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

New Year (Japanese New Year)Sakushi: Azuma Kume / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentaro

New Year's Song: AI Kiritan, AI Utaiko (with lyrics)

“New Year” is a song that expresses the feeling of not being able to wait for the New Year.

It sings about wanting to play in all sorts of ways during the holiday—flying kites outside, playing hanetsuki, and more.

Although it’s often associated with being sung before the New Year arrives, why not sing it at a New Year’s gathering while reminiscing about childhood memories of these games? Along with singing, it’s also fun to try the games mentioned in the lyrics, recalling what you did as a child.

With both songs and games, your New Year’s party is sure to be a blast!

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Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima 'Northern Fishing Grounds' (Official Audio)

Sung by Saburo Kitajima, this piece is a soulful song that portrays fishermen risking their lives on the northern seas.

It powerfully conveys the strength, pride, and loneliness of fishermen who face harsh nature.

Released in 1986, the song was created to commemorate Saburo Kitajima’s 25th anniversary in the performing arts.

It’s a classic that also won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance.

When older listeners hear it, it may bring back memories of their youth and scenes from their hometowns.

It also sounds like a song everyone could enjoy humming together.

Valentine KissKunikyo Sayuri

Valentine Kiss

When it comes to events in February, many people probably think of Valentine’s Day.

A classic song for the occasion that continues to be loved is Sayuri Kokusho’s solo debut track.

Released in February 1986, this piece is memorable for its bright, bouncy melody and lyrics that adorably express the feelings of being in love.

It was also well-known as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Monday Drama Land.” The catchy chorus has a light, snappy phrase that makes you want to hum along after just one listen.

Even after many years since its release, it’s still played on TV and in stores every February, making it something of a seasonal tradition.

If you sing it together during recreation time, it might spark lively conversations about Valentine’s memories.

Waltz of StarlightSen Masao

Waltz of Starlight - Masao Sen

A gem of a waltz where the sorrow of parting and deep affection intertwine.

The lyrics were written by Sonoeda Shiratori and the music composed by Minoru Endo.

Released as Masao Sen’s single in 1966, it became a major hit in 1968, selling a total of 2.5 million copies.

The protagonist’s feelings—choosing a painful breakup while wishing happiness for a loved one—are deeply moving.

This classic has been covered across Asia, including Taiwan and Hong Kong, and is beloved across borders.

It’s a song I’d recommend for those winter nights when you gaze at the stars and reminisce about young love.

It also lends itself well to an emotionally rich performance at karaoke.

campfireSakushi: Tatsumi Seika / Sakkyoku: Watanabe Shigeru

Bonfire | With Lyrics | 100 Best Japanese Songs | At the fence, at the fence, at the bend

This is a classic winter children’s song that depicts children warming themselves by a bonfire near a hedge.

The poet Seika Tatsumi wrote the lyrics based on a scene of burning fallen leaves he witnessed in Kamitakada, Nakano Ward, Tokyo, and Shigeru Watanabe composed the music.

It was first broadcast on NHK Radio in 1941, and after being sung again on “Uta no Obasan” in 1949, it spread nationwide.

In 2007, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The image of children rubbing their chilblained hands and asking each other, “Shall we warm up?” as they walk down a cold, windblown road evokes a certain nostalgic warmth.

The melody is easy to remember, and its charm lies in how naturally you find yourself humming along with handclaps.

If you sing it at a New Year’s gathering, it might spark lively conversations about old winter memories.

Cape ErimoMori Shinichi

Shinichi Mori Erimo Misaki (with lyrics)

This is a famous song by Shinichi Mori that depicts the scenery of a cape at the edge of Hokkaido and the feelings of the people who visit it.

Released in January 1974 as his 29th single, it features lyrics by Osami Okamoto and music by Takuro Yoshida.

Celebrated as a remarkable fusion of folk and enka, it won both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Kayō Award that same year.

The song conveys warmth amidst a desolate landscape and a gentle embrace that quietly accepts wounded hearts, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

It has been performed four times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and remains beloved to this day.

Its melody and lyrics resonate especially in the cold season, making it perfect for singing together at New Year gatherings.

With light handclaps, you can enjoy it at a relaxed pace—ideal for moments when you want to spend a peaceful time.

Mother’s Songkubota satoru

Mother's Song (with lyrics)

This is a children’s song by Satoshi Kubota that quietly stirs the heart with feelings for one’s mother.

Composed in 1956, it was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, sung by Peggy Hayama.

The piece was born from Kubota’s own experiences of evacuation during the war and his memories of receiving hand-knitted items from his mother.

It portrays a mother staying up late into the night to knit gloves, and the warmth carried by letters from home.

It may bring back days when you were supported by your mother, or memories from when you were raising your own children.

A heartwarming song that renews one’s sense of gratitude to mothers.