[For Staff] Energize Your Nursing Home Respect-for-the-Aged Day! Performance Ideas Full of Laughter and Emotion
Entertainment for Respect-for-the-Aged Day is a wonderful opportunity for residents and staff to come together as one.
Here are some fun ideas that are sure to make everyone smile.
From dances and two-person kyogen-style skits (futari-baori) to magic shows, every act will warm the hearts of both the audience and the participants.
You can choose anything from simple to more elaborate performances to suit your facility’s atmosphere.
The time seniors and staff spend planning and practicing together will surely become cherished memories.
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[For Staff] Energize Your Nursing Home Respect-for-the-Aged Day! Entertainment Ideas That Bring Laughter and Tears (21–30)
Kiyoshi’s Zundoko Song
Let’s perform a celebratory dance to Kiyoshi Hikawa’s signature song, “Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi.” The fact that it’s a gentle enka number is a big point—it can help not only the dancers but also the audience feel relaxed as they watch.
Since the song doesn’t have fixed choreography, deciding what kind of movements to use is important; imagining something like a Bon Odori style might make it easier to understand.
Put care into the costumes as well, and make sure to convey both the joy of matching movements to the song and the spirit of celebration.
kusudama (decorative paper ball used for celebrations)
How about using a festive kusudama to really liven up a celebratory event and highlight the joy? The classic contents are a banner with a message and confetti, but the fact that you don’t know what’s inside until you open it heightens the sense of anticipation.
Pulling the string with a countdown and having the message burst onto the scene is exciting even when you already know the result.
It’s important to think about how the message will be written and what kind of decorations will flutter out, so you can create a kusudama that makes the moment even more fun.
[For Staff] Liven Up Your Care Facility’s Respect-for-the-Aged Day! Ideas for Performances Full of Laughter and Emotion (31–40)
Sazae-san
Many older adults are likely familiar with the anime Sazae-san, which has even been performed on stage.
It is said that the TV broadcast began in 1969 (Showa 44).
Even today, when people think of a Sunday evening anime, many probably picture Sazae-san.
Here, we introduce a dance set to the music from this well-loved anime for seniors.
Just hearing the intro is likely enough for older adults to recall the title.
If the dancer wears a Sazae-san mask and an apron, it enhances the atmosphere even more.
Also, because it’s Sazae-san, it should be easier for seniors to remember.
puppet show
Puppet shows, which use puppets to present stories, seem to be something we see less often as we grow older.
This project aims to recreate well-known tales through puppetry and let audiences experience the world of those stories.
Even if you already know the plot, seeing it enacted through real movement may lead to new discoveries.
The variety of ways to arrange it—such as which kinds of puppets to use and what mechanisms to incorporate—is another point of enjoyment.
street performance
Street performance is a staple act at events, and the fun part is that you can see the effort behind it—whether it ends in failure or success.
To help people feel the excitement of street performance, it’s actually important to show some failures on purpose; the success that follows will stand out even more.
And since clowns are strongly associated with street performance, putting real thought into the costume can evoke a circus-like atmosphere.
We recommend taking on a variety of acts—like juggling or cigar boxes—and letting the audience watch you work hard as you rise to the challenge.
Honoring the oldest person
Speaking of Respect for the Aged Day, it’s a day to honor and celebrate seniors who have contributed to society for many years.
How about a plan that fits perfectly with such an event: an idea to recognize the oldest attendee? Some people might feel shy about being honored in front of friends and facility staff, but it’s something to be truly proud of.
Present a certificate of recognition while expressing your daily gratitude and congratulations.
It will surely become a wonderful, lasting memory.
For other seniors as well, it may serve as motivation for longevity.
Hilarious! Banana Bargain Sale
The banana auction, where sellers rattle off their unique patter while steadily lowering the price, originated around Moji Port in Moji City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
It spread nationwide after a scene in the film “It’s Tough Being a Man” (Otoko wa Tsurai yo).
The lively, witty style of selling bananas is something older adults can also enjoy.
If you use homemade play money and have older adults play the role of buyers, it will likely be even more engaging.
Try enjoying it with call-and-response lines like “That’s too expensive!” and “Can you lower it a bit more?”