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

Desert of the MoonSakushi: Katou Masao / Sakkyoku: Sasaki Suguru

Moon Desert by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics [One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs]

Beloved as a children’s song, this work was created by poet and painter Masao Kato, who produced the poem together with accompanying illustrations.

After its publication in a magazine in 1923, composer Suguru Sasaki set it to music, and it came to be widely sung.

It depicts a prince and princess riding a camel, quietly traveling across moonlit sands, unfolding a fantastical and beautiful world.

Its wistful melody gently accompanies the reflective mood of autumn.

Why not spend a moment singing it together and sharing nostalgic memories? It is a somewhat romantic, unforgettable autumn classic.

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.

MoonMonbushō shōka

Moon

The descriptive passages praising the beauty of the perfectly round full moon leave a lasting impression.

First published in May 1911 in the Ministry of Education’s songbook “Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka: For First Grade,” it has been sung by many generations ever since.

Created through a committee-based process by editors from the Tokyo Music School, it is characterized by its simple, easy-to-sing melody.

Long beloved as a school song in music education, recordings by children’s choirs still exist today.

It’s a tune that makes you want to hum while gazing at the moon from your window on an autumn night.

Why not enjoy this nostalgic melody together with everyone at your facility?

That Town, This TownNoguchi Ujō:sakushi/Nakayama Shimpei:sakkyoku

Children’s song: That Town, This Town (Ano Machi Kono Machi). Lyrics by Ujō Noguchi, music by Shinpei Nakayama.

This is a children’s song about the walk home on an autumn evening.

With lyrics by Ujo Noguchi and music by Shimpei Nakayama, it was published in 1924 in the magazine “Kodomo no Kuni.” The piece was also selected in 2007 as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs and has long been cherished as a classic.

It gently portrays a call to children hurrying home at dusk.

You can almost picture the autumn scenery as the sun gradually sets.

For older adults who remember playing until dark when they were young, it’s a song that may stir nostalgic feelings.

Why not sing it together with friends at your facility, or hum it on your way back from an autumn stroll?

Midnight GuitarSenga Kahoru

Kaoru Senga - Midnight Guitar

In this arts-filled autumn, Kaoru Chiga’s “Midnight Guitar” is the kind of song that can inspire even older listeners to lend an ear to the sound of the guitar—or even feel like giving it a try.

Released in 1969 as Chiga’s debut single, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Sayuri Ishikawa and UA.

The lyrics depict someone who, after a painful experience, plays the guitar through the night to soothe their sorrow.

Whether you listened to it often in your youth or are hearing it for the first time, why not embrace the spirit of the season with this song?

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SAKI

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Rindō PassShimakura Chiyoko

Rindō Pass

We would like to introduce a classic by Chiyoko Shimakura that’s perfect for the autumn season.

Its poignant lyrics, depicting an older sister getting married around the time when gentian flowers bloom, truly resonate.

Released in 1955, this song is known as her second single following her debut.

Because it centers on gentian—an iconic flower of autumn—it’s a great choice to sing with older adults.

Singing while picturing the scenes in the lyrics can stimulate and activate the brain.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to enjoy in a calm mood.

Why not savor the feeling of autumn along with fond memories?

Seven-year-old childSakushi: Noguchi Ujo / Sakkyoku: Motoori Nagayo

♪ Seven Little Children – Nanatsu no Ko | ♪ Why does the crow cry? The crow is in the mountains ♪ [Japanese song / shoka]

“Seven Baby Crows,” published in the July 1921 issue of the children’s literature magazine The Golden Ship.

The lyrics were written by poet Ujo Noguchi, known for works like “Soap Bubbles.” The opening, famous line that addresses the crow is something everyone has heard at least once.

You can picture the crow flying through the sky back to its chicks.

It’s also great to sing on an autumn stroll or on the way home from viewing the fall foliage.

This children’s song features a warm, gentle melody.

Singing it together with friends at a community facility can be a wonderful opportunity to deepen connections.

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mutō

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