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

Winter night

Ministry of Education Song: Winter Night

Many of you may remember singing it in your classroom as children.

Following convention, the lyricist and composer of the Ministry of Education song “Winter Night” are not publicly named.

It first appeared in the 1912 collection Elementary School Songs, and even after more than a century, its melody and lyrics are still highly regarded for their beauty.

Because it contains the word “ikusā” (battle/war), the lyrics were temporarily altered in textbooks and other materials published after the war.

However, since the changes disrupted the flow and overall meaning of the song, the original version is now most commonly sung.

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yuri

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Hymn to the Snowy Mountainsdaakudakkusu

Hymn to the Snowy Mountains — The Dark Ducks

Dark Ducks’ “Hymn to the Snowy Mountains” conjures up a sparkling snowy landscape.

Released in 1958, the song is sung to the melody of the American folk tune “Oh My Darling, Clementine.” It originated as a tune made by members of a mountaineering club to pass the time, which then spread among climbers; later, the Dark Ducks released it on CD, and the Tokyo Junior Chorus performed it on the program Minna no Uta.

The lyrics depict climbing up and down mountains without yielding to any hardship.

If you used to hike in your youth, or still frequently climb mountains today, why not hum this song and let your thoughts wander to the peaks of your memories?

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SAKI

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Dreams in secretRirī Jēzumu

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes (Yume wa Hisoka ni) / Lily James Japanese Translation / English Translation

When you think of Christmas, you might picture a culture that came from overseas and the image of celebrating with a glamorous party.

This theme song from Disney’s Cinderella captures that elegant party atmosphere while also evoking the calm air of winter.

You can hear in the light, airy vocals how she quietly faces her own dreams and gradually becomes more emotionally uplifted.

With its clear envisioning of a dream and a structure in which the singing gradually turns lighter, the song strongly evokes positive feelings.

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kappamaki

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Santa Claus the Scatterbrain

Hasty Santa Claus [Christmas Song] Christmas Song / Xmas Song

While many Christmas songs originated overseas, Awatenbou no Santa Claus (The Hasty Santa Claus) was actually born in Japan! The lyrics were written by Osamu Yoshioka, the lyricist behind Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature song Amagi-goe, and the music was composed by Asei Kobayashi, who was also active as an actor.

In this song, a bumbling Santa Claus arrives before Christmas.

He peers down a chimney and accidentally falls in, but ends up dancing and having a wonderful time with the household before setting off again, promising to return.

Its endearingly comical storyline has made it a beloved, classic Christmas song that everyone knows.

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yuri

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A town where snow fallsTakayoshio

Takashi Hideo / A Town Where Snow Falls

This song was created as an insert piece for Eriko to Tomo ni, broadcast on NHK Radio in 1951, and after gaining popularity it was recorded with vocals by Hideo Takashima.

It portrays the quiet accumulation of snow in the town and the melancholy feelings that arise when gazing at that scene.

The gentle vocal delivery, sung at a relaxed tempo, is striking, and it also conveys a sense of hope for the spring that will someday arrive.

It’s a piece that, when listened to in the cold of winter, seems to quietly warm the heart, and it carries a certain strength as well.

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kappamaki

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snow camelliaKobayashi Sachiko

Yukitsubaki Sachiko Kobayashi

Sachiko Kobayashi’s “Yukitsubaki” is a song that conveys a strength that won’t yield to the winter cold.

Its lyrics portray a woman supporting her unreliable husband.

The blend of cheerful perseverance and the graceful acceptance of its opposite is striking.

Released in June 1987, the song became one of Kobayashi’s signature hits and was performed three times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Why not listen to it with older adults during the winter season? Through the lyrics, you may feel the bonds of family.

It’s a heartwarming song, perfect for indoor recreation on chilly days.