[For Seniors] Classic Autumn Songs to Sing in November: From Children’s Songs to Popular Enka and Kayōkyoku
November is the season when the trees around town begin to change color.
When we see the richly colored foliage—reds, yellows, and more—it gently warms the heart, doesn’t it?
This time, we’ve gathered a variety of songs perfect for autumn, a season that tends to make us sentimental.
We’ll introduce songs that evoke the youth of older adults, nostalgic tunes from childhood, and even songs related to November.
Singing not only stimulates the brain but also boosts your body’s metabolism.
Be sure to spend a delightful autumn moment with everyone through song.
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[For Seniors] Classic Autumn Songs to Sing in November: From Children’s Songs to Popular Hits (21–30)
Village Festival
Akimasuri (“Autumn Festival”), which conveys the fun and excitement of an autumn celebration, is a Japanese Ministry of Education shoka (school song).
It was included in the Elementary School Songbook in 1912.
With cheerful onomatopoeia like “don-don hyarara” and a buoyant rhythm, it remains a beloved classic for many people today.
Its bright, lively melody, the festive sounds of flutes and drums, and the villagers’ heart-thumping anticipation as they await the autumn festival all come through vividly.
Let’s fully enjoy the season by singing the shoka “Akimasuri,” a song everyone—from young children to the elderly—can happily sing together.
A small nutdōyō
The children’s song “Chiisana Ki no Mi” (A Little Nut) sings about autumn memories with one’s father.
It is based on a piece composed by the French composer Georges Bizet, and it became popular in Japan after being broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta in 1971.
The lyrics, which depict casual memories with a father and the sudden recollection of striking words, carry a touch of poignancy.
Many older adults, too, likely have various memories of their fathers.
Singing it on Father’s Day might be a lovely way to recall a wide range of father-related memories through the seasons.
threadNakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima’s song expresses encounters between people by likening them to a single thread.
Created in 1992, it has been loved across generations and continuously sung as a wedding song.
Many older adults have likely heard it at least once.
In 1998, it was used as a TV drama theme song, which made it even more widely known.
Its delicate lyrics resonate with many people.
By singing this song, older adults may be able to look back on precious memories with the many people they have met over the years.
Forever with youKayama Yūzō
This piece is known as one of Yuzo Kayama’s signature songs.
Its lyrics about two people’s eternal love are deeply moving.
Released in December 1965, it became a massive hit, selling over three million copies.
It was also used as the theme song for the film “Young Guy with an Electric Guitar,” which boosted its popularity even further.
The song was performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen four times.
Many seniors will likely feel nostalgic, remembering it as a song from their youth.
This heartwarming track brings back memories of happy times between lovers.
It’s especially recommended for listening at dusk.
Voices of InsectsMonbushō shōka
First published in 1910 in the Elementary School Reader Songs, this Ministry of Education song is still included in the second-grade curriculum guidelines more than 100 years later.
Do you know the insects that appear—the pine cricket (matsumushi), the bell cricket (suzumushi), and the ones that come after? In fact, the next insect was originally the kirigirisu, but in 1932 it was changed to the kōrogi (cricket)! It’s said the change was made because kirigirisu was an old term that referred to kōrogi.
Even among older generations, you might find people divided into the “kirigirisu camp” and the “kōrogi camp.”
Izakayaitsuki hiroshi, kinomi nana
November, the autumn of the arts.
How about feeling the season by joyfully singing with someone? This song, Izakaya, is a collaboration by Nana Kinomi and Hiroshi Itsuki, released in 1982.
The lyrics are by Yū Aku, and the composition is by Katsuo Ōno, also known for Taiyō ni Hoero! The lyrics depict a fleeting, ordinary night shared by two people who meet at an izakaya.
The moody melody invites you to picture the scenes in the song.
Be sure to try singing it together with friends!
Stay by my side even after autumnMinamino Yoko
Yoko Minamino’s “Stay with Me After Autumn” is a heartwarming autumn love song released in October 1988.
The poignant feelings in the line “I love you… I love you… don’t leave me” overlap with autumn scenery, creating a gently wistful mood.
It was also used in a commercial and resonated with many people.
For older listeners, it may bring back memories of youthful romance.
Listening during the autumn foliage season can deepen the emotion even more.
Why not sing it at a relaxed pace while feeling the bond with someone special?