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

The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō

The Highland Train Is Coming (1954) — Vocals: Atsurō Okamoto — Japan Kayō (Popular Song) Channel

Atsuro Okamoto’s song is a lively piece themed around a train journey running across the highlands.

Set to a light, sprightly melody, it conjures the sound of the whistle and beautiful scenery.

It may also bring back memories of travels from younger days for older listeners.

Released in 1954, it was performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Loved by many even today, it is also used as the departure melody at JR East’s Fukushima Station.

During the autumn excursion season, why not enjoy the view outside the window while singing along with an older family member? You’re sure to share a warm, heartwarming moment.

Village Festival

Village Festival | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Village shrine’s guardian deity

A classic song that sings of autumn’s bounty and gratitude to the gods, evoking Japan’s quintessential pastoral scenery.

The lyrics vividly conjure a lively festival scene—you can almost hear the flutes and drums—which is a big part of its charm.

First published in March 1912 in “Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka: For Third-Year Students,” it has been beloved for generations.

Passed down in performances by artists like Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda, it remains a staple autumn song today.

With its playful, rhythmic onomatopoeia, this piece is perfect for savoring the exhilaration of a festival!

Sky of my hometownsakushi: oowada kenki

Hometown Sky (Autumn Children's Song / School Song)

This is a school song that sings of gazing up at the autumn evening sky and letting one’s thoughts wander to a distant hometown.

Set to a traditional Scottish folk tune, the Japanese lyrics were written by the Meiji-era poet Takeki Owada.

It was published in May 1888 in Meiji Shoka, Volume 1, and expresses the anxious hope that one’s parents and siblings back home are living well.

For older adults who have spent many years away from their hometowns, the lyrics may evoke fond memories.

On these long autumn nights, try humming it while picturing the landscape of your own hometown.

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.

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.

Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari

Like the flow of a river

This is one of Hibari Misora’s signature songs, likening life to the flow of a river and extolling the virtue of surrendering to it with calm grace.

Released in January 1989, this single came out at Hibari’s strong insistence.

It portrays the strength to keep moving forward while believing that even arduous paths will one day clear, and the willingness to walk on while embracing the changing seasons.

Hibari herself layered into it the idea that, like a single raindrop eventually reaching the vast ocean, each step in life should be cherished.

It is a song that surely resonates deeply with those who have accumulated many experiences.

Under the big chestnut treeSakushi: Sakata Hiroo/Sakkyoku: Gaikoku Kyoku

Under the Big Chestnut Tree (hand play song)

This children’s song, which evokes the feeling of autumn, is familiar to many older adults.

It sings of fun times spent with friends under a chestnut tree.

With simple lyrics and a rhythmic melody, it’s easy to sing.

It’s also popular as a hand-play song, so it’s nice to move your body while singing.

Some of you may have memories of doing hand games while singing when you were little, or with your children or grandchildren.

Singing it together with older adults might bring back happy memories.

Why not feel the season and spend a heartwarming moment singing together?