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

mochi poundingSakushi: Amano Chou / Sakkyoku: Ichinomiya Michiko

Mochitsuki (♪ Pattan-ko, Sore Pattan-ko) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Children's Song | Mochi-tsuki |

This children’s song energetically celebrates mochitsuki, a traditional New Year’s custom.

With lyrics by Chō Amano and music by Michiko Ichimiya, it has long been beloved in early childhood education.

Onomatopoeic words that mimic the sound of the pestle striking the mortar bounce in rhythmic repetition, creating a lively beat that makes the act of pounding rice itself feel like music.

Its bright major-key melody and easy-to-remember lyrics naturally get bodies moving.

Included in a 2004 music collection for preschool use, it has become a staple for New Year’s festivities.

Singing it together face-to-face while clapping or pretending to pound mochi may bring back fond memories of New Year’s past.

Winter Constellationsakushi: horiuchi keizō

Winter Constellations (with lyrics) - Song (from the 1947 middle school music textbook)

This is a song cherished as a school hymn that makes you want to look up at the clear winter night sky.

With lyrics by Keizo Horiuchi, it vividly depicts a quiet winter night after the wintry wind has stilled, and the starlight pouring from the frozen sky.

Set to a melody by American composer William Hays with Japanese lyrics, it was published in a 1947 textbook and has been sung by many ever since.

In 2007, it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs, and it continues to be loved as a classic winter piece that evokes the changing seasons.

On a winter night, why not hum it while gazing at the stars by your window? Its translucent melody will gently warm the cold season.

What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.

The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.

The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.

Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.

YosakuKitajima Saburō

This song celebrates the quiet life of a mountain village and the kindness of its people.

Its powerful melody and heartwarming story, which express Japan’s traditional values and an honest way of living, have moved many listeners.

Saburo Kitajima’s warmly human vocals leave an even deeper impression of that world.

Released in March 1978, the song has remained beloved across generations.

It’s a perfect piece for everyone to hum together during music time at care facilities or to liven up seasonal events.

Song of the Four SeasonsSakushi sakkyoku: Araki Toyohisa

Song of the Four Seasons | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Those who love spring are people with pure hearts

Under the gentle sunshine of spring, a timeless Showa-era classic resonates deep in the heart.

In Toyohisa Araki’s work, the beauty of Japan’s four seasons and his feelings toward people are exquisitely captured within a warm melody.

Born from gratitude toward nurses during a hospital stay, this piece was introduced on Nippon Broadcasting’s “Aozora Wide,” where it received an overwhelming response, and Yoko Seri’s performance went on to become a million seller.

The tenderly drawn seasonal scenes and the deep affection for friends and family evoke a tranquil passage of time.

It’s a wonderful song that invites you to reminisce and reflect on bonds with loved ones.

Perfect for a relaxing music recreation session for seniors.