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

The Blue DanubeJohann Strauss II

The Beautiful Blue Danube (Vienna–Gifu Choir)

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.

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Snow BlossomNakajima Mika

Mika Nakashima 'Yuki no Hana' Music Video

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

Anokanewo Narasunoha Anata

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

Takashi Hosokawa / Remaining Snow · Tsugaru

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?

Ozasiki SongWada Hiroshi to Mahina Sutāzu

Ozasiki Song

Ozashiki Kouta by Hiroshi Wada and the Mahina Stars, a group formed around the renowned steel guitarist Hiroshi Wada.

The song has an intriguing style that blends a cheerful, almost tropical vibe with a distinctly Japanese atmosphere created by traditional instruments.

It’s structured with alternating male and female vocals, making it highly recommended for pairs to sing together at senior facilities such as day-care centers and nursing homes.

Try practicing as a duo and deliver a perfectly in-sync performance!

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Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

A song by Yujiro Ishihara that sings of the loneliness and bittersweet feelings of the northern country.

It begins with a single red light at the edge of a cape and portrays lost love through Hokkaido’s landscapes, such as the fog of Hakodate and the snow of Otaru.

Ishihara’s wistful voice, together with the poignant lyrics, deeply moves the listener.

Released in June 1987, this work became the last single he released during his lifetime.

For many older listeners, it’s a nostalgic piece that brings back memories.

It’s perfect to listen to on a cold winter’s day in a warm room.

Brr, it’s so cold.

[Children’s Song] Oh, Cold, So Cold

“Oosamu Kosamu” is a Japanese children’s song about the cold of winter.

A notable feature is that the lyrics have various versions depending on the region.

It could be fun to talk together about which lyrics you remember and compare the differences.

Like “The Frog Song,” this piece uses a technique called a round, where the same melody is sung repeatedly in overlapping entries.

Why not try singing it as a round together at senior facilities such as nursing homes or day service centers?

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