[For Seniors] Popular Kayōkyoku: A Collection of Classic Songs Perfect for Karaoke and Background Music Selection
In elderly care facilities such as day service centers, isn’t karaoke and music-based recreation quite common? At times like these, younger staff members—especially those much younger than the residents—might find themselves wondering, “Which songs are popular…?” In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of songs that are popular among seniors, focusing mainly on kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).
These are all well-known tracks that most seniors will have heard at least once, so they’re sure to get everyone excited! Please use this as a helpful guide when choosing songs.
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[For Seniors] Popular Kayōkyoku Songs: A Collection of Classics Useful for Karaoke and BGM Selection (41–50)
school daysPegī Hayama
It’s fun to reminisce about love and friendship from our school days, isn’t it? The perfect BGM for that is “Gakusei Jidai” (Student Days).
It’s a song released by Peggy Hayama in 1964, with lyrics that nostalgically recall the beautiful memories of student life.
Incidentally, some of the episodes in the lyrics are said to be drawn from her own real experiences.
Since it also features situations many people have likely gone through, I hope you’ll listen while feeling a sense of empathy.
hometown
“Furusato” is a lovely song that gently accompanies older adults.
Its lyrics evoke nostalgic hometown scenery, and its melody touches the heart.
With the arrival of spring, it also offers a chance to look back on days gone by.
It’s perfect for music therapy in senior day-care centers and other elder care facilities.
Singing it together with hand claps would make for a delightful time.
It also seems well-suited as background music for gentle exercise.
How about moving your bodies with slow, relaxed motions together with older adults? Wrapped in the warmth of spring, listening to “Furusato” can refresh both heart and body.
What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu
This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.
The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.
The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.
Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.
Ringo OiwakeMisora Hibari
Hibari Misora’s “Ringo Oiwake” is one of the songs that older adults find familiar.
The lyrics, which sing of the scenery and memories of Tsugaru, evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Released in 1952, it’s a classic loved by many.
Singing it together with seniors also serves as a good mouth exercise.
Thinking about the meaning of the lyrics while singing can help stimulate the brain.
It can spark conversations about memories, so why not include it in your karaoke selections? Let’s all sing together and enjoy a heartwarming, fulfilling time.
Apple SongNamiki Michiko
Michiko Namiki’s “Ringo no Uta” (The Apple Song) is a classic that brought hope and love to postwar Japan.
Through a gentle affection for apples, it depicts human bonds and the happiness of everyday life.
Released in 1945 as the theme song for the film “Soyokaze,” it became the first hit song after the war.
Its bright, friendly melody evokes nostalgia and warmth, especially for older listeners.
Singing it together at karaoke or recreational gatherings can make for a delightful time.
Its relaxed rhythm is also perfect for light exercise; moving your body while singing makes this a wonderful song for refreshing both mind and body.