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

bonfire

Bonfire ♪ (with gestures)

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.

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yamamoto

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Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio / Yoshinaga Sayuri

Yukio Hashi & Sayuri Yoshinaga / Itsudemo Yume o (Always Dream)

Because it’s used as an insert song in NHK’s morning drama series “Amachan,” in SoftBank commercials, and in various other contexts, it hardly feels like an old tune.

Of course, for older listeners it’s famous as a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.

It even won the Japan Record Award, was performed on the Red and White Song Battle, and inspired a film—what we’d now call a mega-viral hit! Just hearing the intro will bring back fond memories of days gone by.

It’s also a great choice for karaoke with someone special!

Silent Nightseika

Silent Night [Christmas Song] Christmas Song / Xmas Song

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.

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kappamaki

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Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Ishihara Yujiro "Traveler of the North"

A gem of a winter song produced in the later years of Yujiro Ishihara’s life.

The melancholic lyrics, which overlay the poignant scenery of the northern country with the feelings of a traveler, are truly moving.

After its 1987 release, it topped the annual singles chart that year and has since been included on numerous compilation albums, earning its place as a classic winter tune.

It’s a song we especially recommend for the winter season, when loneliness and solitude are easier to feel—perfect for immersing yourself in thoughts of your hometown or someone dear to you.

Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo

Snow Country by Ikuzo Yoshi

Ikuzo Yoshi, who is active across a wide range of fields as an actor and singer, has a song that truly showcased his ability as an enka performer: “Yukiguni,” released in 1986.

It sings of a love overflowing with passion for a beloved person on a winter’s cold night.

It’s recommended to perform it with emotional intensity to match the lyrics, which depict feelings of loneliness and heartache.

As a representative winter enka song, it’s also well known and can serve as a great conversation starter with older adults.

Be sure to try singing this classic that always gets people excited at karaoke and singing contests.

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mutō

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snow

“Yuki (Snow)”—a winter children’s song

One of the best-known winter children’s songs is “Yuki” (“Snow”).

It’s that song with the memorable phrase “konko.” Since everyone knows the lyrics to “Yuki,” you can start singing together right away.

Its moderate rhythm and tempo also make it perfect as background music for a performance or to pair with choreography.

It’s even said to be ideal for beginner pianists to try.

Be sure to make use of it in various situations.

By the way, the word “konko” is said to mean “come quickly.”

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lingering snowFunaki Kazuo

lingering snow

Known as one of Kazuo Funaki’s signature songs, this gem of a ballad portrays a fleeting, heartrending love set against a winter backdrop.

Within the harsh nature of the snow country, the delicate lyrics capture the feelings of two people who yearn for each other despite knowing they are not destined to be together.

Released in March 1968, it followed “Kuchinashi no Ballad,” which came out earlier that January.

Blending the beauty of snowy landscapes with the poignancy of love, this is a perfect song for a winter night—one that also invites a nostalgic listen to days gone by.