[For Seniors] February Songs You’ll Want to Hum: Enjoy Winter with Nostalgic Classics

winter scenery

Winter Scenery (Fuyugeshiki) / Opening lyrics: ♪ The mist clears ♪ / With easy-to-read lyrics [Japanese song, Japanese traditional song]

This is a Ministry of Education song included in the 1913 collection “Elementary School Songs for the Fifth Year.” It is a beautiful song about the beginning of winter, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The scenes of mist clearing to signal the end of autumn and flowers blooming out of season, drawn out by the gentle sunlight, are quintessentially Japanese landscapes that let you feel the four seasons.

We tend to stay indoors when it’s cold, but doesn’t listening to “Winter Scenery” make you want to go outside and look for winter?

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Snow TrainMaekawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Maekawa “Snow Train”

This is a famous song by Kiyoshi Maekawa that sings of winter travel sentiments through snowy scenery and images of a train.

Released as a single in 1982, it is known as an ambitious work with lyrics by Shigesato Itoi and music by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

There’s also an anecdote that Sakamoto spent three days recording to reproduce a taiko drum-like resonance on a standard drum kit, resulting in a modern sound that transcends the boundaries of enka.

The scene of a train running through steadily falling snow comes to mind, and feelings for one’s hometown and the sadness of parting gently resonate in the heart.

On a cold winter day, if you sing it together indoors, memories of past journeys may come back to life.

Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari

Like the flow of a river

A signature song by Hibari Misora that likens life to the flow of a river and celebrates the importance of living by gently going with the current.

It conveys hope that even on rain-soaked roads, a sunny day will eventually come, and it depicts a heart that accepts the changing seasons, resonating quietly with listeners.

The anecdote that lyricist Yasushi Akimoto wrote it while gazing at the East River in New York is also memorable.

Released as a single in January 1989, it became Hibari Misora’s final work.

It won the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards and sold over two million copies.

Its flowing, beautiful melody and profound lyrics are likely to touch the hearts of older listeners who have experienced many stages of life.

In February, as winter gives way to spring, why not hum along?

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

Let me introduce a heartwarming classic that beautifully portrays the feelings of winter love.

This gem of a ballad, crafted by Keisuke Kuwata, reflects on a bygone romance against the backdrop of a luminous snowy landscape.

Released in October 2001, it was also featured in a Coca-Cola commercial and resonated with many listeners.

Like gently falling snow, its tender, comforting melody is perfect for the colder season.

It’s also wonderful to listen to with older adults and bask in nostalgic memories together.

plum blossoms and nightingales

plum blossoms and nightingales

The phrase “ume ni uguisu” (plum blossoms and nightingales) was originally used in Japanese poetry and painting to mean a picturesque, well-matched pairing or to symbolize a close, harmonious relationship.

You can even find the motif on hanafuda playing cards.

“Ume to Uguisu” is a Ministry of Education song included in the 1911 collection Elementary School Songs for the Second Grade.

It depicts a peaceful scene where plum blossoms bloom along the garden hedge and a bush warbler arrives singing in a sweet voice, bringing the joyful sense that spring has come.

The seasonal changes that nature teaches us have a way of calming our hearts, don’t they?

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Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)

Pechka (Winter Children's Song)

“Pechka” is a heartwarming song that’s perfect for cold winter days.

Its lyrics, depicting time spent gathered around a fireplace, evoke a sense of nostalgia.

For older adults, it may serve as a cue to recall memories from the past.

Cherished as a children’s song, it features a gentle melody that anyone can hum along to.

The lyrics are easy to remember, making it a great choice to sing together with seniors.

Consider incorporating it as an indoor recreation activity on chilly days.

Singing moves the mouth, which can help prevent aspiration, and it may also stimulate the brain.

When everyone sings together, it creates a shared, enjoyable time.

threadNakajima Miyuki

Thread / Miyuki Nakajima (Cover) [High Quality] Full

A signature song by Miyuki Nakajima that likens people to threads and the meeting of people to the weaving of cloth, carrying a warm message.

Nakajima’s gentle vocals further highlight the warmth of the lyrics.

Released in 1992, the song drew renewed attention when it was used as the theme for a drama in 1998.

It’s also beloved as a wedding standard.

Listening to it on a cold winter’s day is sure to warm the heart.

How about singing or listening to it together with seniors and enjoying a pleasant time?