[For Seniors] A heartwarming round song. Let’s layer our voices with this nostalgic classic.

Big SongSakushi Sakkyoku: Nakajima Kōichi

The Big Song: A Round

A classic beloved at camps and recreation events, this famous song—written and composed by Koichi Nakajima—features lyrics that sing of the grandeur of nature and of hope, along with a distinctive round style where voices chase one another.

Since it first aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in June 1979, it has been included in textbooks and sung widely across generations.

Its worldview, which expands from serene scenes like “mountains” and “sky” to inner realms like “heart” and “dreams,” is sure to resonate deeply with older adults rich in life experience.

The call-and-response format, where participants follow the leader’s voice, makes it easy to sing without strain and is perfect for creating a natural sense of unity.

Why not enjoy the pleasure of blending your voices together to that nostalgic melody?

Donguri KorokoroSakushi: Aoki Sonoyoshi / Sakkyoku: Yanada Tadashi

Donguri Korokoro - ♪ - Children's Song/Animation/With Mother/Autumn Song/With Lyrics/Yukano

When it comes to a classic children’s song that everyone can hum—one that depicts tumbling down the autumn hills—this masterpiece surely comes to mind.

The lyrics by Aoki Songe were inspired by his childhood experiences in Matsushima, and the story charmingly portrays the protagonist falling into a pond, playing with loaches, and eventually shedding tears as he longs for the hills.

The song was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and its melody is also used as the departure tune at JR Ōme Line’s Okutama Station.

Its simple melody is perfect for a round; layering the voices in a chase naturally creates a sense of unity.

How about clapping along and enjoying it together among seniors while reminiscing about childhood memories? It will be a heartwarming moment.

Kagome Kagomewarabeuta

Round song: Kagome Kagome

A traditional song that everyone knows, depicting children playing in a circle.

It already appears as a story in a 1779 document and is a time-honored nursery rhyme cherished since the Edo period.

There is no specific lyricist or composer; the melody transcribed by Naoharu Yamanaka is widely known.

In fact, its mysterious charm has influenced modern works as well, having served as the theme of the film “Scary Nursery Rhymes: Omote Chapter” and been quoted in the anime “Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun 2.” Its simple melody repeats, making it easy to remember and perfect for rounds sung in unison.

Why not revisit those nostalgic moments of holding hands and playing with friends in your childhood, and share that sense of time together?

rice paddleSakushi: Komiyaji Satoshi

Round song “Oshamoji”

A song that conjures up a warm family table—piping hot white rice being served.

As the title “Oshamoji” (rice paddle) suggests, it’s a humorous round that takes a familiar household tool as its theme.

The approachable melody comes from a German folk song, with Japanese lyrics by music educator Satoshi Komiyaji.

Komiyaji is also well known as the author of “Moshimo Kokkusan Datta Nara,” which has appeared in elementary school textbooks since 1985.

The buoyant rhythm is perfect for a round, where voices layer together.

As you sing, memories of lively family dinners may come back—and some listeners might even find themselves getting hungry.

How about raising your voices together and singing while imagining a delicious bowl of rice?

Mouse and CatSakushi: Komiyaji Satoshi

♪ Mouse and Kitten (Round Song)

This is a humorous round set to a melody by the Czech composer Smetana, with lyrics by Mr.

Toshimi Komiyaji.

The scenes of a fleeing mouse and a chasing kitten are vividly depicted along with their cries, so much so that you can picture them in your mind.

Since the 1970s, it has been included on records for kindergarten and elementary school events and has been sung by children for many years.

Though it may seem like a simple game of chase, when sung as a round it produces a beautiful harmony—that is the charm of this piece.

Older listeners, too, can return to a childlike spirit as they recall raising their own children or moments with their grandchildren.

Getting carried away and laughing is part of the fun; why not layer your voices and enjoy this heartwarming song together?

Desert of the MoonSakushi: Katou Masao / Sakkyoku: Sasaki Suguru

Desert Moon | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Venturing Far Across the Moonlit Desert

A quintessential Japanese lyrical song that conjures scenes of a fantastical journey across sand dunes.

The lyrics were written by Masao Kato, with music composed by Suguru Sasaki.

First published in a magazine in March 1923, it was selected in January 2007 for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Japanese Songs.” It depicts a prince and princess riding a camel under the moonlight, and some listeners may feel their hearts tremble with the romance of a distant voyage.

The key is to sing gently in layered voices over a relaxed triple meter.

Its wistful melody resonates deeply.

As you overlay the quiet night scenery with your own memories, enjoy a heartwarming round together with everyone.

Do-Re-Mi SongSakushi: Osukā Hamāsutain 2-sei / Sakkyoku: Richādo Rojāsu

Do-Re-Mi Song ♪ [Nursery Rhyme / Children's Song] Do is for Donut, Re is for Lemon ~ With Lyrics Animation / Japanese Kids Song

It’s a famous song that everyone can hum, perfect for learning the musical scale in a fun way.

The lyrics, which express the scale using familiar words, have an appealing brightness that naturally brings a smile.

It’s known as a song from the musical The Sound of Music, which premiered in November 1959.

In Japan, Peggy Hayama wrote the Japanese lyrics, and its broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta helped it become widely beloved.

It’s a tune very familiar to older adults as well, making it perfect for recreation time.

Its simple melody makes it easy to try singing in a round, letting everyone enjoy the fun of harmonizing together.

Let the lively rhythm created by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers carry you, and raise your voices with energy.