[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 (31–40)
Winter night
Many of you may remember singing it in your classroom as children.
Following convention, the lyricist and composer of the Ministry of Education song “Winter Night” are not publicly named.
It first appeared in the 1912 collection Elementary School Songs, and even after more than a century, its melody and lyrics are still highly regarded for their beauty.
Because it contains the word “ikusā” (battle/war), the lyrics were temporarily altered in textbooks and other materials published after the war.
However, since the changes disrupted the flow and overall meaning of the song, the original version is now most commonly sung.
Ski Song
When it comes to songs that evoke vast ski slopes and snowy landscapes, “Ski Song” comes to mind.
Created as a Japanese children’s song, it was also included in music textbooks.
It depicts the scene of gliding over a snow-white ground, resonating with a bright melodic line.
Seniors who have experience skiing may feel a sense of nostalgia.
With its lively rhythm, it’s the kind of piece that makes you want to sway side to side as if you’re skiing.
Try singing it together or clapping along to liven things up.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
It is Misora Hibari’s final single released during her lifetime and one of her signature songs—a masterpiece etched into the history of Japanese music.
It is often played in various settings and has been passed down to younger generations.
At Misora Hibari’s strong insistence, it was released as a single—a song about life.
Many people have surely been encouraged by its lyrics, which depict moving forward while taking hardships in stride, and by its wonderfully elegant melody.
It was released on January 11 of the first year of the Heisei era—a pleasant day—and since its lyrics evoke winter scenes, it suits January very well.
I think it’s a song that resonates all the more deeply with older listeners who have experienced many things in life.
snow camelliaKobayashi Sachiko
Sachiko Kobayashi’s “Yukitsubaki” is a song that conveys a strength that won’t yield to the winter cold.
It stands by those who are doing their best, and each listen brings a warm feeling.
Through depictions of working, the lyrics express a strength that carries hope forward and evoke the bonds of family.
Released in 1987, the song has been beloved for many years, even being performed three times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Wrapped in her singing voice, the time spent together brings comfort to the heart and can strengthen the independence of older adults.
Please give this song—filled with the feelings of Kobayashi, who hails from Niigata City—a listen.
Town of Snow LightsKoyanagi Rumiko
A song by Rumiko Koyanagi that heartfeltly sings of aching emotions, set in a northern town blanketed in snow.
Released in January 1972, this work conveys thoughts for a cherished person far away, in a quiet town illuminated by snowlight.
The image of the protagonist brushing snow off a mailbox and posting a letter amid a blizzard is especially striking.
It depicts winter scenes familiar to older listeners, making it perfect for softly humming along while reminiscing about the past.
It’s a piece that resonates even more deeply when heard in the cold season.
[For Seniors] Classic Winter Songs to Sing in January: Heartwarming Moments with Nostalgic Children’s Songs and Kayōkyoku (41–50)
National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda
Japan National Sake-Drinking Ondo,” released in 1979 by the comic band Baracooda.
It captures the boisterous vibe of a party and gives you a boost right from the New Year, so it’s also great when you want to liven things up! Its catchy melody—an arrangement of “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” from the Disney film Cinderella—will have you humming along before you know it.
Some of the lyrics are practically forced (lol), but the fun, celebratory theme of being able to drink makes it especially popular among older folks.
Kick off the year with this cheerful song and keep both your mind and body in good health!
snowflowerGodai Natsuko
This is one of Natsuko Godai’s signature songs, evoking memories of the harsh winter scenery of her hometown and the image of her hardworking mother there.
The gentle yet powerful sound of enka vividly conveys the will to overcome the severe cold.
It contrasts a flower that blooms strongly even in the snow with the figure of a mother living in her hometown, highlighting the mother’s strength and kindness.
Throughout, the song portrays the mother, conveying a deep sense of admiration for her.
