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[Respect-for-the-Aged Day Celebration] Crowd-Pleasing Performances: Ideas That Staff Can Enjoy Too

[Respect-for-the-Aged Day Celebration] Crowd-Pleasing Performances: Ideas That Staff Can Enjoy Too
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Looking for ideas for performances to liven up a Respect-for-the-Aged Day gathering? Interactive and fun activities like magic shows, bingo, and comedy improv can create a wonderful time that fills the entire venue with smiles.

You can also let attendees enjoy a different side of the staff with performances like staff dance routines or the two-person kimono act (futari-baori).

Entertainment that seniors can enjoy together with others is also a great opportunity to deepen communication.

Let’s boost the atmosphere of the event with creative, well-planned performances for Respect-for-the-Aged Day!

Respect-for-the-Aged Day Celebration: Crowd-Pleasing Performances and Fun Ideas for Staff (1–10)

Magic Show

[Great Escape Magic] Easy magic anyone can do with cardboard! Seniors burst out laughing! Perfect for festivals, Christmas, and Respect-for-the-Aged Day events
Magic Show

Magic tricks and magic shows, where mysterious phenomena happen right before your eyes, are a staple attraction at events.

Small, close-up tricks can be enjoyable, but using large-scale apparatus can enhance both visibility and spectacle.

If you proceed in a format that involves the audience, they experience the mysterious phenomena themselves, which can lead to fresh and lively reactions.

Sometimes, participants may figure out the principle behind the trick, but let’s ask them not to reveal it.

Hige Dance

[Care Worker] Hige DANCE @ Miyoshi Yuseien
Hige Dance

The Hige Dance, which was hugely popular in the Showa era.

The Drifters’ Ken Shimura and Cha Kato wore fake mustaches and silently performed various gags—an unforgettable sight.

Back then, many children were glued to the TV to watch the Hige Dance.

Many older adults have probably seen it at least once, too.

Because the Hige Dance is familiar to seniors, it’s also recommended for birthday recreation.

Have the staff put on a Hige Dance performance.

Try doing tricks to the distinctive Hige Dance melody.

If staff with fake mustaches perform silently, it’s likely to get seniors excited.

Even seniors who don’t know the Hige Dance will probably be captivated by the staff’s act.

Doppelganger Doll: Bride Samba

Can't stop laughing!! Doppelgänger doll — Bride Samba — 2019 Hana Ichigo
Doppelganger Doll: Bride Samba

The mini double-act dolls that were popular on variety shows back in the day could be a fun idea to liven up a seniors’ gathering.

If you dance to songs that older people are likely to find nostalgic—like Hiromi Go’s “Yome Samba”—it’s sure to get big laughs.

Of course, it’s not just the dolls; the makeup and costumes of the person controlling them are also important, so we recommend getting creative.

It’s the kind of act that will brighten up the event because it’s easy to enjoy without overthinking.

one-shot gag

An easy party trick anyone can do
one-shot gag

As a way to liven up the Respect-for-the-Aged gathering, how about some inventive one-shot performances? Simple acts that are easy to understand and wrap up quickly are sure to be enjoyed not only by the elderly but also by the staff.

These days, you can find all sorts of items at 100-yen shops, so preparation can be easy and inexpensive, which is a nice bonus.

And if you come up with something high-quality, it can shine not just at the Respect-for-the-Aged event but also at year-end and New Year parties and other events—so why not give it a try?

Matsuken Samba

Tried dancing the Matsuken Samba at the 2019 Summer Festival / Wing Toyano Day Service Center
Matsuken Samba

Dressed in dazzling costumes and dancing energetically to an upbeat rhythm, the staff really catch the eye.

We’d like to introduce a dance idea set to “Matsuken Samba,” a perfect, festive centerpiece for a summer festival.

Not only are the crisp hand movements and steps impressive, but the occasional comedic expressions and gestures instantly liven up the atmosphere and bring out smiles.

Older adults join in with clapping and cheers, too.

Even without flashy effects or lighting, the power of the music and the energy of the dance brighten the entire venue.

It’s a popular performance that adds color to summer festivals and creates a lively, fun, and spirited mood.

What’s inside the box?

The familiar “What’s in the box?”
What's inside the box?

The recreation game “What’s inside the box?” is a familiar one—you often see it on TV variety shows too, right? On TV they sometimes put in things that are a bit intense, but when seniors are playing, try using familiar items they often see and handle in daily life.

Even if they don’t get the answer, the act of thinking exercises the brain, and at those times you can offer a little hint.

It’s a game that spectators can enjoy as well.

Bingo Tournament

Kofu City day service Respect-for-the-Aged celebration: prizes for the bingo game
Bingo Tournament

With simple preparation and rules—and even prizes to be won—bingo is sure to be a hit as an activity at a senior citizens’ gathering.

The organizers can also enjoy the process from the preparation stage, such as searching for prizes that seniors will appreciate.

Standard numbered bingo works well, but adding a twist—like creating original bingo cards featuring characters—might make it even more enjoyable.

It’s a tried-and-true, participatory recreation that really gets everyone excited.