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

Sunset HillIshihara Yūjirō & Asaoka Ruriko

Yujiro Ishihara & Ruriko Asaoka “Hill of the Setting Sun”

Yujiro Ishihara and Ruriko Asaoka’s duet “Yūhi no Oka” (Hill of the Setting Sun) is a piece that beautifully captures the splendor of the sunset and the transience of life.

The lyrics, which portray the poignancy of partings and new departures, are perfectly matched by the pair’s moving harmonies.

Produced in 1963 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Teichiku, it was used the following year as the theme song for a film of the same title.

It is truly a classic that represents the Showa era, a seamless blend of cinema and music.

Listen to it at dusk, and it may bring back nostalgic memories.

Humming along with an older loved one could make for a heartwarming moment together.

Because the moon is so very blueSugawara Totoko

Sugawara Toto-ko, “Because the Moon Is So Very Blue”

Totsuko Sugawara’s “Because the Moon Is So Very Blue” is a classic song that beautifully and poignantly depicts a long autumn night.

Through the image of two people taking the long way home under a blue moonlit sky, it conveys the feeling of reluctance to part.

Released in 1955, the song was a massive hit, selling over a million copies, inspiring a film of the same name, and being covered by many singers.

For older listeners, it may evoke a warm sense of nostalgia, filled with memories of their youth.

Why not listen to it on a quiet autumn night while gazing at the moon?

Moonlit Night over the Great Tone RiverTabata Yoshio

Moonlit Night over the Great Tone River

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.)

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

The House in Kakinokizaka

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.