[For Seniors] Classic Autumn Songs to Sing in November: From Children’s Songs to Popular Enka and Kayōkyoku

rabbitMonbushō shōka

♪Rabbit, Rabbit – Usagi Usagi | ♪Rabbit, rabbit, what do you see as you hop? [Japanese song/children’s song]

A song from the Ministry of Education’s collection that sings of rabbits hopping as they gaze up at the harvest moon.

Since its inclusion in Elementary School Songs, Volume 2 in 1892, it has been cherished by many as a children’s song.

It is characterized by short phrases that convey the atmosphere of moon-viewing culture, and despite its simplicity, it features a melody that lingers in the heart.

This piece is also used as a practice tune for shamisen and koto, and has been recorded in various arrangements, such as King Records’ collection of seasonal school songs and Teichiku’s album “Heart and Mind: The Breeze of Ryukyu Played on the Sanshin.” On long autumn nights, why not line up some dumplings, gaze at the moon, and hum along? The melody is easy to remember, so you can enjoy singing it together with everyone.

dragonfly glassesSakushi: Nukaga Seishi / Sakkyoku: Hirai Kōzaburō

Dragonfly’s Glasses [One Hundred Selections of Japanese Songs] by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Children’s Song | Tonbo no Megane | Glasses of Dragonfly

This charming children’s song captures the uniquely free imagination of seeing autumn scenery through the eyes of a dragonfly in flight.

With lyrics by Seishi Nukaga and music by Kozaburo Hirai, the piece was inspired by children playing with dragonflies that the creators encountered during a house call.

First broadcast on NHK’s “Infants’ Hour” in 1949, it soon became widely beloved.

Its light, buoyant melody makes you want to gaze up at the clear autumn sky, and the vividly colored lyrics—mentioning shades like light blue and red—leave a strong impression.

It’s perfect for gatherings of older adults, inviting them to hum along and return to a nostalgic, childlike state.

Adding simple choreography can make it even more enjoyable to sing.

Desert of the MoonSakushi: Katou Masao / Sakkyoku: Sasaki Suguru

Moon Desert by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics [One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs]

Beloved as a children’s song, this work was created by poet and painter Masao Kato, who produced the poem together with accompanying illustrations.

After its publication in a magazine in 1923, composer Suguru Sasaki set it to music, and it came to be widely sung.

It depicts a prince and princess riding a camel, quietly traveling across moonlit sands, unfolding a fantastical and beautiful world.

Its wistful melody gently accompanies the reflective mood of autumn.

Why not spend a moment singing it together and sharing nostalgic memories? It is a somewhat romantic, unforgettable autumn classic.

hazy moonlit nightSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi

Oborozukiyo | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | In the rape-blossom fields, the setting sun fades

This famous song gently paints a misty rural landscape at dusk, carried by a tender melody.

The lyrics were written by Tatsuyuki Takano, the music composed by Teiichi Okano, and it was included in the 1914 collection Elementary School Songs for Sixth Grade.

Its calm words describe scenes such as the setting sun over a field of rapeseed blossoms and a spring night bathed in the pale light of the moon.

The lyrics vividly bring the scenery to life, and the melody touches the heart.

In 2006, it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs, and it continues to be cherished by many people today.

Why not hum it together with friends as you share memories of spring? It’s a heartwarming school song that wraps you in a nostalgic feeling.

Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki - Showa-era song

Released in 1945 and a major hit, “Ringo no Uta” (The Apple Song) is also a quintessential autumn piece.

The singer is Michiko Namiki, whose beautiful, vibrato-rich vocals and the charming lyrics—likening a girl to someone in love with an apple—are highlights.

The song is also well known for being covered by many artists and featured in numerous works.

Reflecting on autumn memories through these connections can be quite enjoyable.

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Yakiimo goo-choki-pasakushi: sakata hiroo / sakkyoku: yamamoto naozumi

[Sing-Along Anime] Yakiimo Goo-Chokii-Paa (Sung by Icchi & Naru) - Baked Sweet Potatoes, Baked Sweet Potatoes, My Stomach Goes Growl ~♫

When it comes to the flavors of autumn, nothing beats roasted sweet potatoes.

Just picturing a piping-hot, fluffy roasted sweet potato is enough to warm the heart, isn’t it? This children’s song, with lyrics by Hiroo Sakata and music by Naozumi Yamamoto, has been sung on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and cherished by both children and adults.

It’s a hand-play song you can enjoy singing along to with the calls for rock-paper-scissors, and the rhythm of rock, scissors, and paper bounces along lightly.

How about singing it together while playing rock-paper-scissors at your autumn recreation? May you spend a delightful autumn moment humming this nostalgic song.

Sky of my hometownsakushi: oowada kenki

Hometown Sky (Autumn Children's Song / School Song)

This is a school song that sings of gazing up at the autumn evening sky and letting one’s thoughts wander to a distant hometown.

Set to a traditional Scottish folk tune, the Japanese lyrics were written by the Meiji-era poet Takeki Owada.

It was published in May 1888 in Meiji Shoka, Volume 1, and expresses the anxious hope that one’s parents and siblings back home are living well.

For older adults who have spent many years away from their hometowns, the lyrics may evoke fond memories.

On these long autumn nights, try humming it while picturing the landscape of your own hometown.