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

The Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki - Showa-era song

“Ringo no Uta” (The Apple Song), featured as the theme and insert song for the film “Soyokaze.” In Japan after the end of World War II, its bright and cheerful melody lifted people’s spirits.

As it was often used as a symbol of postwar recovery, many older adults are likely familiar with it.

The lyrics are charming, expressing a girl’s honest feelings through apples.

Try singing it together with friends at your facility to its lively rhythm.

It’s a song that works well for singing while sharing memories of the past or while taking a walk under the autumn sky.

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An Apple’s SoliloquySakushi: Takeuchi Toshiko / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Mitsuyo

An Apple’s Soliloquy: Kasumi Midorisa sings a nursery rhyme

This is a children’s song released in 1940.

As the title suggests, it’s sung from an apple’s point of view, telling the apple’s feelings and memories from the time it’s harvested until it’s sold in a shop.

It’s a heartwarming, lovely song to listen to.

It’s said that Toshiko Takeuchi, who wrote the lyrics, composed it while in the hospital after seeing a get-well apple, and many people may have found themselves humming it while cooking.

It’s a nostalgic tune for older listeners, and plenty of people make apple dishes in autumn.

Why not try singing it again for the first time in a while?

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Moon

Children’s Song: The Moon

This is a traditional children’s song that has long been beloved and is familiar to many older adults.

With simple, heartfelt lyrics, it expresses the beauty of the moon floating in the autumn night sky.

The way the moon appears and disappears behind the clouds is depicted so vividly that you can almost see it before your eyes.

First published in 1911 as a Ministry of Education song, it has been sung for generations.

Many people may remember singing it during school music classes.

This piece can help older adults—who may find it harder to sense the seasons—feel the arrival of autumn.

It’s great for group singing, and also enjoyable with clapping or gentle movement.

Homesickness on a JourneySakkyoku: Jon P. Oodowei / Yakushi: Inudou Kyuukei

Nostalgia for a Journey (Autumn Children’s Song / School Song)

The song “Travel Sorrow,” a translated hymn based on John P.

Ordway’s “Dreaming of Home and Mother.” The lyrics were translated by Kyūkei Inudō, who left behind many translated texts of Western songs.

It sings of nostalgic feelings for one’s hometown scenery and family.

Even those living away from where they were born and raised will be reminded of familiar scenes.

It is a piece we especially recommend older adults listen to during the season when the air turns chilly and one longs for companionship.

Why not spend a long autumn night with its tender yet heartrending melody?

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campfireSakushi: Tatsumi Seika / Sakkyoku: Watanabe Shigeru

Campfire - Vocals: AI Kiritan, AI Youko (with lyrics)

This is a winter song that evokes a heartwarming scene of everyone keeping warm together around a campfire.

It was introduced in 1941 on NHK’s radio program “Songs for Young Children” and became widely known after being sung on the network’s “The Singing Lady” in 1949.

In 2007, it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs.

The piece is truly a song for children: its vocal range is designed to be easy for them to sing, and the repeated words convey the excitement of children gathered before the fire.

Singing it together may bring back nostalgic memories of days spent warming yourselves by a campfire.

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Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Miagete Goran Yoru No Hoshi Wo

“Look Up at the Night Stars” is a heartwarming song that finds hope while gazing at the night sky.

Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle voice tenderly embraces the struggles of young people during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth.

Released in 1963, it won the Composition Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards.

Beloved by many, it was even included in school textbooks.

If you hold hands and sing while looking up at the stars, your heart will surely be soothed.

Along with fond memories, why not feel the light of hope through this song?

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.