[Celebration] A compilation of Japanese songs that elderly people will enjoy
We’ve gathered Japanese songs that are perfect for events at senior living facilities and day service centers.
Music can help you relax and bring back old memories, offering positive effects for both mind and body.
If you’re using it as background music, choosing songs to match each scene can change the atmosphere, which is highly recommended.
When holding a sing-along, preparing lyric sheets can help everyone enjoy the songs, even if some aren’t familiar to the seniors.
Let’s make use of a variety of songs to create a fun and cheerful atmosphere!
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[Celebration] A collection of Japanese songs that elderly people will enjoy (21–30)
Love RadiantEXILE ATSUSHI
This song gently yet powerfully sings of walking through a fulfilling life while embracing a range of emotions.
It’s EXILE ATSUSHI’s cover of a Misora Hibari classic, evoking the weight of history and the passage of time.
It portrays the small feelings everyone experiences in daily life and conveys how they enrich our lives.
Precisely because it delivers relatable themes with a grand atmosphere, the song strongly communicates nostalgia and deep emotion.
As a timeless masterpiece, it’s a track that even older listeners who only know Misora Hibari’s original can enjoy for its world and sensibility.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
Yo Hitoto’s “Hanamizuki” is a song with a gentle melody and lyrics that resonate with the heart.
Released in 2004, it was used as a drama theme and in commercials.
Born as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the song carries wishes for peace and love for someone dear.
The phrase “May you and the one you love last for a hundred years” is especially memorable.
It’s perfect to listen to with older adults and can spark conversations about memories.
You can enjoy it by clapping along or humming while looking at the lyrics sheet.
It’s a song that brings a warm, heartening moment.
[Celebration] A collection of Japanese songs that older adults will enjoy (31–40)
The Apple SongNamiki Michiko
“Ringo no Uta” is a classic that sang of hope after the war.
Namiki Michiko’s bright voice is truly striking.
The feelings of the young girl entrusted to the apple come through gently.
The duet with Noboru Kirishima is lovely as well.
It’s also famous as the theme song of the film “Soyokaze.” Singing along while looking at the lyrics sounds like great fun.
Since it depicts everyday moments like morning greetings and evening farewells, it seems likely to spark reminiscences.
It’s a song that brings on a sense of nostalgia, so I’d be happy if everyone could enjoy it together.
The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka
Haruo Oka’s “Akogare no Hawaii Koro (Dream Route to Hawaii)” is a classic that sings of postwar hope.
The lyrics, depicting a ship departing from the harbor, evoke a nostalgic feeling.
Details like the “gong’s sound” and “farewell streamers” vividly bring the era to life.
Since its 1948 hit, it has continued to be loved by many.
I’ve heard it was even used as a movie theme song.
How about humming it together with older adults? It might spark lively reminiscences, and you could enjoy a relaxed, pleasant time together.
Otomi-sanKasuga Hachirō
Hachiro Kasuga’s “Otomi-san” is a captivating song that incorporates elements of the kabuki world into popular music.
Its emotionally rich lyrics and nostalgic melody leave a strong impression.
Released in 1954, the song has continued to be covered and cherished by various artists over the years.
Covers by Mina Aoe and Harumi Miyako each draw out new charm through their distinct arrangements.
It’s delightful to listen to with older adults, and preparing lyric sheets to sing along would be fun as well.
You can share feelings of nostalgia and spend a peaceful time together.
Tokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizuko
Shizuko Kasagi’s “Tokyo Boogie-Woogie” is a song with an appealing, light rhythm and melody.
The lyrics, which express the sense of liberation after the war, convey the joy of music and the bonds between people.
Swaying your body to the boogie-woogie rhythm naturally brings a smile to your face.
Since its release in 1947, it has continued to be covered by many artists—another part of its charm.
Older listeners can enjoy it while reminiscing about their youth, and it’s great for everyone to sing along with hand claps.
It’s a perfect song for creating a fun, uplifting atmosphere.
The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō
“The Highland Train Is Coming” is a lovely song that blends nostalgia with freshness.
Its lively melody conveys the joy of traveling by train.
The depictions of the scenery from the window and the encounters along the way are heartwarming.
Atsuro Okamoto’s singing evokes a true sense of travel.
The song was even featured on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it’s still used as the departure melody at Fukushima Station today.
If everyone sings it together, happy memories might come flooding back.
Let’s get the lyric sheet ready and hum along.