Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Seasonal Kayōkyoku and Children's Songs

I found a little sign of autumn.dōyō

♪ I found a little autumn – Somebody, somebody, somebody found it ~ ♪ <with gestures>

Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa (I Found a Little Autumn) is a children’s song by Hachiro Sato and Yoshinao Nakata.

Its lyrics convey the joy of discovering autumn through subtle changes in nature and everyday scenes.

With evocative language, it delicately depicts details such as the sound of the wind, children’s voices, and views through the frosted glass of a north-facing room.

Written in 1955 for a special NHK program and recorded in 1962, it has been widely loved ever since.

Its heartwarming melody and graceful lyrics are perfect for moments when you want to savor autumn slowly.

Why not sing it leisurely to a piano accompaniment?

The Night Wind of the JourneyKirishima Noboru, Misu Koromubia

The Night Wind of the Journey

The 1938 popular song “Tabi no Yokaze” (Night Wind of the Journey) by Noboru Kirishima and Miss Columbia was an unprecedented hit at the time and has remained a beloved classic ever since.

Its appeal lies in lyrics that beautifully portray a man who strides powerfully through life while facing harsh nature, the loneliness of a traveler, and feelings for a loved one.

It is also famous as the theme song for the film “Aizen Katsura,” and the anecdotes from Noboru Kirishima’s performances are fascinating as well.

Many people may find encouragement from this song when they stand at a crossroads in life and struggle over which path to take.

Listening to it together with older adults who have walked a long road in life would likely spark lively conversation.

Falling-leaf drizzleMiura Koichi

Falling-leaf drizzle

Koichi Miura’s 1953 release “Ochiba Shigure” is a classic enka song steeped in melancholy.

You can picture a lone traveler reminiscing about days gone by and a lost love, strumming a guitar through tears.

The song was a major hit at the time and has remained one of Miura’s signature pieces, cherished by listeners for many years.

It’s the kind of deeply flavorful music you’ll want to savor slowly on a lonely autumn night.

For those in their eighties, why not listen closely and let it bring back memories from when the song was in vogue?

Yearning for the ShadowFujiyama Ichirō

In Longing for the Shadow (Postwar Ver.)

Ichiro Fujiyama’s “Kage wo Shitaite” is a masterpiece among masterpieces, with both lyrics and music by Masao Koga.

Set to a beautiful melody, it sings of the aching feelings for a lost love and the lonely heart that pursues the shadow of the beloved.

Since its release in 1932, this song has long been cherished and is truly one of the representative pieces of the Showa era.

For generations who have gone through life’s milestones, the universal message conveyed by “Kage wo Shitaite” is sure to resonate.

On a quiet night, why not listen to Fujiyama’s voice and reminisce about days gone by?

Homesickness on a Journeyshouka

Song “Nostalgia for a Journey”

“Ryoshū” (Longing for Home) is a school song that depicts scenes of reminiscing about a distant hometown and family, set against autumn’s long nights and the skies encountered while traveling.

Its Japanese lyrics were written in 1907 by the poet Kyūkei Indō and included in the 1907 “Chūtō Kyōiku Shōkashū” (Songs for Secondary Education).

The lyrics convey the loneliness of being away from home and a deep love for one’s family, expressing Indō’s own sense of nostalgia.

Its distinctive melodic line and gentle yet profound tune resonate with many listeners.

“Ryoshū” is an ideal song to sing with your family while savoring the sentiments of the Japanese autumn.

It offers a time to relish memories of the past and share stories at a leisurely pace.

Enjoy a wonderful time singing together with someone in their eighties.

autumn leavesshouka

Momiji (Autumn Leaves) | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Maple leaves glowing on mountains in the autumn sunset

The song “Momiji,” composed by Teiichi Okano with lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano, features striking lyrics that depict the beautiful scenery of autumn.

Since its release in 1911, it has long been cherished as a classic autumn piece.

For those in their eighties, it may be a memorable song from their elementary school days.

The beautiful landscape woven by red and yellow autumn leaves evokes the richness of Japan’s fall season.

It’s nice to sing it at a relaxed tempo with piano accompaniment.

As you sing, you might reminisce about the past or share memories of going out to view the autumn foliage.

It’s sure to bring a calm and heartwarming time.

red dragonflydōyō

Red Dragonfly (Akatonbo of the Sunset Glow) | With Lyrics | Nursery Rhymes and Lyric Songs for Adults | English translation

“Akatombo” is a famous song known for its lyrics by Rofu Miki and music by Kosaku Yamada.

It beautifully depicts gazing at a red dragonfly at dusk in autumn and nostalgically recalling the past, conveying a universal sense of longing that anyone can relate to.

Its appeal lies in its profound lyrics that evoke childhood memories, sunset scenes, and even the atmosphere of the era.

It’s one of the classic pieces that represent autumn in Japan.