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

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey (with lyrics)

Born as a campaign song for Japanese National Railways, this piece sings of the resolve to set off on a journey and the hope for the future.

Against the backdrop of the thawing northern sky, the lyrics interweave memories of the past with the anticipation of new encounters, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in 1978, it struck a chord with many, enhanced by Momoe Yamaguchi’s rich, soulful vocals.

It has often been sung at milestones such as weddings and graduation ceremonies and continues to be loved across generations.

This song is perfect for listening to at the start of a new year.

How about singing it together with older adults and sharing stories from the past? May you enjoy a wonderful time, sharing nostalgic memories alongside hopes for the year ahead.

skiingMonbushō shōka

Skiing (Monbushō Shōka)

The season for New Year’s parties falls right in the middle of winter, and in some regions the snow may be piled high.

This is a children’s song that takes skiing—an emblematic snow sport—as its theme.

It conveys the beautiful scenery of snowy mountains spreading out before your eyes and the exhilarating speed of slicing through the wind on skis.

The lively, brisk tempo of the music is memorable, and you can sense the joyful spirit of someone taking on the slopes.

For those who have skied before, the landscapes they once saw may come vividly to mind.

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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!

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Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri

Crossing Amagi Pass

One of Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature songs, it’s a piece whose momentum builds strikingly toward the chorus.

It’s also a quintessential number in the enka genre and seems perfect for celebrating the New Year in grand style.

The song is themed around a journey crossing Amagi Pass, which runs through the Izu Peninsula, contrasting the harshness of the road with feelings of hardship and pain.

Every element—sound, vocals, and song structure—conveys a powerful passion.

Since the title is brought back at the end of the chorus, it might be fun for everyone present to join in and sing together at that moment.

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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.

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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.

Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo

Snow Country by Ikuzo Yoshi

This is one of Ikuzo Yoshi’s signature songs, depicting the face of love in a land of harsh cold.

Until then he had followed a path of comic songs, and this piece can be called the turning point where he shifted toward full-fledged enka.

It conveys lingering attachment and regret for a loved one, as well as the powerful determination to chase after them.

The grand yet heartrending sound evokes a landscape of driving snow, and you can feel the gradually intensifying sorrow through the music itself.

As an enka that brims with passionate emotion, it would also suit a New Year’s party setting where people are firming up their resolutions for the year ahead.

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