Recommended Songs for Nursing Home Recreation [Fun Exercise, Soothing Songs]

Sazae-san

Sazae-san de Taiso: Sitting Edition

An indispensable presence in the manga life of Machiko Hasegawa, the creator of Sazae-san, was her mother.

When Machiko said she wanted to become a disciple of Suihō Tagawa, the original author of Norakuro, it was her mother who offered no objections and worked tirelessly to help; and when her manga didn’t sell, it was her mother who encouraged and supported her.

I truly feel this is what unconditional love means.

Dancing to the Sazae-san theme song also sounds like fun.

It’s nice that it’s a tune everyone knows.

Since it has a lively tempo, creating our own original choreography would be enjoyable too!

Grandfather’s Clock

Nursery rhyme “Grandfather’s Clock”

A classic song that weaves a moving story, it tenderly captures the deep bond between a grandfather and his old clock.

Inspired by a pendulum clock Henry Clay Work encountered at a hotel in England, it was created in 1876.

Its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics make it irresistibly singable for everyone.

Upon release, the sheet music became a smash hit in the United States, selling one million copies, and after being featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it gained further attention through a cover by Ken Hirai.

It was adapted into a film in December 2022, drawing renewed interest.

It’s a perfect song for joyful gatherings, evoking warmth and nostalgia through the feelings for a clock that has marked time together.

Mito Komon Exercise

Activity Care in 3 Minutes Vol.16 [Exercise] “Everyone Knows It! Mito Komon” Gymnastics

This is an exercise routine that moves the whole body to the theme song of Mito Kōmon, a staple of period dramas.

Because it uses a song everyone knows, the music itself is enjoyable.

Despite its powerful feel, the song’s gentle tempo is another key point; moving your body while catching the rhythm helps you generate strength.

Once you get used to moving along with the music, doing it while singing is also recommended, as it is expected to help improve cognitive function.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Flowers will bloom.

Flowers Will Bloom – Flowers Will Bloom Project (with Japanese lyrics)

This song was planned and produced as the theme song for NHK’s Great East Japan Earthquake Project, with lyrics by film director Shunji Iwai from Sendai.

For those who experienced the disaster, it may bring back difficult memories, and it also served as a source of support during the recovery.

There is also a video from the “Flowers Will Bloom Project,” featuring singers, entertainers, and athletes connected to Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate Prefectures.

With its easy-to-understand melody and singable chorus, it’s fun for everyone to sing together.

It’s also recommended as a choral piece for events.

Dance program effective for feet and jointsSAM

[Easy for Everyone] Taught by SAM! A dance program effective for legs, hips, and joints!

Are you familiar with the DVD that teaches a dance called “Easy Do Dancercise”? Rumor has it that among TRF’s DVDs, this one is their best seller.

So, let’s try moving our bodies using videos of SAM—who is a member of TRF—as a reference! With TRF’s songs, the parts you can train vary by track: “EZ DO DANCE” focuses on strengthening the upper body, like the chest and back, while “survival dAnce ~no no cry more~” works the waist and lower abdomen.

It’s great that you can tailor it to the areas you’re concerned about—like, “If you’re worried about your legs or joints…”—so you can match it to your needs.

strollInoue Azumi

[My Neighbor Totoro] ♪ Stroll / Azumi Inoue

As the opening theme of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro, this song is captivating for Azumi Inoue’s clear, pure vocals.

Through the lively image of the main character going for a cheerful stroll, it portrays encounters with nature and the joy of friendship, delivering a heartwarming message with simple musicality.

The song was released alongside the film in 1988.

It’s familiar to many older adults, and singing it with a wide mouth naturally engages the muscles around the mouth, making it a fun way to support health—highly recommended for music recreation sessions.

Let’s all sing together and savor the pleasant springtime mood.

Hanasaka JiisanSakushi: Ishihara Wasaburō / Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazō

Old Man Flower (Hanasaka Jiisan) | Pochi Barks in the Back Field [Japanese Song / Shoka]

Created by Kazasaburō Ishihara (lyricist) and Torazō Tamura (composer), this piece conveys in simple language a story in which good-hearted people eventually find happiness.

Its calm, gentle melody has a comforting tone that resonates with older listeners, and it’s easy to sing along with handclaps.

First sung in elementary schools nationwide starting in 1885, it is now widely used as a music-education resource.

It has also been broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and used as background music for animation and kamishibai (paper theater).

It’s a perfect song for day-service centers and other senior facilities, where everyone can sing together in a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.