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

Early Spring OdeSakushi: Ichimasa Yoshimaru / Sakkyoku: Akira Nakata

Early Spring Anthem (♪ Only the name is spring) with lyrics explained by Himawari 🌻×9, Chorus [One of Japan’s 100 Selected Songs]

Although the calendar says it is spring, this piece sings of the lingering chill and the faint unease of the season.

It is said that lyricist Isshō Yoshimaru drew inspiration from the scenery of Azumino, waiting for the snow to melt, when he visited Ōmachi City in Nagano Prefecture to compose a school anthem for a local junior high.

The delicate wording vividly depicts an early-spring scene: in the valleys the nightingales have yet to sing, the ice thaws and reeds begin to sprout, yet snow-filled skies persist.

Since its inclusion in the 1913 songbook New Compositions for Singing, Volume III, it has been passed down in schools and choral settings.

As the cold winds of January still blow, why not hum this piece while looking forward to the spring that is soon to come?

Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio, Yoshinaga Sayuri

Yukio Hashi & Sayuri Yoshinaga / Itsudemo Yume o (Always Dream)

This song, a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga in 1962, is a classic of youth pop that won the 4th Japan Record Award and sold a total of about 2.6 million copies.

With lyrics by Takao Saeki and music by Tadashi Yoshida—their golden partnership—the words, likened to stars and rain, gently weave a message urging listeners to keep dreaming no matter their circumstances.

The piece was adapted into a film by Nikkatsu in 1963 and was also chosen as the entrance march for high school baseball.

It’s a song I’d love for everyone to hum together on a cold winter’s day in a warm room.

Why not spend some time sharing memories of your hopeful younger days, carried along by its tender melody?

Octopus SongMonbushō shōka

Octopus Song (♪ Kite, kite, fly high ~) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics [One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs]

When New Year’s comes around, many of us may remember gazing up at kites soaring high in the sky.

Published in school textbooks in 1910 as a Ministry of Education song, this piece lists neither lyricist nor composer.

In simple, child-friendly language, it depicts a kite catching the wind and rising to the clouds, to the very heavens, as well as the playful scene of guiding it by pulling and loosening the string.

Despite its simple melody, the composition naturally conveys the lively sense of the kite climbing into the sky.

Humming it together at a New Year’s gathering will bring back memories of nostalgic winter days and make for a heartwarming moment.

March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko

[With Large Lyrics] 365-Step March [Recreation]

Released in 1968, this kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song) is characterized by its bright, upbeat, march-like rhythm.

Sung by Kiyoko Suizenji, the number carries an encouraging message about moving forward while cherishing the small steps we take each day—making it perfect for January as we welcome a new year.

The lyrics resonate with hopeful expressions about the importance of advancing one step at a time and how beautiful flowers bloom along the footprints we leave.

In 1969, it was chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, and it has since become a classic frequently used in anime and commercials.

At New Year gatherings or recreational events, singing it together can lift everyone’s spirits and help kick off the year with energy.

Snow TrainMaekawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Maekawa “Snow Train”

This is a classic by Kiyoshi Maekawa that sings of winter travel, set against snowy landscapes and scenes of a passing train.

Released as a single in October 1982, it’s known as an ambitious work with lyrics by Shigesato Itoi and music by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

There’s even an anecdote that Sakamoto spent three days recording, trying to recreate the resonance of Japanese taiko drums using a drum kit, resulting in a modern sound that transcends the enka genre.

The image of a train running through quietly falling snow comes vividly to mind, and the feelings for one’s hometown and the ache of parting gently resonate in the heart.

On a cold winter’s day, singing it together indoors might bring back memories of journeys from long ago.

North TavernHosokawa Takashi

North Tavern

This work was released in 1982 by singer Takashi Hosokawa, who has been active since the 1970s.

Set to a lively melody typical of Showa-era kayōkyoku, it portrays an adult romance unfolding in a bar in a northern town.

The fateful encounter with someone who lights his cigarette, and the poignancy of a man reminiscing over a tilted glass, leave a strong impression.

A classic that won the Grand Prix at both the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Cable Radio Awards, it also ranked fifth on the annual Oricon chart and remains a karaoke favorite.

Since it centers on themes of alcohol and love, it’s great to listen to while sharing memories.

Singing along or adding chorus to his gentle vocals will make it even more fun.

SubaruTanimura Shinji

Shinji Tanimura - Subaru (with lyrics)

As a masterpiece that resonates with a grand sense of scale and deep lyricism, I’d like to introduce one of Shinji Tanimura’s signature works this January.

Released in 1980, this song evokes the vastness of the universe and starry skies while depicting life’s journey and hope.

It is included on the album “Subaru,” and has been sung at life’s milestones such as graduation and farewell ceremonies.

With Tanimura’s rich, resonant voice and a sonic landscape that expands beautifully from guitar tones to strings, it warms the listener’s heart.

As the new year begins, why not hum it while reflecting on the road you’ve traveled so far? If we sing it together, our spirits are sure to lift.