[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 (41–50)
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.
mochi pounding
Known by the nickname “Mochitsuki,” the hand-play song “Jūgoya-san no Mochitsuki.” Songs like these that children sing while using their hands, passed down into the present day, are called warabe-uta or traditional children’s songs.
Among them, “Jūgoya-san no Mochitsuki” is a perfect warabe-uta to sing while gazing at the winter moon.
Because everyone can move their hands together while singing enjoyably, physical therapists and caregiving staff involved in rehabilitation are encouraged to give it a try!
Come, spring
Haruyo Koi is a children’s song that expresses the longing for spring amid winter’s chill.
The lyrics about how “the trees around the house are hoping to bloom” nicely capture the anticipation of spring.
Many older adults living in facilities such as nursing homes and day service centers likely look forward to the arrival of spring each year.
In such times, it would be lovely to listen to this nostalgic song and enjoy the growing excitement as spring approaches.
Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)
“Pechka” is a heartwarming song that’s perfect for cold winter days.
Its lyrics, depicting time spent gathered around a fireplace, evoke a sense of nostalgia.
For older adults, it may serve as a cue to recall memories from the past.
Cherished as a children’s song, it features a gentle melody that anyone can hum along to.
The lyrics are easy to remember, making it a great choice to sing together with seniors.
Consider incorporating it as an indoor recreation activity on chilly days.
Singing moves the mouth, which can help prevent aspiration, and it may also stimulate the brain.
When everyone sings together, it creates a shared, enjoyable time.
Octopus Song
People who have flown kites before might feel a sense of familiarity with “Tako no Uta” (Kite Song).
It’s also recommended as a song that captures the New Year spirit and the atmosphere of January.
It may bring back memories of actually flying kites when they were little, and evoke a certain nostalgia.
It could be fun to listen to the song and share those experiences together.
In the 2022 NHK morning drama “Soar High!” (Mai Agare!), there was also a scene featuring the Baramon kite, and the song evokes images of peaceful countryside scenery and a carefree, open-air feeling.
Winter Constellation
Keizo Horiuchi’s “Winter Constellations” is a warm, comforting song that gently accompanies the hearts of older adults.
As its tender melody flows, listeners can revisit past memories and spend a pleasant, relaxing time.
It’s a song that can be enjoyed indoors during the cold season, making it perfect for singing or listening together with seniors.
It’s said that engaging with beautiful lyrics and music stimulates and activates the brain.
Through music, it becomes a valuable opportunity to feel emotional richness.
By all means, enjoy “Winter Constellations” together with the older adults in your life.
Kuroda-bushi
Kuroda-bushi is a famous folk song from Fukuoka Prefecture that is often sung at banquets and other gatherings.
The song follows the basic shichigo-cho pattern, alternating lines of seven syllables and five syllables, giving it a mood similar to period dramas.
The “Kuroda” in the title refers to Kuroda Nagamasa of the Fukuoka Domain in Echizen Province; he was a very well-known feudal lord in Chikuzen Province, which corresponds to part of present-day Fukuoka Prefecture.
Since this song has close ties to Fukuoka, those from Fukuoka should definitely give it a listen.