[For Seniors] Introducing recommended songs to give on Respect for the Aged Day

Off to the Mito Komon Festival!Yuko Suzuka

[Mito Komon Festival Image Song] Off to the Mito Komon Festival! / Yuko Suzuhana (Wagakki Band)

This song, inspired by the traditional summer festival of Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture, is imbued with Wagakki Band’s Yuko Suzuhana’s deep love for her hometown.

Blending traditional Japanese instruments with rock, it pulsates with energy, expressing the excitement of the festival and the pride of the community.

The sounds of taiko, shamisen, shakuhachi, and other traditional instruments harmonize beautifully, creating a warm and gentle atmosphere.

Produced in 2019 with Yuko Suzuhana, who serves as a tourism ambassador for Mito City, at its center, the piece has become beloved as the official image song of the Mito Komon Festival.

It was also used at the Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festivals in 2022 and 2024, captivating audiences.

It’s a song we especially recommend to older listeners familiar with the timbre of traditional instruments.

This heartwarming piece lets you rediscover the beauty of Japanese traditional music.

Kiyoshi’s Soran BushiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi’s Soran Bushi [Official]

A masterpiece that resounds with a superb arrangement of a traditional Hokkaido folk song.

Set to the powerful rhythms once passed down by fishermen, it weaves in the joys and hopes of life.

Kiyoshi Hikawa’s robust vocals blend perfectly with the modern arrangement.

Released as a single in May 2007, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts and won the Gold Award at the 49th Japan Record Awards.

It was performed as the “YOSAKOI Soran Kouhaku Special” at the 58th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, captivating audiences with a dazzling stage.

Ideal for group singing, this song is highly recommended for recreation at day-service centers.

With lively call-and-response, everyone can enjoy a fun time together.

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto / If You’re Happy and You Know It (1964–65)

Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.

It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.

Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).

Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.

A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.

It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.

Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?

Early Spring OdeSakushi: Ichimasa Yoshimaru / Sakkyoku: Akira Nakata

Soshunfu (Haru wa na nomi no) | With Lyrics | Shoka (School Song) | One Hundred Selections of Japanese Songs | Romanized & English Lyrics

Composed in 1913 by Kazumasa Yoshimaru (lyrics) and Akira Nakata (music), this piece vividly captures both the anticipation for the warm season and the lingering chill of early spring.

With delicate imagery—such as the song of the bush warbler, melting ice, and reeds beginning to sprout—you can truly feel the breath of spring.

Familiar to many older adults, this work is perfect for recreational singing, allowing people to enjoy the music while reminiscing about fond memories.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (with lyrics)

Do you have any nostalgic melodies that make you feel the warmth of spring sunshine the moment you hear them? Kaientai’s classic “Okuru Kotoba” is a heartwarming piece filled with messages perfect for graduation season.

Its lyrics about the sorrow of parting, the courage to trust others, and the depth of love truly resonate.

Released in November 1979, the song also became well-known as the theme for the popular TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” Singing it together with older adults might spark lively conversations about fond memories.

Consider incorporating it into recreational activities at your facility.

A Ballad Dedicated to My MotherKaientai

A Ballad Dedicated to My Mother

This is a song whose warm vocals seep into the heart, evoking memories of one’s mother.

Many listeners will relate to how the members of Kaientai weave gentle words to express gratitude to their parents.

The quietly conversational singing style blends beautifully with the heartwarming melody.

Released in December 1973 and reaching No.

10 on the Oricon chart, the song also appeared on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen the following year.

It was included on the album “Bōkyō-hen” and won the Planning Award at the Japan Record Awards.

It’s an ideal piece for music recreation in care facilities.

Humming along with older adults can create a lovely time to share each person’s cherished memories.

On a calm May day, we hope everyone will enjoy this song together.

Thank youOhashi Takuya

Takuya Ohashi “Arigatou” Special Version

This song conveys heartfelt gratitude to someone truly important, carried by a gentle singing voice wrapped in calm warmth.

It’s a work filled with Takuya Ohashi’s honest feelings that will deeply resonate with listeners.

Released as a single in April 2008, it was used as the theme for the NHK Saturday drama “Keiji no Genba,” as the Mother’s Day Flower Cupid campaign song, and in a JB Honshi Expressway commercial.

The lyrics are striking for expressing words of thanks just as they are.

With sincere, straightforward emotion, it feels as if someone is speaking directly to you.

Highly recommended as a song to hum on Father’s Day along with your memories.