[Celebration] A compilation of Japanese songs that elderly people will enjoy

Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

There is a classic song that beautifully and poignantly portrays a northern winter landscape and a bittersweet love.

Powerfully sung by Sayuri Ishikawa, the piece recounts the feelings of a woman traveling from Ueno on a night train to Aomori, where she bids a final farewell aboard the Seikan ferry.

Since its 1977 release, it has garnered numerous honors, including the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance, and stands as a monumental work in the enka genre.

Set against the frigid Tsugaru Strait, the image of a woman quietly deciding to part ways amid snow and the roar of the sea is deeply moving.

Please enjoy a wonderful time together, singing along or clapping in rhythm as you savor nostalgic memories.

The boatman is dear.Otomaru

Beloved boatman — a popular song, a nostalgic tune

Otomaru’s “Sendō Kawaiya” is a charming song with a heartwarming melody and emotionally rich lyrics.

The verses paint scenes along the shore at night and a faint budding love, evoking nostalgic memories.

It was also featured in the 2020 NHK morning drama series “Yell,” bringing it back into the spotlight.

It’s lovely to listen to slowly with older listeners, and also great for everyone to sing together.

Through lyrics that express feelings for a boatman, it may remind you to feel gratitude toward someone important to you.

It’s the perfect song for spending a calm, peaceful time.

Second-son crowShirane Kazuo

Second Son Crow milkye326 (Original: Kazuo Shirane)

Kazuo Shirane’s “Jinanbo-garasu” is a classic infused with deep emotion.

Born as the theme song for the 1955 film Jinanbo-garasu, it catapulted Shirane to stardom.

Its lyrics, like a microcosm of life, and Shirane’s expressive vocals resonate deeply.

For older listeners, it may evoke memories of their youth.

As a gentle background piece or a prompt for nostalgic conversation, it can add color to daily life in care facilities.

Singing along together would be lovely, too.

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe

A Fine Day for a Journey / Momoe Yamaguchi – with lyrics – high-quality CD audio

The melody spun by Momoe Yamaguchi as a song for a journey filled with nostalgic memories remains a timeless classic that still touches the heart.

Her gentle yet faintly wistful voice carries the courage and resolve to take a new step in life.

With lyrics overflowing with farewells to one’s hometown and family, and with hope and expectation for the future, it’s a song anyone can relate to.

Released in November 1978, this work was created as a campaign song for the then Japanese National Railways and became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

It is often sung at life’s milestones, such as graduation and weddings, and continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a perfect song to sing together as we look back on our memories in the warm spring air.

Surely, thank you.Sakushi: Konishi Hiroya / Hobitsu: Yoshizawa Kumiko / Sakkyoku: Hoshi Tomo / Henkyoku: Sato Masahiro

Thank you very much.

Gently singing words of gratitude to a calm melody, this piece is a gem of harmony born in Taka Town, Hyogo Prefecture.

Woven by Hiroya Konishi, Kumiko Yoshizawa, Tomo Hoshi, and Masahiro Sato, the heartwarming song is arranged for two-part chorus, making it approachable and easy for anyone to hum along.

The sheet music is available on Taka Town’s official website, and the piece is widely performed at local events and in educational settings.

It’s a wonderful song to enjoy singing together with older adults.

Whether at a Respect-for-the-Aged Day gathering, a group sing-along, or recreational activities at care facilities, singing it together will create even more special memories.

It’s okayHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Daijoubu [Official]

Life brings various hardships and joys, and Kiyoshi Hikawa delivers a warm, gentle song that embraces them all.

Released in 2019, this work expresses the sadness and feelings of love that everyone experiences through his beautiful vocals.

Like the moon setting and the sun rising, its hopeful message—that tomorrow will surely come—resonates in the heart.

Also included on the album “Shin Enka Meikyoku Collection 9,” this piece is perfect for singing along at recreational gatherings.

Its friendly, singable melody and uplifting lyrics are part of its charm.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]

This work fully conveys the appeal of a traditional traveling-swordsman enka.

Its lyrics delicately depict the loneliness, melancholy, and inner conflict of a drifter, and when combined with Kiyoshi Hikawa’s emotionally rich vocals, you can’t help but be drawn in.

The lone-wolf protagonist, sword in hand, is moved by the warmth of the people he meets in post towns and by his feelings for his mother—truly touching.

Released in February 2000, it became the first debut song in history to win the Grand Prize at the 33rd Japan Lyricist Awards.

It was also used in Taisho Pharmaceutical’s Tiovita Drink commercial.

This piece is recommended for older listeners who love enka.

It’s even more enjoyable when everyone claps along while singing.