[For Seniors] Autumn Songs That Touch the Heart: From Nostalgic Children’s Songs and School Songs to Showa-Era Kayōkyoku

Village AutumnSakushi: Saitō Nobuo / Sakkyoku: Kainuma Minoru

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

Known as a song that supported the hearts of people living in the postwar era, “Sato no Aki” was created by Nobuo Saito, who worked as an elementary school teacher while also writing children’s songs.

It portrays the family love of Japanese people during wartime and is crafted as a poem that evokes the feeling of autumn.

Its gently spreading, beautiful melody allows for a calm, peaceful time.

It’s a piece we hope older listeners will enjoy while recalling hometown scenery and the parents who cared for them.

Feel free to listen leisurely on your own, or sing it together with friends for fun.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Voices of InsectsSakushi/Sakkyoku: Monbushō Shōka

Cries of Insects — Ministry of Education Shoka (School Song)

First published in the 1910 Elementary School Songbook, “Mushi no Koe” (“Voices of Insects”) is still often sung in educational settings today.

The song centers on the sounds of insects that appear in autumn, using unique lyrics to express their voices.

Its strong sense of season makes it easy to feel the spirit of autumn even when listening indoors.

It can also be a great choice to have older adults sing it during facility recreations or programs.

Like returning to childhood, it can help everyone enjoy a fun, heartwarming time.

Why not showcase the insects’ calls that evoke those long autumn nights?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

red dragonflySakushi: Miki Rofū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku

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

“Akatonbo” is one of the songs selected for the 100 Best Japanese Songs.

The lyrics were written by Rofu Miki, who also composed pieces such as “Aki no Yo” and “Kakkō.” It was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1965 and has been used across numerous media.

The song depicts someone watching red dragonflies at dusk, reminiscing with a sense of nostalgia.

Its melody evokes childhood memories, making it perfect for autumn scenes.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while taking a walk with old friends and sharing stories from the past.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

I found a little sign of autumn.Sakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

I found a little sign of autumn.

As one of the pieces featured in NHK’s “Autumn Festival,” Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa (I Found a Little Autumn) has lyrics written by poet Hachirō Satō.

It is a children’s song embraced by generations and used in educational settings.

The song depicts people noticing the arrival of autumn as the climate and scenery change.

Its slow tempo and repeated phrases are characteristic.

The melody resonates with the wistful feeling of autumn and matches its mood.

In keeping with the song’s theme, it can be nice to return to a childlike mindset and look for autumnal landscapes and creatures.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Apple OiwakeMisora Hibari

Ringo Oiwake (Recorded in 1982)

Ringo Oiwake, a million-selling smash hit sung by the Queen of Showa Kayō, Hibari Misora.

It was the B-side to Ringoen no Shōjo, released on May 1, 1952.

In November of the same year, the song was also used as the theme for the film Ringoen no Shōjo, starring Hibari—who was 15 at the time.

With lyrics that incorporate the Tsugaru dialect, it’s a poignant number that evokes fond memories of one’s hometown.

A masterpiece among masterpieces that moves the heart with Hibari Misora’s assured vocal prowess! It’s a recommended track for seniors who want to feel the autumn mood.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem

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.

Because the moon is so very blueSugawara Totoko

Sugawara Toto-ko, “Because the Moon Is So Very Blue”

This song depicts a bittersweet moment between two people on their way home under a beautifully shining moon.

In 1955, a film of the same name based on the song was also released.

The buoyant vocals and light sound evoke the popular music of the time while conveying the characters’ elation.

The lyrics vividly portray the bond between the two and the moonlight that illuminates them, making the scene easy to picture.

It’s a perfect song for reminiscing about the joyful memories of autumn.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem