[For Seniors] Winter Classics to Sing in January: Heartwarming Moments with Nostalgic Children’s Songs and Kayōkyoku (Japanese Popular Songs)

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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Mount Fuji

Song “Mount Fuji” lyrics • High-quality audio

This is a school song that celebrates Mount Fuji, one of the symbols of Japan.

It is also written as “Fuji no Yama.” The lyrics were written by Kōhan Iwaya, a pioneer of modern children’s literature, while the composer is unknown.

It first appeared in elementary school music textbooks during the Meiji era and has been passed down ever since.

Some older people may say they drew strength from the sight of Mount Fuji during tough times or when they needed to persevere.

When the Hinomaru and Mount Fuji come together, it’s truly wonderful, isn’t it? With its majestic and beautiful imagery of Mount Fuji, this song evokes the New Year and a sense of Japanese identity, making it perfect for January.

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KEI

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Tsugaru Jongara-bushiHosokawa Takashi

Tsugaru Jongara-bushi

This song is a full-fledged reinterpretation by Takashi Hosokawa of a folk tune that powerfully sings of the scenery and climate of the Tsugaru region.

With lyrics that conjure up images of local vistas like Mount Iwaki and apple orchards, the driving sound of the shamisen leaves a strong impression.

The distinctive melodic inflections, drawing on folk-music technique, convey pride and affection for the homeland.

It was included on the album “Bokyō” (Nostalgia), released in December 1978, and was also performed earlier that year, in January, on Fuji TV’s Night Hit Studio.

It’s a perfect track for reminiscing about your hometown while picturing Tsugaru’s winter landscapes.

Try clapping along to the shamisen’s rhythm, or sing along together with everyone.

fresh snowSakushi: Saeki Takao / Sakkyoku: Sasaki Shun’ichi

Fresh Snow, Showa 17 (sung by Katsuhiko Haida), Lyrics by Takao Saeki, Music by Shunichi Sasaki

This song, released in 1942 as the theme for a Daiei film, features lyrics by Takao Saeki, music by Shun’ichi Sasaki, and vocals by Katsuhiko Haida.

Its memorable lyrics evoke the feeling of gazing up at snow-covered peaks tinged with violet haze and overlay a prayer for youth upon the pure, sunlit snowscape.

The imagery of snowy mountains conveys the hopes of youth and a resolve for the future.

Haida’s clear, expansive tenor blends beautifully with the gentle melody, and the song has been cherished across generations—sung even after the war on programs like the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

As the snow begins to fall, why not hum it while picturing winter’s scenes? It’s a heartwarming winter classic, especially recommended for those who love mountains and nature.

mochi poundingSakushi: Amano Chou / Sakkyoku: Ichinomiya Michiko

Mochitsuki (♪ Pattan-ko, Sore Pattan-ko) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Children's Song | Mochi-tsuki |

This children’s song energetically celebrates mochitsuki, a traditional New Year’s custom.

With lyrics by Chō Amano and music by Michiko Ichimiya, it has long been beloved in early childhood education.

Onomatopoeic words that mimic the sound of the pestle striking the mortar bounce in rhythmic repetition, creating a lively beat that makes the act of pounding rice itself feel like music.

Its bright major-key melody and easy-to-remember lyrics naturally get bodies moving.

Included in a 2004 music collection for preschool use, it has become a staple for New Year’s festivities.

Singing it together face-to-face while clapping or pretending to pound mochi may bring back fond memories of New Year’s past.

January 1st

January 1st (♪ As a trial at the start of the year) New Year’s Day / New Year song by Himawari 🌻 with lyric meanings included

A song I’d like to recommend for the start of the New Year is “Ichigatsu Tsuitachi” (January First).

While there are three versions with different lyricists and composers, the one most widely known is the 1893 version with lyrics by Sonpu Senge and music by Masayuki Ue.

Many people may recognize it as the theme song of Fuji TV’s New Year’s variety program “Shinshun Kakushigei Taikai,” which aired from 1964 to 2010.

Senge served as the chief priest of Izumo Taisha, the grand shrine where the gods are said to gather, so the song can truly impart a sense of solemnity.

Even so, it’s a familiar children’s song that is also accessible to older listeners.

It’s perfectly suited to New Year’s Day and brings a refreshing feeling.

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KEI

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wintering swallowMori Masako

Masako Mori - Wintering Swallow (1984)

Masako Mori’s ‘Etto Tsubame’ (Wintering Swallow) is a classic that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love, using a swallow taking flight in winter as its motif.

The memorable phrase “Hyururi hyururirara” really resonates, doesn’t it? Released in 1983, this gem won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance.

It’s a song familiar to many seniors as well, so everyone can hum along.

It’s also enjoyable to listen while picturing the scenes painted by the lyrics.

It will bring back nostalgic memories and give you a warm, comforting time.

Highly recommended on a cold winter’s day.