[For Staff at Elderly Care Facilities] Simple Performances to Liven Up a Year-End Party
As the year comes to a close, some of you may be planning a year-end party to wrap things up.
Are you wondering what kind of performance to put on?
This time, we’ve gathered lots of recommended performance ideas for staff working in senior care facilities.
We introduce options like dances to famous songs that seniors likely listened to in the past, handbell performances, and simple magic tricks.
Try creating an atmosphere that encourages audience participation—ask for handclaps and make it enjoyable for those watching!
With these sure-to-excite performances, make some wonderful memories to cap off the year.
- Entertainment ideas for year-end parties that seniors will enjoy
- For seniors: Simple and exciting! Ideas for staff performances
- [For Seniors] Lively! Entertainment Ideas for New Year’s Parties
- For Seniors: Fun for Everyone! Christmas Party Activity Ideas
- For Seniors: Fun Entertainment That Excites at Nursing Homes
- [Christmas Party at the Nursing Home] Staff Take on the Challenge! Fun Performances Everyone Can Enjoy
- Performances to Liven Up New Year Parties for Elderly Care Facility Staff
- [Respect-for-the-Aged Day Celebration] Crowd-Pleasing Performances: Ideas That Staff Can Enjoy Too
- [For Staff] Energize Your Nursing Home Respect-for-the-Aged Day! Performance Ideas Full of Laughter and Emotion
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- [Elderly Care Facility] Fun-filled recreational activities for a Christmas party: crafts, rhythmic exercises, games, and even a snack-time activity
- [For Seniors] Recommended Songs for New Year’s Parties: Nursery Rhymes, Children’s Songs, and Popular Songs to Liven Up Even on Cold Days
- [For Seniors] Brighten Up Your New Year’s Party: A Collection of Handmade Decoration Ideas
[For Staff at Elderly Care Facilities] Simple Acts That Liven Up Year-End Parties (21–30)
costume Bon Odori

Let me introduce an idea that will make your usual Bon Odori many times more fun: the “Costume Bon Odori.” Of course, happi coats and yukatas are great, but if you join the circle in a quirky costume, the onlookers won’t be able to help smiling.
Even just adding headgear or small props instantly elevates the vibe and makes the whole venue lively.
Even if you’re not great at dancing, the beauty of this attraction is that simply dressing up naturally brings a smile to your face.
As you move your body to the rhythm, you may even feel your spirits lift.
It’s a participatory attraction that brightens and energizes summer festivals and is sure to be a hit.
kayo show (Japanese pop music show)
https://www.tiktok.com/@appare_toyokawa/video/7483314970449546504When it comes to classics that add flair to a summer festival, nothing beats a “kayō show.” Staff dress up in kimonos or gowns and perform nostalgic pop songs, prompting handclaps and humming from the crowd.
Some people’s eyes light up the moment a Showa-era hit starts playing.
There’s room for laughs with small dance moves, staging, and props, and it works whether you aim for a mellow, heartfelt mood or a lively, festive one.
Even if you’re not a strong singer, wholehearted role-playing draws applause.
It’s a performance that creates a warm moment where nostalgia and smiles overflow together.
Soran Bushi

Here’s an idea featuring the classic Soran Bushi to liven up your summer festival.
With shamisen and drums resounding and staff performing powerful, synchronized moves, the whole venue instantly comes to life.
The spirited calls and rhythmic motions are infectious, creating an atmosphere that makes even older adults want to move along.
Traditional happi coats and tenugui heighten the festival vibe, lifting spirits just by watching.
While evoking the local tradition, it creates a bright, bustling mood—an indispensable, crowd-pleasing attraction for any summer festival.
two-person robe (Nininbaori): a comedic act where two people share one kimono-like garment, with the rear person acting as the arms for the front person

Here’s a crowd-pleasing idea that will have everyone laughing just by watching and doing it: the “Nininbaori” skit.
In this classic setup, the person in back puts their arms through and “controls” the person in front.
The sight of them smearing food on their face as they try to eat, or fumbling with props, sets the whole venue laughing.
Preparation is simple, but with a few creative twists from the performers, the laughs multiply.
Their earnest silliness is endearing and instantly brightens the mood, making it perfect for the opening or a mid-program highlight.
It’s lively, fun to watch, and a staple performance at summer festivals.
Japanese taiko drum

If you want to liven up a summer festival, a “wadaiko” (Japanese drum) performance is highly recommended! The powerful sound of the drums fills the venue with excitement and spreads smiles to everyone watching.
One of the charms is that you can enjoy Bon Odori along with the drum rhythms, and even those who aren’t confident about dancing will find their bodies moving naturally when they hear the familiar beat.
Drumming together, dancing together, and getting excited together will become the best memory of the summer festival.
Give this idea a try to create a lively, energetic summer moment!
a bright red sun

When the Showa-era kayōkyoku classic Red Sun starts playing, all eyes in the audience turn to the stage.
As soon as the staff appear in sunglasses and red outfits, the atmosphere instantly brightens.
Add a touch of playfulness to the choreography and it’s sure to spark laughter.
For many older attendees, it’s a nostalgic tune—some even hum along, saying they used to hear it often.
Even without flashy production, this song has the power to liven up the crowd with just singing and movement.
It works beautifully whether performed gently and lyrically or lively and comical, making it a versatile highlight that adds color to any summer festival.
fashion show

A birthday party that celebrates longevity and expresses daily gratitude.
How about holding a fashion show as part of this wonderful birthday event? Invite seniors to wear outfits connected to their lives or ones they’ve always wanted to try.
Choosing among dresses, kimonos, and more can make for an enjoyable time in itself.
And be sure to spend time on makeup, too.
Just as there is makeup therapy that incorporates psychological techniques, some people feel lighter and brighter after a makeover.
Walking the runway with staff members, just like a real fashion show, is sure to get everyone excited.


