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

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.

When I turn around, the Sea of JapanItsuki Hiroshi

If I Turn Around, the Sea of Japan – Hiroshi Itsuki

Let me introduce a song that’s perfect for the cold season.

Hiroshi Itsuki’s classic themed around the Sea of Japan is a heartwarming piece that portrays nostalgia and the journey of life.

It richly expresses the rugged seascape and the emotions of the people who stand before it.

Released in March 2005, the song was also performed at that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, resonating with many listeners.

It’s recommended for listening together with older adults.

It may spark conversations about cherished memories and feelings for one’s hometown.

Why not spend a lovely time reflecting on life, carried by its gentle melody?

Album of MemoriesSakushi: Masuko Toshi / Sakkyoku: Honda Tetsuma

Memory Album / Opening lyrics: ♪ Before we knew it / With easy-to-read lyrics / [Children’s Song]

Evoking a hint of spring, this song gently recounts memories from kindergarten.

It paints scenes from the changing seasons, bringing a sense of nostalgia and warmth to listeners.

Since its release in 1961, it has continued to be loved by many.

It has been featured on TV Asahi’s children’s program “Tobidase! Panpororin” and NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it familiar across generations.

It’s also lovely for seniors to hum along with their grandchildren.

A wonderful piece that can be enjoyed across generations while reminiscing about the past.

Come, springSakushi: Soma Gyofu / Sakkyoku: Hirota Ryutaro

♪ Come, Spring – Haru Yo Koi | ♪ Come, spring, come quickly. Little Mii-chan, who has just begun to walk [Japanese song/children’s song]

Haruyo Koi is a children’s song that expresses the longing for spring amid winter’s chill.

The lyrics about how “the trees around the house are hoping to bloom” nicely capture the anticipation of spring.

Many older adults living in facilities such as nursing homes and day service centers likely look forward to the arrival of spring each year.

In such times, it would be lovely to listen to this nostalgic song and enjoy the growing excitement as spring approaches.

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Northern SpringSen Masao

Spring in the Northern Country / Masao Sen (with lyrics)

It’s a classic song woven from nostalgic scenery and heartwarming melodies.

You can picture the springtime scenes of the northern country—snowmelt, white birches, and kobushi magnolia blossoms.

The protagonist’s longing for their hometown while living in the city is poignant.

Released in April 1977, it stayed on the hit charts for two and a half years.

For many older listeners, it may be a song full of memories.

Humming the lyrics while recalling your hometown and cherished people is a lovely idea.

It’s also great to listen to with family and friends.

You’ll enjoy a wonderful time wrapped in nostalgia and warmth.

wintering swallowMori Masako

Masako Mori - Wintering Swallow (1984)

Masako Mori’s ‘Etto Tsubame’ (Wintering Swallow) is a classic that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love, using a swallow taking flight in winter as its motif.

The memorable phrase “Hyururi hyururirara” really resonates, doesn’t it? Released in 1983, this gem won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance.

It’s a song familiar to many seniors as well, so everyone can hum along.

It’s also enjoyable to listen while picturing the scenes painted by the lyrics.

It will bring back nostalgic memories and give you a warm, comforting time.

Highly recommended on a cold winter’s day.

What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

Do you know the song that cheerfully celebrates Japan’s hot spring culture? It’s the B-side of The Drifters’ debut single, released in June 1968.

With a lively rhythm, it joyfully introduces the charms of hot springs across the country—from Noboribetsu in Hokkaido in the north to Beppu in Oita Prefecture in the south.

If everyone sings along and claps to the beat, it’s sure to liven up the venue.

The song was also reportedly used as the ending theme for the Crayon Shin-chan movie.

Singing it together with seniors might spark nostalgic conversations.

It’s also fun to share memories of hot spring trips.