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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

A deserted seaTo wa e mo wa

♫ An empty beach — a Showa-era song. It's already autumn, an empty beach! With lyrics

A quietly sung piece set on an autumn seashore, reflecting on a lost love and facing one’s own future.

Released in November 1970 as a single by Towa Tei et Moi, it features lyrics by poet Yoko Yamaguchi and music by Noriyoshi Naitō.

The words—resolved not to grieve anymore because promises were made to the sea, the sand, and the sky—gently resonate in the heart.

On the same day, chanson singer Fubuki Koshiji also released a version, and on the Oricon charts the Towa et Moi version reached No.

16.

Its portrayal of someone striving to look ahead despite setbacks and loneliness is something many will relate to.

It’s a song that tenderly stays by your side—one you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the autumn sea.