![[Celebration] A compilation of Japanese songs that elderly people will enjoy](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/T5IG_L509k0/maxresdefault.webp)
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 (1–10)
Tsugaru Aiya-bushi
There may be many seniors who enjoy folk songs.
For those people, a highly recommended piece is “Tsugaru Aiya-bushi.” As the name suggests, it’s a folk song from Aomori Prefecture, but it’s said to have originated from “Ushibuka Haiya-bushi,” a folk song from the Amakusa region of Kumamoto Prefecture.
It’s relatively easy to sing, making it a great choice for seniors at karaoke! And with its lively rhythm, just listening to it is sure to lift your spirits.
It’s also perfect as background music for celebrations, so why not add it to your playlist?
Mount Fuji
“Fujino-yama,” a song celebrating the majestic figure of Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan.
It was also included in the 1910 publication Shōka for the Elementary School Reader, so many older adults may have sung it in school.
It’s a recommended piece to sing together at facilities while reminiscing about those days.
Its gently paced rhythm, easy for anyone to follow, and its refreshing melody are key points.
It’s also perfect for moving your body slowly and proudly, like Mount Fuji, in time with the music.
Ise Ondo
Ise Ondo is a folk song that was sung during the Edo period in what are now Aichi, Mie, and Gifu prefectures.
Its distinctive phrases and call-and-response interjections make it a delightful folk tune.
As an ondo often used for Bon Odori, it features a snappy, upbeat rhythm.
It might also be recommended as background music for older adults when they move their bodies.
Originally, it is said to have been a song for courtesans to sing and dance to in the red-light district of Ise City.
Since it’s perfect for singing at banquets and celebrations, why not incorporate it into New Year’s activities at your day service?
12th graderFunaki Kazuo
Despite its wistful melody, the song “Koko San Nen Sei” (“High School Senior”) opens with an exciting, heart‑pounding intro that leaves a strong impression.
Released in 1963 as Kazuo Funaki’s debut single, it became one of his signature songs.
It’s a classic that captures the straightforward feelings of a high school senior with only a little time left in their school life.
It’s also perfect for singing together with everyone at a care facility while reminiscing about your youth.
The lyrics feature beautiful Japanese that truly resonates, so please savor each word as you sing.
Northern SpringSen Masao
Isn’t Masao Sen’s “Kitaguni no Haru” the quintessential song that brings tears to your eyes with thoughts of home? Many people feel nostalgic for their hometown when they receive a package from their parents’ house.
This song captures that scene from a male perspective.
You can almost picture the snow beginning to melt as the harsh northern winter gives way to spring.
The lyrics, which also weave in a faint first love, will likely make older listeners remember those days with fond nostalgia.
Its gentle melody is pleasing both to listen to and to sing, so I highly recommend adding it to your selection.
Miyagi Nagamochi Song
“Nagamochi-uta” is said to be a folk song that sings greetings for various scenes in a wedding.
In the bridal procession, the bearers of the nagamochi—the long chest used to carry the bride’s trousseau—would sing it.
Instead of spoken greetings, the song expresses moments such as the bride leaving her parents’ home, receiving congratulatory gifts from onlookers along the route, and passing through the groom’s family gate.
Its bright, celebratory melody makes a strong impression—perfect for festive occasions! It would also be lovely as background music for New Year’s celebrations at facilities or for recreational activities.
Please feel free to use it as a reference.
Kenryō-bushi
During celebratory milestones or the New Year, it’s a lovely idea for everyone to enjoy Japanese folk songs together.
This piece, “Kenryō-bushi,” is a celebratory song that has been passed down as a folk tune from Aomori Prefecture.
Its expression varies depending on the singer, but you can feel the atmosphere, sentiment, and solemn mood unique to a snowy region.
Because its lyrics are rich with auspicious phrases rooted in Japanese culture, it’s especially recommended for the New Year season.
It could also work well as background music, and it’s likely to be particularly appreciated by older listeners who enjoy folk songs.
