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Lovely senior life

Recommended autumn songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era autumn tunes

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of autumn songs recommended for people in their 90s.

In addition to enka and popular songs, we’ve included children’s songs and traditional tunes, so those in their 90s are likely to recognize many of them.

All of the songs are themed around autumnal elements like the moon, persimmons, sunsets, and cosmos flowers, so just listening should let you feel the atmosphere of the season.

If you’re reading this, please consider recommending the songs introduced here to the 90-year-olds around you.

Now, let’s dive right into our recommended tracks!

Autumn songs recommended for people in their 90s: A roundup of Showa-era autumn tracks (1–10)

Moonlit Night over the Great Tone RiverTabata Yoshio

Ootone Tsukiyo is a heart-touching song performed by Yoshio Tabata.

It centers on the scenery of the Tone River, the proud way of life of samurai, and nostalgia for one’s hometown.

Released in 1971, it has long been loved as one of Tabata’s signature works.

It’s especially recommended for listening on long autumn nights.

Why not relax and let yourself sink into the music while picturing the moonlit surface of the river? It might bring back fond memories.

If you imagine the scenes woven into each lyric as you listen, you’re sure to enjoy it even more deeply.

Rindō PassShimakura Chiyoko

Rindō Pass (1963 Stereo Re-recorded Ver.)
Rindō PassShimakura Chiyoko

Chiyoko Shimakura’s “Rindō Tōge” (Gentian Pass) is a classic song that depicts the poignant scene of parting as an older sister marries.

Set when the gentian flowers are in bloom, it conveys the protagonist’s complex feelings as she watches her sister’s receding figure.

Released in 1955, it became one of Shimakura’s signature songs.

It might be nice to listen to it with older adults who have experienced farewells to loved ones.

It’s a wonderful piece that lets you feel the arrival of autumn with a calm heart while basking in nostalgic memories.

The House in KakinokizakaAoki Koichi

Kakinokizaka no Ie is a song by Koichi Aoki that overflows with nostalgia.

Set in the specific locale of Kakinokizaka, it gently portrays spring blossoms, autumn’s ripening fruit, and memories from childhood.

Its wistful lyrics and warm melody are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

The song is included in Koichi Aoki’s complete collection and has been cherished for many years.

It’s perfect for a quiet afternoon while sipping tea—you may find that scenes of your hometown and precious memories with loved ones come vividly back to life.

Recommended autumn songs for people in their 90s: A roundup of Showa-era fall tunes (11–20)

Harvest Moonshouka

♪ Full Moon on the Fifteenth Night – 15-ya Otsuki-san | ♪ Full Moon on the Fifteenth Night, how are you, dear Moon? [Japanese Song / Shoka]
Harvest Moonshouka

“Jūgoya Otsukisan” is a children’s song that evokes Japan’s four seasons and traditions.

Its lyrics, which depict a lonely girl speaking to the moon, hold a sense of hope within their poignancy.

Noguchi Ujō’s lyrical text and Motoori Nagayo’s friendly melody resonate with many people.

The words portray Japan’s nature and seasonal atmosphere, letting listeners savor the charm of moon-viewing.

Singing it together with older adults may bring back fond memories.

red dragonflyshouka

Red Dragonfly | With Lyrics | Evening Glow, Little Sunset’s Red Dragonfly | Nursery Rhymes and Lyric Songs for Adults | English: EN subs
red dragonflyshouka

“Akatombo” (Red Dragonfly) is a popular children’s song cherished by many as a symbol of autumn.

Through the image of a red dragonfly glowing in the evening sky, it evokes the nostalgia of early childhood and a longing for things lost.

Since its debut in 1927, its beautiful melody and lyrical poetry have continued to capture the hearts of the Japanese people.

It is often sung in schools and at various events, holding a central place in traditional Japanese music.

For older adults, it may be a song that overlaps with memories from their childhood.

Singing it while reflecting on the meaning of the lyrics could also make for a pleasant and meaningful time.

Village Autumnshouka

Village Autumn (Satonoaki) / Opening lyrics ♪ Quiet, so quiet ♪ / Easy-to-read lyrics included [Japanese song, Japanese traditional song]
Village Autumnshouka

“Sato no Aki” (Autumn in the Village) is a beloved classic children’s song that has long been cherished as a symbol of Japan’s four seasons.

It portrays a quiet autumn evening in a rural village, depicting a homely scene scented with simmering chestnuts, and features lyrics that resonate deeply with the Japanese heart through themes of family love and the changing seasons.

First released in 1937, the song’s lyrics were partially revised and re-released after the war.

Its gentle, soothing melody evokes a peaceful autumn atmosphere that brings comfort to listeners.

For many older adults, it is a song that stirs fond memories and vividly recalls tranquil autumn scenes.

maple leavesshouka

Maple Leaves (Momiji) | With Lyrics | Mountain maples glowing in the autumn sunset | Nursery/School Song for Adults | English: EN subs
maple leavesshouka

“Momiji” is a traditional Japanese children’s song that depicts the autumn foliage on mountains illuminated by the evening sun, celebrating the beauty of the fall season.

Created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, it has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs.

Known for its simple and beautiful melody, it is one of the songs themed around Japan’s four seasons, particularly praising the beauty of autumn nature.

It is widely used in school music classes and is often sung as a two-part chorus.

It’s a perfect song to sing with seniors—why not sing it at a relaxed pace while picturing the autumn scenery?