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

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.

pine coneSakushi: Hirota Takao / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Tsuyae

Pine Cones Lyrics by Takao Hirota, Music by Tsyae Kobayashi Pine cones

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 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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Red dragonflychiaki naomi

Red Dragonfly ~ Song by Naomi Chiaki (Japan Record Award recipient)

“Kurenai Tonbo” is a single released by Naomi Chiaki on October 5, 1988.

Known for mastering a variety of genres including Showa-era kayōkyoku, enka, and pop, Chiaki performed the song as an original piece on NHK’s Kayō Parade that same year, which drew attention and led to its single release.

It became a long-running hit, spending 24 weeks within the Top 100 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

The lyrics tell a poignant story about closing down a bar called “Kurenai Tonbo” tucked behind Shinjuku Station and returning to the countryside—a quintessential Showa-era classic brimming with nostalgia.

It’s also recommended for autumn karaoke events at senior facilities, so why not give it a listen?

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miyabi

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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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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, Makka na 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.

Since the lyrics mention plants that turn color in autumn, such as karasu-uri (bitter gourd) and ivy, it might be nice to feel the season while taking a walk.

How about singing this nursery rhyme, which gently spreads the feeling of autumn, with friends at a facility or with old acquaintances? The song repeats the same phrases, so even those who don’t usually sing can easily give it a try.

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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.