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

Moon over the Ruined Castle

Moon over the Ruined Castle / Full version with easy-to-read lyric subtitles (Verses 1–4) Music: Rentaro Taki Arrangement: Kósçak Yamada Lyrics: Bansui Doi

A well-known piece familiar from music classes in elementary and junior high school is “Kojo no Tsuki” (The Moon over the Ruined Castle).

The lyrics were written by Bansui Doi and the music composed by Rentaro Taki.

It can even be considered a foundational work of Western-style music created by Japanese composers more than 100 years ago.

The 7-5 syllabic rhythm of the lyrics is quite difficult to grasp just by listening, so when I was a student I couldn’t fully delve into the meaning.

But when you listen again, you realize the lyrics—singing of the rise and fall of worldly fortunes—have a profound flavor.

I especially hope older listeners will enjoy it while reminiscing about the past.

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miyabi

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A small nut

Small Nuts / Teruko Ōba

This song became a hit after being featured on NHK’s music program “Minna no Uta,” and it was even included in elementary school music textbooks.

Sung by Teruko Ōba, it was released in 1971.

The original melody is a serenade that appears in the opera “La jolie fille de Perth” by the French composer Georges Bizet.

The somewhat melancholic tone and the lyrics, which convey the protagonist’s feelings as they recall their father’s words, are deeply moving.

It’s a piece that can also evoke rich emotions in older listeners.

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Araki Jakkan

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Tokyo Olympic OndoMinami Haruo

Haruo Minami “Tokyo Olympic Ondo” [from ~The Trajectory of Vocal Art: The Complete Works of Haruo Minami~]

How about enjoying the sports-filled autumn with a song that evokes the season’s atmosphere? Sung by Haruo Minami, this piece was created to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Its lyrics, which celebrate people gathering from around the world and the passion of young people, will resonate with you.

Released in June 1963, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.3 million copies.

It’s a song that’s easy for older adults to enjoy, and it’s recommended to sing it while raising your arms or moving your body.

Singing together can create fun memories for everyone.

Be sure to include it in your autumn recreational activities.

rabbitwarabeuta

♪Rabbit, Rabbit – Usagi Usagi | ♪Rabbit, rabbit, what do you see as you hop? [Japanese song/children’s song]

“Usagi” is also used as a practice piece for traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and koto, and is cherished as a children’s song.

The lyrics depict rabbits hopping as they gaze at the moon, evoking a cute image.

Because it’s made up of simple and short phrases, older adults can enjoy singing it with confidence.

Try presenting a rich, expressive vocal performance over tones that evoke a sense of wa (Japanese tradition).

It’s also recommended to listen while arranging Tsukimi dango and gazing at the autumn night sky during the harvest moon.

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mutō

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Bright Red Autumnsakushi: satsuma tadashi / sakkyoku: kobayashi hideo

Bright Red Autumn 🍁 (♪ It's so red~) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Children's Song |

Among the many children’s songs themed around autumn, “Makkana Aki” stands out with its bright, cheerful melody.

The lyrics were written by Tadashi Satsuma, who was also active as a translator of foreign literature.

The song portrays the pure innocence of children captivated by autumn-tinted natural scenery.

Plants that take on color in autumn, such as karasu-uri (cock’s-comb gourd) and ivy, appear in the lyrics, so it’s nice to feel the season while taking a walk.

How about singing this children’s song, which gently spreads the feeling of autumn, with friends at a community center or old acquaintances? Since the song repeats the same phrases, even those who don’t usually sing can try it with ease.

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mutō

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Sunset HillIshihara Yūjirō & Asaoka Ruriko

The Hill of the Setting Sun — Yujiro Ishihara & Ruriko Asaoka

This is a song that poignantly sings of bittersweet love, set against a hill bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

The harmony between Yūjirō Ishihara and Ruriko Asaoka really resonates with the heart.

Released in 1963, this piece was also used as the theme song for a film of the same name that premiered the following year.

It’s perfect for listening by the window on an autumn evening—you might find nostalgic memories returning.

Its melody is easy for older listeners to enjoy, and humming along together can be delightful.

Through this work, you may feel the changing of the seasons and the transience of life.