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

Ladybug Sambacherisshu

Ladybug Samba Cherish 1973

Cherish’s “Tentoumushi no Samba” portrays a couple holding their wedding in a tiny church in the forest, surrounded by insects offering their blessings.

Its dreamlike, fantastical world is captivating, expressing the beauty of love and nature.

Released in 1973, the song became a major hit after being used as a theme song by a Kansai radio station, and it’s beloved as a celebratory wedding song.

Wrapped in a gentle atmosphere, it’s perfect for singing together with older adults.

With its bright, cheerful melody and lyrics, it’s sure to create a warm, friendly mood at a New Year’s party.

Be sure to sing it together with everyone!

Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)Sakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku

Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)

This is a children’s song themed around the pechka, a type of fireplace made of bricks and commonly used in places like Scandinavia and Russia.

It evokes the image of snow quietly piling up, and of someone keeping warm by the pechka while gazing at it through the window.

Although it has a Christmas-like atmosphere, the warmth of the piece also comes across strongly during New Year gatherings in the heart of winter.

It depicts people enjoying the winter chill thanks to the pechka while looking forward to the coming of spring, conveying a gentle sense of hope.

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kappamaki

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mochi poundingSakushi: Kobayashi Junichi / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao

Children’s song “Mochitsuki” (Mochi Pounding), lyrics by Jun’ichi Kobayashi, music by Yoshinao Nakata

The children’s song Mochitsuki depicts New Year’s rice-cake pounding with a heartwarming, cheerful melody and lyrics.

The words are by Jun’ichi Kobayashi and the music by Yoshinao Nakata; it’s a traditional Japanese song about a winter custom.

The lively melody, like the rhythmic patting and pounding of mochi, creates a warm, soothing feeling.

There are hand-clap games to go with the song, ranging from simple to more intricate.

It’s fun to play while singing, too.

Try singing it with a lively tempo, keeping a rhythm like pounding mochi.

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nikki

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New Year (Japanese New Year)Sakushi: Azuma Kume / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentaro

New Year's Song: AI Kiritan, AI Utaiko (with lyrics)

“New Year” is a song that expresses the feeling of not being able to wait for the New Year.

It sings about wanting to play in all sorts of ways during the holiday—flying kites outside, playing hanetsuki, and more.

Although it’s often associated with being sung before the New Year arrives, why not sing it at a New Year’s gathering while reminiscing about childhood memories of these games? Along with singing, it’s also fun to try the games mentioned in the lyrics, recalling what you did as a child.

With both songs and games, your New Year’s party is sure to be a blast!

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SAKI

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Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

Rimi Natsukawa “Nada Sousou” Music Video

When it comes to the signature song of Rimi Natsukawa, the songstress from Okinawa, it has to be “Nada Sousou.” Her heartfelt voice and melody gently embrace the feelings for a beloved person who has passed away.

Released by Natsukawa in March 2001, the song gained popularity on Okinawan radio stations and then became a nationwide hit, even being featured in ANA’s Okinawa route commercial.

For seniors who have experienced the loss of someone dear, the relatable lyrics are sure to resonate deeply.

It would also be lovely to hold hands and sing it together at a New Year’s party or seasonal events at a care facility.

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.