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

Wine Red Heartanzenchitai

Anzen Chitai - Wine Red no Kokoro (Wine-Red Heart)

Wine-Red Heart is a classic song released by Anzenchitai in 1983.

Centered on the theme of mature love, its deeply emotive lyrics resonate with the listener.

Coupled with Koji Tamaki’s vocals, it becomes a piece that strikes powerfully at the heart.

The song was also used in a commercial for Suntory’s Akadama Punch, and it has been loved by many.

It’s a perfect track to listen to on long autumn nights while gazing at the fall foliage.

Older listeners may enjoy it as it overlaps with memories of their younger days.

If everyone sings it together, it will surely make for a delightful time.

LetterYuki Saori

Letter by Saori Yuki

Let me introduce “Tegami” (The Letter), which won the Japan Record Award in 1970.

This song was released by Saori Yuki, known as both an actress and a singer.

As the title suggests, it is themed around a letter, depicting a woman writing down her feelings to a man she is parting from.

The lyrics include scenes of gradually disposing of the couple’s memories, which can be read as various metaphors—one of the song’s highlights.

That said, first listen to it simply and let yourself be intoxicated by her beautiful voice.

Its wistful mood suits autumn perfectly.

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yamamoto

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cosmos (flower)Yamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Cosmos

Momoe Yamaguchi is known as one of the iconic singers of the Showa-era kayōkyoku.

Among her songs, the one that most evokes the feeling of autumn is Cosmos (Akizakura), released in 1977.

Written and composed by Masashi Sada, its lyrics are striking, like a letter from a child to their parent.

It’s a song that captures the bittersweet emotions of leaving one’s family upon marriage, set against autumn scenery.

For older listeners, it’s a great choice to sing while reminiscing about past romances or admiring the autumn leaves.

It’s a richly evocative piece that conjures a gentle sense of nostalgia.

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mutō

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

Yaki-imo Rock-Paper-Scissors (with actions) ♪ Roasted sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, my tummy goes grr~ ♪ [Hand play / Children's song]

An autumn song that gives you a gentle feeling.

In regular rock-paper-scissors, you pronounce it as “choki,” but changing it to the “chee” sound makes it easier to sing and improves the flow of the lyrics.

The song was originally created to help children learn the hand motions of rock-paper-scissors, but it’s fun for adults too, thanks to the combination of hand movements and melody.

It might actually be surprisingly hard for adults to memorize all the moves in just one go.

It sounds fun to sing it over and over while speeding up or slowing down the tempo!

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Masuda Bunka

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crescent moonayaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka’s singing voice is so soothing.

Released in November 2006, this song depicts feelings where loneliness and warmth mingle.

The crescent moon shape feels somewhat wistful, yet it also conveys a sense of hope—that’s what makes it memorable.

It was used in a commercial for the music distribution service “au by KDDI LISMO Music Store,” and it resonated with many people.

It’s also included on her debut album, First Message.

It would be nice to listen to it with older adults as well; it might bring back fond memories.

Listening on a quiet night can gently warm the heart.

Swim! Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato

Swim! Taiyaki-kun / Masato Shimon

When the chill of November sets in, you start craving warm taiyaki, don’t you? Masato Shimon’s “Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun,” released in 1975 and featured on the show “Hirake! Ponkikki,” became a massive hit on CD.

The lyrics tell a slightly bittersweet story of a single taiyaki that escapes from a taiyaki shop and heads to the sea, lives there for a while, but in the end is caught by an angler and eaten.

It’s an easy song to sing, so keep your spirits up by singing it in brisk November—and enjoy some delicious taiyaki while you’re at it.

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SAKI

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Please let me pass.

♪Tōryanse – Touryanse | ♪Tōryanse, tōryanse, what narrow path is this? [Japanese Song / Shoka]

This is a Japanese children’s song whose lyrics are said to have been established in the Edo period.

Two players act as the “ogres,” join hands to form a gate, and everyone passes through while singing.

At the final “Tooryanse” in the lyrics, the ogres lower their hands; the person caught becomes the next ogre and the song starts again.

Some older people may remember gathering in the neighborhood as children to sing and play this game.

Many might also recall the melody from pedestrian crossing signals.

In any case, it’s a song that you can sing while feeling a sense of nostalgia.

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yuri

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