[For Seniors] Beloved songs to sing in December: heartwarming moments with nostalgic kayōkyoku and children’s songs

Mother’s Songkubota satoru

Mother's Song (with lyrics)

This is a children’s song by Satoshi Kubota that quietly stirs the heart with feelings for one’s mother.

Composed in 1956, it was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, sung by Peggy Hayama.

The piece was born from Kubota’s own experiences of evacuation during the war and his memories of receiving hand-knitted items from his mother.

It portrays a mother staying up late into the night to knit gloves, and the warmth carried by letters from home.

It may bring back days when you were supported by your mother, or memories from when you were raising your own children.

A heartwarming song that renews one’s sense of gratitude to mothers.

Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)Sakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku

Pechka (Winter Children's Song)

This is a nursery song that paints a warm scene of people gathered around a fireplace, talking on a cold, snowy night.

Created by the golden duo of Hakushū Kitahara and Kōsaku Yamada for children living in Manchuria, it was included in the 1924 collection Manchurian Songbook: For Elementary Grades 1 and 2.

Later, it was featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta from December 1965 to January 1966, and gained wider popularity thanks to visuals by picture-book artist Rokurō Taniuchi.

You can almost feel the quiet of the night as they gaze into the fire, savoring the aroma of roasted chestnuts and the crackle of sparks.

Even when it’s cold outside, the warmth of time spent with family seeps into the heart—making this a perfect song for winter.

SubaruTanimura Shinji

[Shinji Tanimura “Subaru”] Recital 2023 “THE SINGER” to be held on Friday, April 14, at Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater, Large Hall!

How about a moving ballad that evokes the vastness of the universe? Released in 1980, it is one of Shinji Tanimura’s signature songs, featured multiple times in high school music textbooks since 1985 and performed five times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its poetic lyrics, likening life to a journey, possess a literary depth and convey a strong determination to keep moving forward while overcoming hardships.

Many older listeners may see their own lives reflected in the figure who continues walking with hope in their heart.

Why not join your voices together and sing it, savoring the poetry as you go?

wintering swallowMori Masako

wintering swallow

For many older people, the “Chuu-3 Trio” were like idols in today’s terms.

Momoe Yamaguchi and Junko Sakurada might have had fans among seniors, too.

And of course, Masako Mori shone—she was like a pure, gentle little sister.

Her 41st single, “Ettou Tsubame” (Wintering Swallow), is one of her signature songs.

The lyrics, which compare a woman living through an unrequited love to a swallow enduring the cold, are heartbreakingly moving.

I’d love to hear not only women but men sing it as well.

The trick is to keep the A and B melodies restrained.

It’s a classic winter song that’s been covered by artists like Akina Nakamori and Chikaco Sawada.

From the northern innMiyako Harumi

Harumi Miyako / From the Northern Inn [Lyric Video]

It’s a quintessential winter classic of the Showa-era kayōkyoku.

It sold over 1.4 million copies and achieved the rare feat of winning both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Cable Radio Award.

Its popularity is evident from the many covers by renowned enka singers such as Sayuri Ishikawa, Yoshimi Tendo, and Ikuzo Yoshi.

The song depicts a woman consumed by longing for a beloved who has left her: she knits a sweater that will likely never reach him, drinks alone in tears, and even applies makeup for her final rest, ready to face death.

You can vividly picture a woman so crushed by loneliness that she’s falling apart.

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yuri

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Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Miagete Goran Yoru No Hoshi Wo

This is a classic song in which Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle singing voice resonates with the heart.

It celebrates the beauty of the glittering stars in the night sky and carries a message that offers people hope and comfort.

Released in 1963, it won the Composer’s Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards.

It is also known as a musical number, with Kyu Sakamoto himself starring.

It’s recommended listening on Christmas night while gazing at the starry sky from your window.

Why not make a wish upon the stars and hum along with someone special?

Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

From the very first notes, Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature song “Tsugaru Strait – Fuyugeshiki” instantly draws you into the winter scenery of Japan’s Tohoku region.

Released in 1977, the song won numerous awards, including the Japan Record Award for Vocal Performance, and has been covered by many artists.

It depicts a journey from Tokyo to Hokkaido, with various place names appearing in the lyrics.

It might be fun to take this song along and go on a “pilgrimage” to its locations during a trip with your spouse or friends.

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SAKI

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