[For Seniors] Autumn Songs That Touch the Heart: From Nostalgic Children’s Songs and School Songs to Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
Under the autumn sky, it has become the season when nostalgic songs resonate in our hearts.
Music has a mysterious power to evoke memories, and autumn songs in particular gently wrap us in warmth.
Singing together with older adults can spark lively conversations and naturally bring out smiles, creating a wonderful time together.
In this article, we introduce songs of autumn that everyone can enjoy.
Clap along, sing while doing simple exercises, or close your eyes and listen closely to the lyrics—please enjoy these songs filled with Japan’s seasons, culture, and cherished memories with everyone.
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[For Seniors] Autumn Songs That Touch the Heart: From Nostalgic Children's Songs and School Songs to Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (51–60)
pine coneSakushi: Hirota Takao / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Tsuyae
A song themed around pine cones, which you often see in parks and along tree-lined streets in autumn.
It depicts a pine cone that fell from the mountain until it’s eaten by a certain animal.
There’s choreography to match the lyrics, and it’s easy for anyone to do, so it’s great for facility activities and recreation.
Singing while doing simple hand motions also makes for good brain exercise.
With a light melody that unfolds at a relaxed tempo, let’s sing with a smile.
Be sure to check out this children’s song you can enjoy with singing and dancing even indoors.
A midnight in autumn
The original music is the overture to the opera Der Freischütz.
The lyrics were written by Nobutsuna Saki, who was both a poet and a scholar of Japanese literature.
Speaking of Nobutsuna Saki, he’s also well known for writing the lyrics to the children’s song Natsu wa Kinu (Summer Has Come).
It’s a slightly melancholic piece that brings to mind the sight of winter birds flying through the autumn sky.
Many people may be reminded of their hometown when they hear this song.
I think it’s an autumn song that older generations would know, but since it’s short and easy to remember, it’s also recommended for those who don’t.
By all means, try singing it together as a song that lets you feel the autumn season.
Moon over the Ruined Castle
A well-known piece familiar from music classes in elementary and junior high school is “Kojo no Tsuki” (The Moon over the Ruined Castle).
The lyrics were written by Bansui Doi and the music composed by Rentaro Taki.
It can even be considered a foundational work of Western-style music created by Japanese composers more than 100 years ago.
The 7-5 syllabic rhythm of the lyrics is quite difficult to grasp just by listening, so when I was a student I couldn’t fully delve into the meaning.
But when you listen again, you realize the lyrics—singing of the rise and fall of worldly fortunes—have a profound flavor.
I especially hope older listeners will enjoy it while reminiscing about the past.
A small nut
This song became a hit after being featured on NHK’s music program “Minna no Uta,” and it was even included in elementary school music textbooks.
Sung by Teruko Ōba, it was released in 1971.
The original melody is a serenade that appears in the opera “La jolie fille de Perth” by the French composer Georges Bizet.
The somewhat melancholic tone and the lyrics, which convey the protagonist’s feelings as they recall their father’s words, are deeply moving.
It’s a piece that can also evoke rich emotions in older listeners.
Tokyo Olympic OndoMinami Haruo
How about enjoying the sports-filled autumn with a song that evokes the season’s atmosphere? Sung by Haruo Minami, this piece was created to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Its lyrics, which celebrate people gathering from around the world and the passion of young people, will resonate with you.
Released in June 1963, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.3 million copies.
It’s a song that’s easy for older adults to enjoy, and it’s recommended to sing it while raising your arms or moving your body.
Singing together can create fun memories for everyone.
Be sure to include it in your autumn recreational activities.