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

red dragonflydōyō

Red Dragonfly | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Red Dragonfly of the Evening Glow

“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.

Village Autumndōyō

Village Autumn (Satonoaki) / Opening lyrics ♪ Quiet, so quiet ♪ / Easy-to-read lyrics included [Japanese song, Japanese traditional song]

The children’s song “Sato no Aki” (Autumn in the Village), created by Nobuo Saito and Minoru Kainuma, has been beloved since its release in 1948.

Born out of the postwar turmoil and hardship, the song carries a background of consoling people’s hearts, depicting serene autumn scenes and the poignant feeling of longing for family far away.

Issued as an SP record and later included in music textbooks, it has been widely passed down through the generations, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Songs of Japan.” Set to a gentle melody, it invites listeners to reflect on the beauty of autumn in the countryside and on the feelings of those who lived through wartime.

Why not softly hum this song—rich with historical memory and warm hope—together with someone dear to you?

Donguri KorokoroSakushi: Aoki Sonoyoshi / Sakkyoku: Yanada Tadashi

Donguri Korokoro - ♪ - Children's Song/Animation/With Mother/Autumn Song/With Lyrics/Yukano

When it comes to a classic children’s song that everyone can hum—one that depicts tumbling down the autumn hills—this masterpiece surely comes to mind.

The lyrics by Aoki Songe were inspired by his childhood experiences in Matsushima, and the story charmingly portrays the protagonist falling into a pond, playing with loaches, and eventually shedding tears as he longs for the hills.

The song was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and its melody is also used as the departure tune at JR Ōme Line’s Okutama Station.

Its simple melody is perfect for a round; layering the voices in a chase naturally creates a sense of unity.

How about clapping along and enjoying it together among seniors while reminiscing about childhood memories? It will be a heartwarming moment.

Desert of the MoonSakushi: Katou Masao / Sakkyoku: Sasaki Suguru

Moon Desert by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics [One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs]

Beloved as a children’s song, this work was created by poet and painter Masao Kato, who produced the poem together with accompanying illustrations.

After its publication in a magazine in 1923, composer Suguru Sasaki set it to music, and it came to be widely sung.

It depicts a prince and princess riding a camel, quietly traveling across moonlit sands, unfolding a fantastical and beautiful world.

Its wistful melody gently accompanies the reflective mood of autumn.

Why not spend a moment singing it together and sharing nostalgic memories? It is a somewhat romantic, unforgettable autumn classic.

wild chrysanthemumSakushi:Ishimori Nobuo/Sakkyoku:Ishimori Nobuo

Wild Chrysanthemum (♫ Blowing from the distant mountains) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics

This is a 1942 children’s song with lyrics by Nobuo Ishimori and music by Kan’ichi Shimofusa.

It charmingly depicts the pale purple wild chrysanthemums blooming in an autumn field.

The first verse portrays the delicate figure of the quietly blooming flowers; the second presents a peaceful scene of an insect alighting on a blossom; and the third conveys a warm wish for the flowers to keep blooming even when the cold winter arrives.

With its relaxed tempo and easy-to-sing melody, it’s well suited for singing together at gatherings of older adults.

If you come across wild chrysanthemums on an autumn stroll, think of this piece and savor the changing of the seasons.

The sound of insectsMonbushō shōka

Sounds of Insects | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Ah, the bell cricket is chirping

First published in 1910 in the Elementary School Reader Songs and later selected in 2006 for the “100 Japanese Songs,” this is a Ministry of Education school song.

The piece portrays the sounds of insects heard on autumn nights as if they were a beautiful ensemble.

You know the pine crickets and bell crickets, but do you know which insect appears next? In fact, it was originally a katydid, but in 1932 it was changed to a cricket.

This revision was made because “kirigirisu” was once an old term that referred to crickets.

Even among older generations, you might find people split into the katydid camp and the cricket camp.

Talking about that while everyone sings together could make for a delightful time.

Moonlit Night over the Great Tone RiverTabata Yoshio

Otone Moonlit Night — Yoshi-o Tabata

When you gaze up at the clear autumn night sky, memories of your hometown and days gone by naturally come to mind.

This song, performed by Yoshio Tabata, is a timeless classic that gently accompanies those feelings.

Along a moonlit riverside, the poignant emotions of a samurai longing for his distant hometown and beloved younger sister resonate deeply, carried by the plaintive tones of the guitar.

First released on record in October 1939, the song was re-recorded around 1952 (Showa 27), and has remained cherished across generations.

Rather than a tune to sing boisterously with friends, it’s one to savor alone on a long autumn night, when you want to listen closely to the story told by the lyrics.

Close your eyes, and the scenes of the song will quietly unfold in your heart.