[For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities

campfireSakushi: Tatsumi Seika / Sakkyoku: Watanabe Shigeru

Bonfire | With Lyrics | 100 Best Japanese Songs | At the fence, at the fence, at the bend

This is a classic winter children’s song that depicts children warming themselves by a bonfire near a hedge.

The poet Seika Tatsumi wrote the lyrics based on a scene of burning fallen leaves he witnessed in Kamitakada, Nakano Ward, Tokyo, and Shigeru Watanabe composed the music.

It was first broadcast on NHK Radio in 1941, and after being sung again on “Uta no Obasan” in 1949, it spread nationwide.

In 2007, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The image of children rubbing their chilblained hands and asking each other, “Shall we warm up?” as they walk down a cold, windblown road evokes a certain nostalgic warmth.

The melody is easy to remember, and its charm lies in how naturally you find yourself humming along with handclaps.

If you sing it at a New Year’s gathering, it might spark lively conversations about old winter memories.

Early Spring OdeSakushi: Ichimasa Yoshimaru / Sakkyoku: Akira Nakata

Early Spring Anthem (♪ Only the name is spring) with lyrics explained by Himawari 🌻×9, Chorus [One of Japan’s 100 Selected Songs]

Although the calendar says it is spring, this piece sings of the lingering chill and the faint unease of the season.

It is said that lyricist Isshō Yoshimaru drew inspiration from the scenery of Azumino, waiting for the snow to melt, when he visited Ōmachi City in Nagano Prefecture to compose a school anthem for a local junior high.

The delicate wording vividly depicts an early-spring scene: in the valleys the nightingales have yet to sing, the ice thaws and reeds begin to sprout, yet snow-filled skies persist.

Since its inclusion in the 1913 songbook New Compositions for Singing, Volume III, it has been passed down in schools and choral settings.

As the cold winds of January still blow, why not hum this piece while looking forward to the spring that is soon to come?

Mother’s Songkubota satoru

Mother's Song (with lyrics)

This is a children’s song by Satoshi Kubota that quietly stirs the heart with feelings for one’s mother.

Composed in 1956, it was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, sung by Peggy Hayama.

The piece was born from Kubota’s own experiences of evacuation during the war and his memories of receiving hand-knitted items from his mother.

It portrays a mother staying up late into the night to knit gloves, and the warmth carried by letters from home.

It may bring back days when you were supported by your mother, or memories from when you were raising your own children.

A heartwarming song that renews one’s sense of gratitude to mothers.

The Color of WinterYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Winter Colors

Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic song is memorable for its lyrics that beautifully depict winter scenes.

Released in 1974, the lyrics expressing pure first love will surely resonate deeply with older listeners.

This work features the vocals of Yamaguchi in her teens, conveying both youthfulness and emotional depth.

It’s also ideal for recreational activities in senior facilities, inviting everyone to sing along with a sense of nostalgia.

Listening to it during the winter chill may make the song touch the heart even more.

Cape ErimoMori Shinichi

Cape Erimo

Shinichi Mori is an enka singer known for classic hits such as “Ofukuro-san.” His song “Erimo Misaki” was composed by Takuro Yoshida, a prominent figure in the folk scene, with lyrics by Osami Okamoto, resulting in a highly polished piece.

The song beautifully portrays the emotions of Cape Erimo in Hokkaido, making it an excellent choice as background music for events for seniors, especially when attendees are from Hokkaido.

Also, Mori’s performance of the song on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen is outstanding, so please watch it if you have the chance.

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Tsugaru Jongara-bushiHosokawa Takashi

Tsugaru Jongara-bushi

A representative folk song from Aomori Prefecture, performed by Takashi Hosokawa at the opening of his December 1978 folk album “Bokyō” (Nostalgia).

With powerful shouts and melodic turns, it vividly sings of Tsugaru’s scenery—Mount Iwaki, apple orchards—and the lives of its people, conveying a deep love for the homeland.

Mitsunori Sasaki’s shamisen creates a sense of speed, and the way it interweaves with Hosokawa’s expansive vocals is breathtaking.

In January 1978, it was also performed on Fuji TV’s “Yoru no Hit Studio,” bringing the brilliance of folk music to audiences nationwide.

Why not hum along with family or friends while picturing Tsugaru’s winter landscape?

Ski Song

Ski Song

When it comes to songs that evoke images of vast ski slopes and snowy landscapes, “Ski no Uta” (The Ski Song) comes to mind.

Composed as a Japanese children’s song, it was also included in music textbooks.

It depicts the scene of gliding over snow-blanketed ground, resonating with a bright melodic line.

Older adults who have experience skiing may find it nostalgic.

Its lively rhythm makes you want to sway your body from side to side, just like when you’re skiing.

Try singing it together with everyone or clapping along to liven things up.

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mutō

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