[For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions

Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto – Look Up at the Stars in the Night (with lyrics)

Beloved as a song for gazing up at the night sky, this piece resonates as a warm cheer for those facing hardships.

With lyrics by Rokusuke Ei and music by Taku Izumi, it has long been cherished in the enveloping voice of Kyu Sakamoto.

Released as a single in May 1963, it was originally written as the theme song for a musical.

It is also a celebrated masterpiece that won the Japan Record Award for Composition.

Though born as a message of encouragement for young people studying at night school, it is a song that transcends generations to bring hope and courage.

It’s perfect for everyone to sing together during recreation time at the facility.

Where does the morning begin?Okamoto Atsurō

Where does the morning begin?

This song, which sings of the start of a refreshing morning, is a masterpiece that wonderfully captures the atmosphere of hope during the postwar reconstruction era.

Atsuro Okamoto’s warm vocals gently embrace both the anticipation for a new day and the beauty of nature.

Composed by Yoshinao Nakada with lyrics by Hiroshi Yokoi in the early 1950s, the piece was also beloved as the opening theme of the NHK radio program “Uta no Ehon” (Song Picture Book).

Its bright, light melody is perfect for recreational activities at facilities and for morning exercises.

It’s sure to invite everyone to hum along while reminiscing about days gone by.

The Mountain Hut’s LightŌmi Toshirō

The Light of the Mountain Hut by Toshiro Omi

Composed and written by Masao Yoneyama in 1947, shortly after the war, this classic song is a heartwarming piece that depicts the gentle glow spilling from a mountain hut.

Toshirō Ōmi’s tender, enveloping vocals delicately convey the beauty of nature and the warmth of people.

Broadcast as an NHK Radio Kayō program, the song deeply resonated with many listeners seeking hope and comfort amid the postwar turmoil.

Its calm, lyrical melody transcends the boundaries of popular kayōkyoku, carrying elements of folk music as well.

It’s a song we’d love to see sung by those who cherish mountain landscapes and nature, or who hold fond memories of their hometown.

threadNakajima Miyuki

"Ito" Digest Video / From Miyuki Nakajima 2020 Last Tour "Kekka All Right" First-Press Limited Bonus (BD/DVD)

This work gently portrays relationships where people warm each other, likening encounters between people to warp and weft threads.

Miyuki Nakajima’s warm singing voice conveys the preciousness of bonds in life.

Included on the 1992 album “EAST ASIA,” it became even more widely known after being used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Seija no Koushin” (March of the Saints) in 1998.

It ranked first in the annual distribution ranking of royalty payments by the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers in both 2016 and 2017.

A film inspired by the song was released in 2020, and it continues to be loved across generations.

Like carefully keeping a cherished memento, this is a song you’ll want to listen to with older adults as one that lingers in the heart.

As you reflect on the wonderful encounters in life, it will help you spend a calm, peaceful moment.

Furusato: Song Exercise

Gentle exercises for seniors: Autumn children’s song “Furusato” sing-along exercise. Easy seated rhythm exercises you can do at home, in senior facilities, or day service centers. Health exercises for caregiving prevention.

Hello,Mr.MonkeyArabesque

Nostalgic Melodies and Kayōkyoku Dance from Age 60: Hello Mr. Monkey / Arabesque

With its bright, catchy melody and lively rhythm, this is a song that makes you want to start moving.

Included on the acclaimed album “Friday Night” and released in 1977, it blends nostalgia with freshness.

The beautiful harmonies of Arabesque’s three members and the instantly singable melody line are especially memorable.

Featuring a clean Eurodisco sound, it’s perfect for enjoying with light, bouncy steps.

Its appeal lies in the freedom to move your body—swing your arms to the beat, go for a walk, and just have fun.

Highly recommended as a song to enjoy moving to the pleasant rhythm together with older adults.

The railroad tracks go on forever.

Fingerplay song: The Railroad Goes On Forever

Here’s an idea for a fun hand-play song that lets you move your body to the rhythm: “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” (Senro wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo).

Face your partner, press your palms together, and alternate clapping, adding movements up, down, left, and right to keep it from becoming monotonous while building concentration and reflexes.

Changing the tempo—speeding it up or slowing it down—adds variety so it stays engaging.

Since it only uses hand and arm movements, participants can join in while seated.

Facing each other also naturally encourages smiles and conversation, making it a great activity for social interaction.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem