[For Seniors] Recommended Songs for New Year’s Parties: Nursery Rhymes, Children’s Songs, and Popular Songs to Liven Up Even on Cold Days

The Journey of TwoŌkawa Eisaku

Eisaku Okawa / The Journey of Two

Eisaku Okawa is known for his emotionally rich singing voice, and his songs are sure to delight older listeners as well.

This work is famous as a moving piece that portrays the deep bond and journey of two people.

Their image of huddling together in the cold rain evokes the strength to overcome life’s trials.

Released in October 2008, this song is packed with Okawa’s charm and is perfect for singing at a New Year’s party.

With everyone clapping along, it’s sure to become a wonderful time to share life’s joys and sorrows.

How about singing it with fond memories in your heart and hope for the new year?

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko

Kiyohiko Ozaki – Until the Day We Meet Again (with lyrics)

Among the classic songs of the Showa era, this piece is known for viewing parting in a positive light.

The phrase “Until the day we meet again” appears repeatedly in the lyrics, conveying the sadness of farewell while expressing a hopeful, forward-looking attitude.

Kiyohiko Ozaki’s warm vocals create a comforting atmosphere that resonates with listeners.

Released in March 1971, it was also performed at that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Singing it at a New Year’s gathering could evoke memories for older attendees, allowing them to feel both nostalgia and hope for the year ahead.

Let’s all clap along and enjoy singing it together.

snowMonbushō shōka

“Yuki (Snow)”—a winter children’s song

New Year’s parties are held during the cold season when it tends to snow, right? For a New Year’s party held while it’s snowing, I recommend the song “Yuki” (“Snow”), which depicts heavy snowfall.

In the first verse, the never-ending snow gradually turns the town completely white; in the second verse, it portrays a dog that loves the snow and a cat that isn’t fond of the cold.

The melody itself is very poppy and approachable, so everyone can enjoy singing it together.

In places where it never snows, it’s also nice to sing it while wishing for snow!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Kuroda-bushiFukuoka ken min’yō

Kuroda-bushi (Kuroda-bushi) “Fukuoka Prefecture Folk Song”

This folk song is based on an episode involving Kuroda Nagamasa, the first lord of the Fukuoka Domain in Chikuzen Province, and his retainer Mori Tomonobu.

It is said to have spread from songs originally sung by the samurai of the Fukuoka Domain.

The story tells of Mori Tomonobu, a heavy drinker, who was granted a spear for his impressive drinking and went on to achieve military exploits—its content conveys that valiant spirit.

The piece unfolds in a gentle 7-5 rhythm, evoking both elegance and strength.

The opening phrase, which depicts his bold drinking, together with the relaxed sound, makes it perfect for New Year celebrations.

It’s a song that seems to carry a resolve to stride boldly into the new year.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Blue MountainsAoyama Ichirō

[With Large Lyrics] Blue Mountain Range [Recreation]

The beloved classic “Aoi Sanmyaku” (Blue Mountain Range), a symbol of postwar recovery and hope, will brighten up your New Year’s gathering.

Its lyrics, depicting Japan’s beautiful scenery and the departure of young people on their journeys, are sure to resonate deeply with older adults.

Born in 1949 as a movie theme song, it became a huge hit as a duet by Ichirō Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara.

It has since been covered by many singers, and drew renewed attention with the 1988 film “Aoi Sanmyaku ’88.” How about enjoying it together while rekindling fond memories? Even simple handclaps make it plenty fun, making it a highly recommended choice for New Year’s parties at senior facilities.