[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 Kayōkyoku (31–40)
Tokyo Bus GirlKoromubia Rōzu
This song was written and composed with a Hato Bus tour guide as the model.
In 1958, a film with the same title—a popular song movie featuring a bus guide as the protagonist—was released.
The first verse depicts an eager, motivated bus girl; the second expresses the heartache of seeing the person she likes sitting next to another woman; and the third shows her summoning the strength to carry on after being unfairly yelled at by a drunken passenger.
On Labor Thanksgiving Day, why not listen to it with your grandmother who’s still actively working and reminisce together—“Did things like this happen back then?”—and let the conversation blossom?
Maplesupittsu
Spitz’s songs are known for lyrics that center on bittersweet romance.
Released in July 1998, this track depicts lost love and the growth that follows, resonating with many listeners.
Carrying feelings for a former partner while resolving to move forward authentically, the lyrics are likely to strike a chord with older adults as well.
Issued as a single from the album “Fake Fur,” it has been covered by many artists since its release.
The lyrics, which evoke the transience of life, can prompt a warm look back on cherished memories.
How about listening to it with older family members and letting it spark stories from their younger days?
Bright Red Autumnsakushi: satsuma tadashi / sakkyoku: kobayashi hideo
Within very few words, this deeply evocative song projects scenery and speculation, even the passage of time and friendship.
The lyrical world crafted by Mr.
Tadashi Satsuma aligns beautifully with the melody by Mr.
Hideo Kobayashi.
While singing of autumn plants, it rhymes simply, presents the scene in the first half, and ends with surreal speculation—lyrics with a superb sense, reminiscent of French literature! Might the time depicted in this song be evening? Many listeners may be reminded of childhood by the rich image of savoring the turning of the seasons together with friends.
autumn leavesSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
There are many nursery rhymes and songs that have long been cherished as autumn songs in Japan, and most people have probably heard or sung “Momiji” at least once.
“Momiji” is a Ministry of Education song included in the 1911 publication Shinjō Shōgaku Shōka (Elementary School Songs).
The lyricist is Tatsuyuki Takano, and the composer is Teiichi Okano.
It is a lyrical piece that sings of the beautiful autumn foliage.
With its lovely harmony and melody, it can be enjoyed both as a choral work and as a solo, so why not consider performing it at a recital or similar event?
The Village Blacksmithsakushisakkyokushafushou
“The Village Blacksmith” is a very old Japanese children’s song that has been sung since the early Taisho era.
Blacksmiths have become less common as society has mechanized, but this song portrays the way of life of blacksmiths from those good old days.
It sings of a master who rises early and works earnestly, and listening to it may remind you of the dignity and value of work.
On Labor Thanksgiving Day, why not sing this song for an elderly person who works hard? They will surely be delighted.
[For Seniors] Autumn Classics to Sing in November: From Children's Songs to Kayōkyoku (41–50)
There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu
In November, a month that can make us feel a little lonely, Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ashita ga Aru sa” (There’s Always Tomorrow) gives us hope for the day ahead.
Released in 1963, it has been covered by many artists, including Ulfuls and Re:Japan, and has been loved across generations for many years.
Its lyrics portray the feelings of wanting somehow to speak to the person you like and convey your feelings—perhaps prompting older listeners to recall the bittersweet crushes of their youth.
While it stirs memories of younger days, it’s also a song that gives us the courage to keep living each day without losing to our past selves.
Child of Autumndōyō
The children’s song “Aki no Ko” depicts a variety of autumn scenes.
With many tasty autumn treats like pampas grass, chestnuts, and persimmons appearing, it’s a song that can help older adults feel the season of autumn.
Some people may have actually done the things described in the lyrics when they were children.
While it sings of gentle scenes, there’s also a touch of loneliness and poignancy that fits perfectly with the month of November.
Try listening to or singing it while recalling scenes from your childhood.