[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] Autumn Classics to Sing in November: From Children's Songs to Kayōkyoku (41–50)
Homesickness on a Journeyyaku-shi: inudō kyūkei / sakkyoku: jon pī ōdowei
The song Tabi-shū, long cherished in Japan as a traditional school song, actually originates from the American piece Dreaming of Home and Mother by John P.
Ordway.
The Japanese poet Kyūkei Indō wrote the beautiful Japanese lyrics to the original melody.
Its gently soothing tune—beloved for generations—and the lyrical words that evoke thoughts of one’s hometown and parents on an autumn night resonate deeply with the Japanese heart.
Although it was created in the Meiji era, it is still loved today as a quintessential song of autumn.
It can be enjoyed both as a solo and in chorus, so please give it a try.
The House in KakinokizakaAoki Koichi
This song, “The House on Kakinokizaka,” was a big hit in 1957.
The lyrics were written by Miyuki Ishimoto, the music was composed by Toru Funamura, and it was released sung by Koichi Aoki.
The wistful melody makes the nostalgia for one’s hometown in the lyrics feel even more poignant.
Many older listeners at the time may have heard it, don’t you think? By the way, the “Kakinokizaka” in the title is said to be modeled after Shiomizaka in Hiroshima.
Some of you may have visited it.
Consider adding it to your autumn karaoke repertoire.
Sunset HillIshihara Yūjirō & Asaoka Ruriko
This song, sung by Yujiro Ishihara and Ruriko Asaoka, is a classic released by Teichiku in September 1963.
The lyrics, which capture the beauty and poignancy of the sunset, are striking, and their voices resonate deeply.
On April 29, 1964, a film of the same title was also released, starring Yujiro Ishihara.
Set in Hakodate, the movie unfolds a drama where love and betrayal intersect.
This piece is perfect for reflecting on times gone by while watching the sunset.
How about listening to it with seniors, reminiscing together about memories of their youth?
Before winter comeskami fuusen
After the breakup of the folk group Akai Tori (Red Bird), two of its members—who later became a married duo—began performing as Kamifūsen.
“Before Winter Comes” is one of their signature songs.
Released in 1977, it became a major hit.
The song portrays a romance from summer into autumn, singing of someone you’ve broken up with but still can’t forget; its heartbroken lyrics deliver a poignant ache.
As autumn arrives and the wind turns colder, everyone starts to feel a little lonely, don’t they?
Ringo OiwakeMisora Hibari
Many older people are fans of Hibari Misora, aren’t they? This song, “Ringo Oiwake,” was used as an insert song for the radio drama “The Apple Orchard Girl” and also served as the theme song for a film starring Hibari Misora.
It’s known as one of the biggest postwar hits, and many people likely remember hearing it back then.
Since apples are in season in autumn, why not enjoy this song in the fall? The lyrics include a poignant depiction of remembering a deceased mother, which is sorrowful, but it suits the lonely feeling of the autumn season.
Dango Three Brothersokaasan to issho
There’s an autumn event called the Harvest Moon (Jugoya), right? In connection with that, I’d like to introduce the song Dango 3 Brothers, which is about dango, a food essential for Jugoya.
It was aired on the children’s program Okaasan to Issho, and features charming characters that look like dango.
As the title suggests, the song depicts a trio of dango siblings.
It’s amusing for how it packs in comical, dango-specific details—like how they get hard if left out.
It’s a great pick if you’re looking for a song that will make you laugh.
Eat some sushi!Shibugakitai
Shibugakitai’s “Sushi Kuine!” is the kind of song that makes you crave sushi as soon as you hear it.
Released in 1986, it was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and about two months after its release, an English version titled “OH! SUSHI” also came out.
Even though winter is on the way, November—with its brilliant autumn foliage—still feels very much like peak fall.
And autumn means hearty appetites! Listening to a song that mentions so many different kinds of sushi is sure to make even older adults feel hungry, don’t you think? Let’s boost our energy for the coming cold winter with a fun song and some delicious sushi!
