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

I found a little sign of autumn.Sakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

I found a little sign of autumn.

Beloved by children and adults alike, both now and in the past, the nursery song “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (“I Found a Little Autumn”) was written by Hachirō Satō with music by Yoshinao Nakata.

It was created for a special NHK program broadcast in 1955.

It’s often sung as a choral piece as well.

For many older people, it’s a song everyone can sing or hum, isn’t it? Naturally, since the lyrics are about autumn, it’s perfect for November, and the melody, too, evokes the deepening season and a wistful autumn mood.

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utatane

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Red sky at duskSakushi: Nakamura Ukō / Sakkyoku: Kusakawa Shin

The spirit of Japan: Sunset glow, little dusk

A song I’d like you to listen to slowly while gazing at an autumn evening scene is “Yuyake Koyake.” It’s a children’s song that has been beloved since the Taisho era, so many older adults will likely know it.

The lyrics were written by Uko Nakamura, and the music was composed by Shin Kusakawa.

It’s crafted in a way that evokes scenes of children heading home and dragonflies in flight.

It would be nice to listen to it at gatherings of older adults while sharing memories from those days.

It’s an autumn classic that feels somehow nostalgic and a little bittersweet.

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mutō

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campfireSakushi: Tatsumi Seika / Sakkyoku: Watanabe Shigeru

Campfire - Vocals: AI Kiritan, AI Youko (with lyrics)

This is a winter song that evokes a heartwarming scene of everyone keeping warm together around a campfire.

It was introduced in 1941 on NHK’s radio program “Songs for Young Children” and became widely known after being sung on the network’s “The Singing Lady” in 1949.

In 2007, it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs.

The piece is truly a song for children: its vocal range is designed to be easy for them to sing, and the repeated words convey the excitement of children gathered before the fire.

Singing it together may bring back nostalgic memories of days spent warming yourselves by a campfire.

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yuri

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pine coneSakushi: Hirota Takao / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Tsuyae

Pine Cone — Vocals: AI Kiritan, AI Yōko (with lyrics)

Up in the high mountains, a little round pinecone gets picked up and eaten by a monkey! This heartwarming children’s song conjures up a cute scene of a monkey popping a pinecone into its mouth.

With only a single, simple and easy-to-remember verse, many people likely remember singing it as children.

It’s an easy song to sing, so adding gestures and enjoying it as a hand-play song is also recommended! Singing while moving your body might bring back happy memories of running around outdoors when you were a kid.

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yuri

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Seven-year-old childSakushi: Noguchi Ujo / Sakkyoku: Motoori Nagayo

♪ Seven Little Children – Nanatsu no Ko | ♪ Why does the crow cry? The crow is in the mountains ♪ [Japanese song / shoka]

Released in the Taisho era and known across generations as an autumn children’s song, “Nanatsu no Ko.” The lyrics were written by Ujo Noguchi and the music composed by Nagayo Motoori.

The words, which seem to address a crow, leave a strong impression.

Listening to this nostalgic piece can be a nice way to grow closer to others or reminisce together.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to hear against the backdrop of an autumn sunset, with the sky glowing orange.

Since the same melody repeats, even seniors who don’t usually sing can feel comfortable giving it a try.

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mutō

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Donguri KorokoroSakushi: Aoki Sonoyoshi / Sakkyoku: Yanada Tadashi

Japanese Children’s Song – Donguri Korokoro 3D! – Donguri Korokoro

A perfect song for autumn karaoke and events where seniors gather is “Donguri Korokoro.” With its narrative, quirky lyrics and catchy melody, it’s a beloved children’s song.

Since it’s themed around acorns, an autumn fruit, it’s the kind of tune you’ll want to listen to while taking in autumn scenery.

When performing it, adding chorus parts or clapping along to the lively rhythm can be a nice touch.

It can also help seniors bond and spark conversation.

Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Songs, this traditional piece is a great way to feel the spirit of autumn.

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mutō

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The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka

Haruo Oka / The Flower-Selling Girl of Tokyo (sung by the artist himself)

“Tokyo no Hana-uri Musume” (The Flower-Selling Girl of Tokyo) is a song by Haruo Oka, who was affectionately known by the nickname “Okapparu.” The song features a beautiful melody sung with a relaxed tempo and an expansive vocal line.

Another highlight is Oka’s distinctive phrasing style.

The key isn’t very high, making it recommended as a sing-along piece for seniors at nursing homes or day service centers.

It also seems well-suited for children to sing to their grandparents on Labor Thanksgiving Day.

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Yuuki

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