beautiful melody that rests close to everyone’s heart.

Farewell at 22NEW!kaguya hime

Parting at 22 / Kaze (with lyrics)

This quintessential work by Kaguya-hime, beloved as a milestone in folk music, features lyrics and composition by Shozo Ise, and many people carry it deeply in their hearts.

The lyrics, which delicately depict the parting of two lovers like a scene from a film, are truly moving.

The melody, which conveys a will to look forward even amid sadness, never loses its luster no matter when you listen to it.

Originally included on the album “Sankaidate no Uta,” released in March 1974, the song was later used as the ending theme for a TV drama in 1984 and was released as a single.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to in spring, when farewells and encounters intersect, overlaying it with bittersweet memories of youth.

Why not listen slowly under the gentle sunlight?

Nozaki KoutaNEW!Tōkairin Tarō

Nozaki Kouta (a popular song from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras; Showa 10 [1935]) sung by Taro Shoji

This song evokes spring outings, heading to pay a visit while gently rocked by a yakatabune pleasure boat.

It’s a popular tune that brings to mind the dazzling scenery seen on the way to Nozaki Kannon in Osaka and the tranquil vistas of rapeseed blossoms.

Sung with dignified elegance by Taro Shoji, one of the most iconic singers of the Showa era, Nozaki Kouta was originally produced to promote Nozaki Kannon, but after its 1935 release it became a beloved classic nationwide.

Many people surely remember both the song and Shoji’s poised figure as he sang, standing perfectly upright.

With exchanges with people walking along the embankment and other stylish customs of the time, it’s a piece you can hum along to while feeling a pleasant nostalgia.

Why not enjoy a soothing moment singing it together, basking in the gentle warmth of spring?

era; age; time; periodNEW!Nakajima Miyuki

era; age; time; period

A masterpiece by Miyuki Nakajima, one of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters, who grandly sings of a life where sorrow and joy come and go.

Released in December 1975 as her second single, it became widely known after winning the Grand Prix at the 6th World Popular Song Festival.

Its melody is one that almost everyone has heard at least once, and for older listeners it feels nostalgic and deeply moving.

In 2020, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Kiokuya: I Won’t Let You Forget,” and it continues to be loved across generations.

Its hope-filled message—that even after hardships, you’ll one day smile again—makes it perfect for new beginnings in spring or for moments of looking back on the path you’ve traveled.

If everyone raises their voices and sings together, you’ll naturally feel your spirits lift.