Recommended winter songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era winter tracks

Realm of the StarsSakushi: Sugitani Daikai / Sakkyoku: Chaaruzu Konvâzu

The Starry Realm (Traditional Children’s Song)

A timeless classic that makes you want to gaze up at the winter night sky, “Hoshi no Yo.” It’s a Ministry of Education song included in the 1910 publication Kyōka Tōgō Chūgaku Shōka, Volume II.

The lyrics were written by Shigeya Sugiya, and it was set to the melody of the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” composed by Charles Converse.

The lyrics, which highlight the brilliance of stars made all the more striking by a moonless, dark sky and send our thoughts out to the distant reaches of the universe, invite us into a mysterious world filled with romance.

For many, the gentle melody brings peace along with nostalgic memories of learning it at school.

Its familiar tune is also perfect for group sing-alongs during recreational time, so why not enjoy it on a winter night when the stars are especially clear, sharing stories as you sing?

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

Singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, who has been active in Japan’s music scene for many years, has a song that captures delicate, fleeting spring scenery and the feelings she brings to it: “Haru yo, Koi” (“Come, Spring”).

Released in 1994 as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series, this classic is also included on the album THE DANCING SUN.

Those who watched the drama at the time surely remember being encouraged each morning by its gentle melody.

With lyrics so beautifully written in Japanese that they appear in language textbooks, it’s perfect for everyone to sing along together.

Shall we share the hope of waiting for warm spring after a harsh winter through this song, and spend some peaceful time together?

New Year (Japanese New Year)shouka

New Year (with gestures) [Japanese Songs / Children's Songs]

“Oshogatsu” (New Year’s) is a Japanese children’s song that captures the excitement kids feel as they look forward to the New Year.

Its lyrics are filled with classic New Year activities like kite flying, spinning tops, and bouncing a handball, and they bring back happy memories.

Since its debut in 1901, it has been loved for over a hundred years.

Singing it with older adults may spark lively conversations as they recall how New Year’s used to be.

With its gentle melody and easy-to-hum tune, why not sing it together and enjoy the New Year atmosphere?

campfireshouka

Bonfire – Taki Bi | By the hedge, by the hedge, around the corner—it's a bonfire, it's a bonfire, burning fallen leaves [Japanese Song / Shoka]

Starting with the words “Kakine no kakine,” the song Takibi (Bonfire) is a children’s song that evokes heartwarming memories on cold winter days.

You can almost picture children gathering around the flames as fallen leaves are collected and burned.

Composed in 1939 for an NHK program, this song has long been beloved by many.

It’s perfect for tracing nostalgic memories while sensing the transition from autumn to winter.

Try humming it together with older adults—it might spark lively tales from the past.

Winter nightshouka

Winter Night (Winter Children's Song)

Many of you may remember singing it in the classroom when you were children.

In keeping with convention, the authorship of both the lyrics and the music for the Ministry of Education song “Winter Night” is not disclosed.

Its first appearance was in the 1912 “Elementary School Songbook,” yet even after more than a hundred years, its melody and lyrics are still admired for their beauty.

The lyrics, depicting family togetherness, contrast the winter cold with the warmth inside the home, conveying a heartwarming scene.

Singing it with older adults may allow you to share nostalgic memories together.

winter sceneryshouka

Winter Scenery (Winter Children’s Song)

“Fuyugeshiki” (Winter Scenery) is a nostalgic Ministry of Education school song released in 1913.

It is a song that celebrates the beautiful scenes at the start of winter, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The way the mist lifts to signal the end of autumn, and the out-of-season flowers blooming under the gentle sunlight, are uniquely Japanese scenes born of the country’s richly varied seasons.

We tend to stay indoors during the cold months, but doesn’t listening to this song make you want to go outside and look for winter scenery? It might also be nice to gaze out the window and hum “Fuyugeshiki” together with older adults.

snowshouka

Snow (♪ Yuki ya konko, arare ya konko) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Children's Song, Ministry of Education Shoka | YUKI SNOW

It’s a famous song that beautifully depicts the quietly falling, steadily accumulating snow.

It was included in the 1911 “Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka” (Elementary School Songs) and was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs” in 2007.

If you sing it together with seniors, it might bring back nostalgic memories of winter.

In fact, many people seem to mix up the lyrics of the first and second verses, so why not check the correct lyrics and hum along while picturing a winter landscape?

Mother’s Songkubota satoru

Mother's Song (with lyrics)

This is a children’s song by Satoshi Kubota that quietly stirs the heart with feelings for one’s mother.

Composed in 1956, it was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, sung by Peggy Hayama.

The piece was born from Kubota’s own experiences of evacuation during the war and his memories of receiving hand-knitted items from his mother.

It portrays a mother staying up late into the night to knit gloves, and the warmth carried by letters from home.

It may bring back days when you were supported by your mother, or memories from when you were raising your own children.

A heartwarming song that renews one’s sense of gratitude to mothers.

Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari

Like the flow of a river

A signature song by Hibari Misora that likens life to the flow of a river and celebrates the importance of living by gently going with the current.

It conveys hope that even on rain-soaked roads, a sunny day will eventually come, and it depicts a heart that accepts the changing seasons, resonating quietly with listeners.

The anecdote that lyricist Yasushi Akimoto wrote it while gazing at the East River in New York is also memorable.

Released as a single in January 1989, it became Hibari Misora’s final work.

It won the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards and sold over two million copies.

Its flowing, beautiful melody and profound lyrics are likely to touch the hearts of older listeners who have experienced many stages of life.

In February, as winter gives way to spring, why not hum along?

fresh snowSakushi: Saeki Takao / Sakkyoku: Sasaki Shun’ichi

Fresh Snow, Showa 17 (sung by Katsuhiko Haida), Lyrics by Takao Saeki, Music by Shunichi Sasaki

This song, released in 1942 as the theme for a Daiei film, features lyrics by Takao Saeki, music by Shun’ichi Sasaki, and vocals by Katsuhiko Haida.

Its memorable lyrics evoke the feeling of gazing up at snow-covered peaks tinged with violet haze and overlay a prayer for youth upon the pure, sunlit snowscape.

The imagery of snowy mountains conveys the hopes of youth and a resolve for the future.

Haida’s clear, expansive tenor blends beautifully with the gentle melody, and the song has been cherished across generations—sung even after the war on programs like the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

As the snow begins to fall, why not hum it while picturing winter’s scenes? It’s a heartwarming winter classic, especially recommended for those who love mountains and nature.