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

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.

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

With the arrival of spring, this is one of Naotaro Moriyama’s signature songs that you can’t help but hum.

It overlays the beauty and transience of falling blossoms with life’s turning points, expressing a heartfelt wish for farewells to dear friends and hopes for reunion.

The piano melody and clear vocals resonate deeply; released as a single in March 2003, it’s also included on the acclaimed album “In Search of New Spices.” Many may remember that a rearranged version was used as the theme song for the October 2019 drama “Sh同期のサクラ” (Sakura, My Boss).

This melody, beloved across generations, is perfect for grandparents and grandchildren to sing together.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment picturing scenes of cherry blossoms?

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?

cuckooSakushi: Tomoi Kumiko

Cuckoo ♪ [Children’s Song / School Song / Japanese Song] Animal Animation _ Cuckoo, cuckoo, quietly ~ / Japanese kids song

Can’t you almost feel the fresh morning air just from the spring-heralding calls of birds drifting out of the forest? This piece, originally a German folk song with Japanese lyrics by Kumiko Tomoi, evokes the mist-shrouded quiet woods and a mother bird’s gentle care with rich sensitivity.

Included in the sheet music collection “Recital Pieces for Children: Little-Handed Pianists 1,” released in April 2001, it has long been cherished in music education settings.

Its simple melody is perfect for a round; layering voices in playful pursuit is sure to bring out smiles.

It’s a classic that many grandchildren learn in music classes, making it ideal for cross-generational sing-alongs.

Why not spend a peaceful moment wrapped in its nostalgic sound?

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?

A quiet lakesideSakushi: Yamakita Takihiko

Round (Canon) Quiet Lakeside [Children’s Song] [Auf der Mauer, auf der Lauer] [Itsy Bitsy Spider]

“From the Shadows of the Forest by the Quiet Lakeside,” inspired by birdsong, was written in 1936 at the YMCA Nojiri Lake campsite, and there are numerous parody versions.

With its light rhythm and simple, repeated phrases, even older adults who feel less confident about singing can join in comfortably.

It could also be fun to adapt the lyrics—featuring cuckoo and owl calls—to your favorite animals.

Give this round a try, and let it bring back the nostalgic landscapes and nature of your childhood.

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