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

Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)Iwasaki Hiromi

Adolescence (shishūki)

Hiromi Iwasaki’s classic song “Shishūki” (Autumn of Youth) skillfully portrays the fragility and beauty of adolescence.

As autumn arrives, fading feelings of love and the loneliness and anticipation of stepping into adulthood seep into the heart through Iwasaki’s delicate vocals.

Released in 1977, the piece is a gem from the golden duo of Yū Aku and Takashi Miki.

Set to a nostalgic melody, the lyrics poignantly sing of the transition from eighteen to nineteen—something anyone who has experienced adolescence can relate to.

It’s also lovely to listen to this song at dusk while gazing at the twilight sky.

cosmos (flower)sadamasashi

Cosmos (2016 Remaster)

Sadamasashi’s heartrending classic “Cosmos (Akizakura).” With delicate lyrics, it traces a bride-to-be’s feelings for her mother.

She looks back on childhood memories while facing the hopes and anxieties of a new beginning, and expresses profound gratitude to the mother who has supported her.

The depth and tenderness of the bond between daughter and mother are truly moving.

Released in October 1977 and performed by Sada Masashi himself on March 25, 1978, the song has been covered by many artists and performed multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It is a Showa-era masterpiece.

Sing it with older listeners, and you’ll surely be wrapped in a warm atmosphere as you reminisce about the past.

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?

Song of AutumnSakushi sakkyoku: Mine Akira

[Piano Accompaniment] Autumn Song / With Vocals Version / Children’s Song / Nursery Rhyme / Royalty-Free Video

When it comes to children’s songs that capture the excitement of growth in the autumn season, this one stands out.

Written and composed by Minami Akira, its lyrics are sprinkled with autumn-only details like seasonal clothing, clear blue skies, and fun events such as sports days and festivals.

You can easily picture the children’s lively energy—just listening makes your heart skip with joy.

Its gentle, familiar melody is also perfect for recreation time in gatherings of older adults.

It’s lovely to try a round and let the harmonies ring out while reminiscing about nostalgic autumn events and memories with grandchildren.

Feel the changing seasons with your whole body, and create a warm, welcoming space.

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.

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.