![[For Seniors] Autumn Songs That Touch the Heart: From Nostalgic Children’s Songs and School Songs to Showa-Era Kayōkyoku](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/hEXAdhFPp7M/maxresdefault.webp)
Under the autumn sky, it has become the season when nostalgic songs resonate in our hearts.
Music has a mysterious power to evoke memories, and autumn songs in particular gently wrap us in warmth.
Singing together with older adults can spark lively conversations and naturally bring out smiles, creating a wonderful time together.
In this article, we introduce songs of autumn that everyone can enjoy.
Clap along, sing while doing simple exercises, or close your eyes and listen closely to the lyrics—please enjoy these songs filled with Japan’s seasons, culture, and cherished memories with everyone.
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[For Seniors] Autumn Songs That Touch the Heart: From Nostalgic Children’s Songs and School Songs to Showa-Era Pop (1–10)
365 Steps MarchSuizenji Kiyoko
Let me introduce a lively song that’s perfect for the autumn sports season.
It’s an encouraging tune sung by Kiyoko Suizenji that lifts your spirits and helps you stay positive.
The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of keeping your steps moving forward, leave a strong impression.
Released in November 1968, this song has remained beloved by many.
It was even chosen as the entrance march for the 41st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
It’s a great choice to sing together with older adults.
It’s also fun to swing your arms or march in place to the “one, two” in the lyrics.
It could be just the thing to get you moving with a cheerful mindset.
Harvest MoonSakushi: Noguchi Ujo / Sakkyoku: Motoori Nagayo
The classic song “Jūgoya Otsukisan” is a masterpiece whose plaintive melody evokes nostalgia.
It’s widely known as a children’s song, with lyrics written by the poet Ujō Noguchi.
The lyrics, in which a family is separated, are very sad.
In the Taisho era, when this song was released, poverty meant that family breakups were not uncommon.
I think it will sound nostalgic to seniors who lived through the Taisho period.
It’s also recommended for listening together with residents in senior facilities or as background music for autumn activities!
The House in KakinokizakaAoki Koichi
A quintessential Showa-era kayō classic is “Kakinokizaka no Ie” (The House on Persimmon Tree Hill).
Sung by Koichi Aoki, a hugely popular idol who dominated the mid-Showa period, it became a major hit.
The lyrics, which vividly evoke nostalgic countryside scenes, are superb and resonate with a wide range of generations, not just seniors.
There’s no doubt you’ll be moved by Koichi Aoki’s beautifully wistful voice! It’s recommended for those looking for nostalgic songs or pieces that can be enjoyed singing together in senior facilities.
Why not add it to your playlist?
village festivalMonbushō shōka
This piece, which portrays the joy of a village festival celebrating a bountiful autumn harvest, is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults.
The lyrics that depict the sounds of flutes and drums as “don-don hyarara” leave a strong impression.
Since it was included in an elementary school textbook in 1912, the lyrics have gradually changed over time, but it continues to be sung today as an important song that conveys Japanese traditions and culture.
When singing with older adults, it’s also recommended to clap along or move your body in time with the lyrics.
It seems like a fun way to exercise while reminiscing about the past.
The sound of insectsMonbushō shōka
First published in 1910 in the Elementary School Reader Songs and later selected in 2006 for the “100 Japanese Songs,” this is a Ministry of Education school song.
The piece portrays the sounds of insects heard on autumn nights as if they were a beautiful ensemble.
You know the pine crickets and bell crickets, but do you know which insect appears next? In fact, it was originally a katydid, but in 1932 it was changed to a cricket.
This revision was made because “kirigirisu” was once an old term that referred to crickets.
Even among older generations, you might find people split into the katydid camp and the cricket camp.
Talking about that while everyone sings together could make for a delightful time.
Village AutumnSakushi: Saitō Nobuo / Sakkyoku: Kainuma Minoru
Known as a song that supported the hearts of people living in the postwar era, “Sato no Aki” was created by Nobuo Saito, who worked as an elementary school teacher while also writing children’s songs.
It portrays the family love of Japanese people during wartime and is crafted as a poem that evokes the feeling of autumn.
Its gently spreading, beautiful melody allows for a calm, peaceful time.
It’s a piece we hope older listeners will enjoy while recalling hometown scenery and the parents who cared for them.
Feel free to listen leisurely on your own, or sing it together with friends for fun.
cosmos (flower)sadamasashi
Akizakura (Cosmos), a classic hit by Showa-era idol Momoe Yamaguchi released in 1977, is one of her signature songs and was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The lyrics and music were written by Masashi Sada, a multitalented singer-songwriter and novelist.
Sada has recorded his own self-cover, and the song has been covered across genres by a wide range of artists, including Akina Nakamori, Masaharu Fukuyama, and Ayaka Hirahara.
It’s a masterpiece whose lyrics—expressing gratitude to one’s mother while reflecting on memories as one prepares for marriage—never fail to move me to tears.
It’s also a song that makes you want to sing it in autumn, so it could be a great choice for events like karaoke contests at senior care facilities.