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

The sound of insectsMonbushō shōka

Sounds of Insects | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Ah, the bell cricket is chirping

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.

cosmos (flower)sadamasashi

Cosmos / Masashi Sada (Masashing WORLD Concert “Carnival”)

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.

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365 Steps MarchSuizenji Kiyoko

Kiyoko Suizenji - “365-Step March” (Official Audio)

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

♪ Full Moon on the Fifteenth Night – 15-ya Otsuki-san | ♪ Full Moon on the Fifteenth Night, how are you, dear Moon? [Japanese Song / Shoka]

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!

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village festivalMonbushō shōka

Village Festival (♪ The village guardian deity of the shrine ~) by Himawari 🌻 [100 Best Japanese Songs] with Lyrics Before and After Changes | Ministry of Education Shoka | Mura Matsuri

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 House in KakinokizakaAoki Koichi

The House in Kakinokizaka (1957) Koichi Aoki

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?

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Red sky at duskSakushi: Nakamura Ukō / Sakkyoku: Kusakawa Shin

♪ (Original Song) Yuyake Koyake – Sunset Glow | ♪ As the evening glow deepens and the sun sets, the bell of the mountain temple tolls [Japanese Song / Shoka]

A children’s song I’d love you to listen to in autumn, one that brings on a touch of nostalgia, is “Yuuyake Koyake” (Sunset Glow).

The lyrics were written by Uko Nakamura, a poet active in the Taisho era.

The words are poignantly nostalgic, as if looking back on childhood memories, and they truly resonate.

With its gentle, unhurried melody, it suits the time from autumn dusk into the evening.

It’s also nice to use as background music for facility activities or mealtime gatherings to savor the autumn mood.

It’s a piece I’d especially like older adults to hear while reminiscing about days gone by.

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