[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)
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.
[For Seniors] Classic Winter Songs to Sing in January: Heartwarming Moments with Nostalgic Children's Songs and Kayōkyoku (51–60)
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.
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.
The Blue DanubeJohann Strauss II
The Blue Danube is a magnificent choral work composed by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II.
Along with the Emperor Waltz and Tales from the Vienna Woods, it is famous as one of his three great waltzes, and among them, The Blue Danube is the most popular.
Incidentally, in Vienna, the capital of Austria, the playing of this piece signals the start of the New Year.
In that sense, you could say the piece serves a role somewhat like Japan’s first shrine visit of the year.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima’s “Yuki no Hana” is a classic that conveys the gentleness and transience of winter.
Its lyrics, in which the falling snow symbolizes the bond between two people, are likely to resonate with older listeners.
Since its release in 2003, it has continued to be loved by many.
It was also used as a movie theme song and has been covered by various artists.
Singing or listening to it together with seniors can bring a warm feeling.
It’s also recommended to listen to it while gazing out the window on a winter day.
It might even spark some fond reminiscences.
You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko
Akiko Wada’s “Ano Kane wo Narasu no wa Anata” is captivating with its heartfelt lyrics and powerful melody.
Released in March 1972, the song explores themes of loneliness and hope.
It’s familiar to many older adults, so please try singing it together while appreciating its deep meaning.
It’s a classic that was performed six times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Listening to it in the cold winter season warms the heart.
It’s also great to sing during recreational activities at care facilities.
Let’s sing together and have a wonderful time.
Singing involves opening the mouth wide, which is good for your health, too.
Lingering Snow in TsugaruHosokawa Takashi
Let me introduce a hometown-themed song that beautifully portrays the snow-dusted scenery of Tsugaru.
Sung by Takashi Hosokawa, this piece is an enka song highlighted by the distinctive sound of the Tsugaru shamisen.
Its lyrics, filled with thoughts of one’s hometown and gratitude toward one’s mother, truly resonate in the heart.
Released in July 2023, the track is also included in the album “Takashi Hosokawa Complete Collection: Zansetsu/Tsugaru,” which came out in November of the same year.
It’s the kind of song that, when listened to on a cold winter’s day, can conjure up images of your hometown and fill you with nostalgia.
How about listening to it together with older adults, letting the conversation bloom with shared memories?