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

Winter night

Ministry of Education Song: Winter Night

Many of you may remember singing it in your classrooms as children.

In keeping with convention, the Ministry of Education song “Fuyu no Yoru” (A Winter Night) does not disclose the names of its lyricist or composer.

Although it was first published in the 1912 collection Elementary School Songs, more than a century later its melody and lyrics are still highly esteemed for their beauty.

Because it contains the word ‘ikusa’ (war), some postwar textbooks and other materials once altered the lyrics; however, since such changes disrupted the flow and overall meaning of the song, it is now most often sung in its original form.

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yuri

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Brr, it’s so cold.warabe uta

[Children’s Song] Oh, Cold, So Cold

For a New Year’s party in a winter so cold it makes you want to cry, I recommend “Oosamu Kosamu.” The song depicts a scene where a child, overwhelmed by the bitter cold, comes down from the mountain in tears.

Whether the cold is harsh or mild, winter is, after all, cold.

Since it’s also a time when people can easily fall ill, I suggest singing with enough energy to chase the chill away in a warm room at your New Year’s gathering.

If grandpa and grandma sing heartily, their grandchildren are sure to feel energized too!

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SAKI

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Hymn to the Snowy Mountainsdaakudakkusu

Hymn to the Snowy Mountains — The Dark Ducks

The Dark Ducks are a four-man male vocal group that began performing in 1951.

Their “Hymn to the Snowy Mountains” is a classic winter song whose mellow vocals calm the heart.

The lyrics, which speak of pressing forward without yielding to the harshness of winter, are truly encouraging to hear.

In particular, the bright and grand arrangement at the end of the song leaves you feeling refreshed, as if the snow were melting and spring were arriving.

Even during the cold, difficult days of winter, listening to this song together will naturally lift your spirits!

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Yuuki

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Winter nightSakushi sakkyoku: Monbushō shōka

Winter Night (♫ Near the Lamplight ~) by Sunflower ×4 [Chorus] with Lyrics

Let me introduce a beautiful traditional song that conveys the warmth of family on a cold winter night.

You can picture the scene of the family gathered around the hearth, with the mother talking about springtime play and the father telling old stories.

Even if there’s a blizzard outside, it’s warm inside.

Expressing such family togetherness with a gentle melody, this piece was released in 1912.

It was also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and has been beloved by many.

Listening to it in the cold season may bring back fond memories.

How about humming along with older family members?

The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku

Sazanka Inn EISAKU OKAWA 1982

Released in 1982, this became EISAKU OKAWA’s biggest hit, earning the Long Seller Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards and selling over 1.8 million copies in total.

The song also marked his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With lyrics that portray a nostalgic Showa-era love and a poignantly melancholic melody, it’s a masterpiece that truly strikes a chord.

Hakone HachiriTaki Rentarō

Hakone Hachiri

Hakone Hachiri is a song that first appeared as a middle school song in 1901.

It was composed by Rentaro Taki, known for representative pieces such as “Kojo no Tsuki,” “Yuki ya Konkon,” and “Hato Poppo.” The title Hakone Hachiri refers to a total of eight ri: four ri from Odawara-juku to Hakone-juku and four ri from Hakone-juku to Mishima-juku.

In the past, the roads in that area were famous for being difficult passes.

You can feel a spirit in this piece that says, “Let’s persevere and overcome even in such harsh conditions.” Please give it a listen and draw courage from it to get through the severe winter!

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Yuuki

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Mother’s Songdōyō

Mother’s Song | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Mother stayed up late working at night

“Mother’s Song” is a piece written and composed by Satoshi Kubota in 1956.

Its lyrics, warmly depicting a mother’s love and family bonds, truly resonate.

The image of a mother knitting gloves amid the harsh realities of rural life expresses her deep affection for her family.

The song has been performed by many artists, including Peggy Hayama and Dark Ducks, and was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” In 2007, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” It’s a perfect song for older adults to sing while reminiscing about their own mothers.