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

Harvest Moon over Mount AkagiTōkairin Tarō

Harvest Moon over Mount Akagi

Set under the moonlight of Mount Akagi, this song portrays the feelings of a chivalrous outlaw parting ways.

It is one of Taro Shoji’s signature pieces, an artist active since before the war.

Released in 1939, it resonated with many people.

Known for his unique performance style—standing ramrod straight in a tailcoat—Shoji sang with the conviction that “songs are for the people.” It’s a tune familiar to many older adults and perfect for autumn events.

Singing it together can evoke nostalgia and a sense of the season.

Adding hand claps or light exercises could make it even more enjoyable.

Please try sharing it with older adults and enjoy it together.

Tangled HairMisora Hibari

Tangled Hair

Hibari Misora’s “Midaregami” is a beautiful song that portrays autumn scenery.

Released in 1987, the song drew great attention as Misora’s comeback work.

The lyrics are filled with deep emotion, allowing listeners to feel both the joys and sorrows of life.

It’s recommended to listen to it together with older adults.

Why not lend an ear to Misora’s voice while sharing nostalgic memories? You’re sure to spend a heartwarming moment.

Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner’s Song)

Michiya Mihashi [Tanko Bushi]

With its light rhythm and cheerful melody, Tankō-bushi is a familiar tune at Bon Odori festivals.

It’s a folk song from Fukuoka Prefecture, and its original version is said to be the “Itaba Uchisen Tan-uta,” sung by coal miners.

The recording sung by Michiya Mihashi became a massive hit, selling over 2.8 million copies.

The lyrics about the moon getting dusty and smoky from the soot coming out of the chimneys make you chuckle, don’t they? It’s a song that lets you enjoy humorous lyrics and the charm of folk music.

Perfect for singing and enjoying at Bon dance events in senior facilities or during moon-viewing gatherings!

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miyabi

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Village FestivalSakushi/Sakkyoku: Monbushō Shōka

Village Festival (Japanese Children's Song)

“Village Festival,” included in the music textbook Elementary School Songs (Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka) published in 1912, is a piece that expresses the sounds of festival drums and flutes through song.

It depicts the celebration of a bountiful harvest in autumn, evoking scenes of many people gathering together.

Why not sing it along with friends at your facility, carried by its festival-like rhythm? With its bright melody that evokes a sense of “wa” (Japanese harmony/tradition), it’s also recommended for older adults who enjoy enka and kayōkyoku.

It’s a great choice to liven up mealtime gatherings or recreational activities at your facility.

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mutō

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scarecrowSakushi/Sakkyoku: Monbushō Shōka

scarecrow

A song themed around a scarecrow, a figure set up in rice paddies and fields to drive away animals that damage crops.

It expresses feelings toward the scarecrow that stands motionless all day long.

Autumn is the harvest season, so it’s nice to listen while gazing over the fields.

It’s also recommended to perform the song with a lively rhythm or go for a group walk.

Singing songs about scarecrows can spark conversations and nostalgia about the old days.

This cheerful, spirited children’s song warms the chill of the season.

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mutō

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pine coneSakushi: Hirota Takao / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Tsuyae

Nursery rhyme: Pine Cone, lyrics by Takao Hirota, music by Tsyae Kobayashi

A song themed around pine cones, which you often see in parks and along tree-lined streets in autumn.

It depicts a pine cone that fell from the mountain until it’s eaten by a certain animal.

There’s choreography to match the lyrics, and it’s easy for anyone to do, so it’s great for facility activities and recreation.

Singing while doing simple hand motions also makes for good brain exercise.

With a light melody that unfolds at a relaxed tempo, let’s sing with a smile.

Be sure to check out this children’s song you can enjoy with singing and dancing even indoors.

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mutō

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A midnight in autumn

Autumn Midnight | With Lyrics | From the opera “Der Freischütz” | In the autumn midnight, the sky is clear

The original music is the overture to the opera Der Freischütz.

The lyrics were written by Nobutsuna Saki, who was both a poet and a scholar of Japanese literature.

Speaking of Nobutsuna Saki, he’s also well known for writing the lyrics to the children’s song Natsu wa Kinu (Summer Has Come).

It’s a slightly melancholic piece that brings to mind the sight of winter birds flying through the autumn sky.

Many people may be reminded of their hometown when they hear this song.

I think it’s an autumn song that older generations would know, but since it’s short and easy to remember, it’s also recommended for those who don’t.

By all means, try singing it together as a song that lets you feel the autumn season.

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sasashina

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