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

dragonfly glassesSakushi: Nukaga Seishi / Sakkyoku: Hirai Kōzaburō

Dragonfly’s Glasses [One Hundred Selections of Japanese Songs] by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Children’s Song | Tonbo no Megane | Glasses of Dragonfly

“Tonbo no Megane” is a children’s song that depicts a child playing with a dragonfly.

The lyricist, Seishi Nukaga, turned a scene he actually witnessed into the song.

This song is also sung by Cream Panda-chan, a character from the Anpanman series, so it’s familiar to children today as well.

We recommend singing it together with your grandchild.

Depending on the region, you may see fewer dragonflies in autumn, but please listen to it while recalling how you used to run around in your early childhood.

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The Raccoon Dog Music of Shōjōji TempleSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

Shojoji no Tanuki-bayashi [with song] – Children’s Song

This song, with lyrics by Ujō Noguchi, was inspired by the “Tanuki Bayashi” legend.

After becoming a hit in 1929 with Eiko Hirai’s recording, it has been covered by many artists and cherished as a classic for many years.

Today’s children enjoy it as a hand-play song.

It’s an adorable piece about tanuki starting to dance on a night when the moon is beautiful.

Autumn is also the season for moon viewing, so why not have fun singing it together with friends or grandchildren?

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autumn leaves

“Autumn Leaves (Momiji)” by Yoko Seri

The song “Momiji” is widely known as a choral piece.

It was published in 1911 as a “Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka” (elementary school song), and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” It is said that lyricist Tatsuyuki Takano wrote the lyrics inspired by the beauty of the autumn leaves he saw from Kumanodaira Station on the Shin’etsu Main Line, which has since been discontinued.

The song lets you feel the elegance of the Japanese language and the beauty of Japan’s four seasons.

Its choral harmonies are also lovely, making it a great choice for activities at senior care facilities or for karaoke.

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

"Moon Desert" Lyrics: Masao Kato, Music: Suguru Sasaki [Nostalgic Masterpieces Album]

Tsuki no Sabaku (Desert of the Moon) depicts a prince and princess riding camels on a moonlit journey.

Masao Kato, who was active as a painter, created the poem along with accompanying illustrations.

Though beloved as a children’s song, it unfolds a deep world that both kids and adults can enjoy.

The romantic lyrics conjure images of a man and woman walking across the desert, leaving a lasting impression.

Try singing it with friends at your facility to its wistful, beautiful melody.

It’s a song that, as the autumn air grows chilly, can help deepen bonds among older adults.

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maple leavesSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi

Children's song "Autumn Leaves (Momiji)"

Among songs that shine with rich colors of the four seasons, the perfect children’s song for autumn is “Momiji.” The lyrics were written by Tatsuyuki Takano, who also worked on songs like “Oborozukiyo,” and it was included in the Elementary School Songbook.

Its warm melody resonates in harmony with beautiful natural scenery.

As a piece that depicts autumn-tinted landscapes, it’s perfect for outings to view the fall foliage.

It’s a song that makes you want to spend a leisurely time while gazing at the vividly colored season.

It would be fun to sing it with friends while taking a walk, or to hum it while sitting on a park bench.

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There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto – There’s Always Tomorrow

In November, a month that can make us feel a little lonely, Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ashita ga Aru sa” (There’s Always Tomorrow) gives us hope for the day ahead.

Released in 1963, it has been covered by many artists, including Ulfuls and Re:Japan, and has been loved across generations for many years.

Its lyrics portray the feelings of wanting somehow to speak to the person you like and convey your feelings—perhaps prompting older listeners to recall the bittersweet crushes of their youth.

While it stirs memories of younger days, it’s also a song that gives us the courage to keep living each day without losing to our past selves.

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SAKI

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A Hazy Moonlit Night

Ministry of Education Song: Oborozukiyo (Hazy Moonlit Night)

The Japanese school song “Oborozukiyo” (Hazy Moonlit Night), with lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano and music by Teiichi Okano, was published in 1914 and included in the sixth-grade elementary school textbook in 1948.

Even today, it is often celebrated as a masterpiece.

Its gentle, soothing melody and lyrics that paint scenes so vivid you can’t help but close your eyes are truly wonderful.

It’s also recommended as an autumn song to enjoy with seniors, and there are videos available for doing exercises to this tune—be sure to give the dance a try, too.

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