[For Seniors] Winter Classics to Sing in January: Heartwarming Moments with Nostalgic Children’s Songs and Kayōkyoku (Japanese Popular Songs)
January marks the beginning of a new year and the deepening chill of winter.
On such wintry days, why not enjoy songs perfect for the season in the warmth of your home? Nostalgic classics that sing of snowy landscapes and scenes from northern regions have a special charm that warms the heart.
This time, we’ll introduce a rich selection of enka and children’s songs that beautifully depict the arrival of winter and feelings for one’s hometown.
Singing together will bring back old memories and naturally fill the moment with smiles.
May you enjoy a wonderful time, with both heart and body gently warmed through song.
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[For Seniors] Classic Winter Songs to Sing in January: Heartwarming Moments with Nostalgic Children’s Songs and Kayōkyoku (21–30)
Daikoku-sama
“Daikok sama” is a traditional folk song that’s perfect for the New Year.
Its rhythmic, auspicious feel is a distinctive feature.
The lyrics convey Daikoku-sama’s kindness and warmth, bringing a sense of calm.
With a melody steeped in the charm of old Japan, it can make time spent with music even richer.
Through this Shizuoka-born piece, older listeners, too, can enjoy a heartwarming moment.
Singing it at the start of the year is sure to lift the spirit, and if everyone sings together, it will be even more enjoyable.
A town where snow fallsTakayoshio
Takai Hideo, a pioneer of Japanese chanson, created the classic Yukino Furu Machi o (The Town Where Snow Falls), a song that evokes winter scenes in Japan.
It was used in 1951 as an insert song for the NHK radio serial Eriko to Tomo ni and was released as a single the following year.
Later, it was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta, becoming beloved across generations.
On a cold winter day, it might be fun to gather people of different ages and ask where each of them first heard the song, letting the conversation blossom into nostalgic stories.
[For Seniors] Classic Winter Songs to Sing in January: Heartwarming Moments with Nostalgic Children’s Songs and Kayōkyoku (31–40)
Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo
Ikuzo Yoshi’s “Yukiguni” is a touching song that evokes the chill of winter.
It portrays the bittersweet feelings of a woman in love alongside scenes of a snowbound northern land.
The phrase “Chasing, chasing, chasing… Yukiguni” is striking, conveying her powerful longing for the one she loves.
Released in 1986, the song became a major hit.
It has since been covered by many artists and continues to be cherished.
It’s perfect for a quiet winter day—may it warm your heart as you bask in nostalgic memories.
Winter nightSakushi sakkyoku: Monbushō shōka
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?
Lingering Snowiruka
Iruka’s “Nagori Yuki” is a heartwarming song.
The lyrics, which depict parting through an unseasonable snowfall, really resonate.
Written and composed by Shozo Ise, it features Iruka’s gentle, captivating vocals.
Released in 1975, it has continued to be loved by many.
It’s perfect for humming along with older adults.
While reminiscing about the past, it also feels like a song that can help create new memories.
Its gentle melody is soothing, and it’s fun to sing while imagining the scenes described in the lyrics.
By all means, try singing it together with everyone.
Kantarō the North Wind Kiddōyō
It’s a classic children’s song for the season when true winter approaches, depicting the feeling of realizing winter has arrived from the chill of the wind.
With the cold north wind, Kantarō comes to town, conveying the gradual intensification of the cold through distinctive sounds.
The overall gentle tempo also helps evoke the lonely winter landscape.
The light sound of the blowing wind accentuates a piercing chill that almost feels painful, heightening our awareness of the need to stay warm.
Hakone HachiriTaki Rentarō
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!