[For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
Winter songs have a mysterious power to gently warm the heart, don’t they? Spending time listening to and singing Showa-era pop songs and children’s songs is a special moment that brings back nostalgic memories.
Masterpieces that depict snowy landscapes and warm melodies that resonate precisely because it’s a cold season naturally make you want to hum along.
This time, we will introduce winter songs that are familiar and enjoyable for older adults.
Enjoy clapping along, sharing fond memories, and spending time connecting hearts through music.
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[For Seniors] Winter Songs You'll Want to Hum: Recommended Classics for BGM and Recreation (41–50)
winter scenery
At many facilities, Christmas parties include choral singing to help people bond.
That’s where song selection can be tricky.
Ideally, you want songs everyone knows that also evoke the feeling of winter.
One recommendation is “Fuyugeshiki” (“Winter Scenery”).
Many people sang it in elementary school.
It’s widely known, and its beautiful lyrics let you savor the winter atmosphere.
Incidentally, “Fuyugeshiki” is also famous as a practice piece for beginner pianists.
If you have a piano available, give it a try.
SubaruTanimura Shinji
How about a moving ballad that evokes the vastness of the universe? Released in 1980, it is one of Shinji Tanimura’s signature songs, featured multiple times in high school music textbooks since 1985 and performed five times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Its poetic lyrics, likening life to a journey, possess a literary depth and convey a strong determination to keep moving forward while overcoming hardships.
Many older listeners may see their own lives reflected in the figure who continues walking with hope in their heart.
Why not join your voices together and sing it, savoring the poetry as you go?
Before winter comeskami fuusen
Paper Balloon’s classic song was released in November 1977 and sold 450,000 copies.
It portrays a woman’s feelings as she recalls memories of a summer that has passed and longs to reunite with her loved one before winter arrives.
With a folkloric atmosphere, the song became a radio-centered hit and made Paper Balloon known nationwide.
It was also selected as No.
27 on the annual Oricon chart.
For older listeners, it’s a tune that can be enjoyed with a sense of nostalgia.
It’s perfect for winter recreational activities at care facilities—let’s sing it together and share a heartwarming moment.
bonfire
Recreation for older adults using hand-play songs is also effective for mental and physical health.
A hand-play song that’s perfect for the cold winter season is “Takibi” (Bonfire).
It’s a song about everyone warming themselves by a bonfire while the north wind blows.
This lets participants enjoy the winter atmosphere, and the lyrics help bring people closer together.
The choreography consists mostly of simple, slow movements, so even those who aren’t confident with hand-play songs can enjoy it without worry.
snow-cappedTeresa Ten
Teresa Teng was a singer who enjoyed a wide-ranging career across the Asian music scene.
Among her songs, the one that takes winter as its theme is “Yukigeshō” (Snow Makeup), released in 1974.
It portrays the feelings of a woman left behind in a town after the one she loves is gone.
Paired with lyrics that evoke a mature romance, her supple, graceful vocals resonate throughout the piece.
Because it’s a song you can sing slowly and expressively, it’s also recommended for karaoke gatherings with older adults.
How about singing this poignant love song set on a cold winter’s day?
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
Noriyuki Makihara’s song “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo” is a perfect tune for the lovely winter season—why not listen to it together with older adults? His gentle voice can make you forget the winter chill.
The lyrics depict scenes of winter as experienced by lovers, warming the heart as you share memories.
It’s a song that many seniors may find nostalgic, and singing it together with family or staff can make for a delightful time.
Its beautiful melody is sure to make winter events feel even more special.
Silent Nightseika
When it comes to big winter events, Christmas comes to mind—an occasion celebrated in many ways, from lively parties to relaxed time with family.
Among such Christmas celebrations, this is a gentle, warm children’s song that highlights a more tranquil way of celebrating.
Its depiction of bright stars shining in the winter night sky and its message encouraging a calm heart convey the sacredness of Christmas beautifully.
While the tempo and melody are quiet, there’s also a brightness reminiscent of starlight, which is a key feature, evoking positive feelings and the wish for people’s happiness.
