[For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Care Activities and Events! Crowd-Pleasers That Bring Joy

signpostFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Michishirube (Fukuyama ☆ Great Summer Enterprise Festival 2015, Inasayama)

The song I’d like you to sing while reflecting on the life your father has walked is Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Michi Shirube” (Signpost).

Released in 2009 as the B-side to the single “Keshin,” this song was written by Fukuyama with his grandmother in mind.

Just like Fukuyama’s grandmother, perhaps your elderly father also worked hard for his family and showed you the path you should take.

Think of your father’s hardships, hold the feelings he gave you close to your heart, and try singing it on Father’s Day.

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SAKI

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There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu

With Lyrics: There’s Always Tomorrow – Kyu Sakamoto

This song conveys a positive message about moving forward with an upbeat, cheerful melody, and Kyu Sakamoto’s warm vocals make a strong impression.

Even when things don’t go well, it celebrates the strength to never give up, sung with a refreshing voice full of energy.

Released as a single in December 1963, it was also used as the theme song for a Nippon TV variety show.

At the time of its release, it sold over 800,000 copies and has continued to be loved across generations, later even appearing in Kyoiku Shuppan’s music textbooks.

This work is recommended for older listeners who wish to spend a heartwarming moment wrapped in nostalgia.

It would be wonderful to hum along, immersed in memories, while being enveloped by Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle singing voice.

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.

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kappamaki

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A street corner where stars fallSatoi Ito to Happī & Burū

Starlit Street Corner / Satoshi Ito and Happy & Blue: With Lyrics

Set to a bossa nova rhythm, this gentle song captures a quiet night shared by lovers.

Under a star-filled urban sky, it portrays the couple’s warm moments with delicate words.

Though simple, the melody is deeply moving, and the fresh vocals that highlight the choral parts leave a strong impression.

Released in 1977, the piece garnered high acclaim, competing in the 6th Tokyo Music Festival’s domestic contest and winning both the Vocal Performance Award and the Special Excellence Award at the inaugural Osaka Popular Music Festival.

As a mood kayō that showcases choral singing, it’s recommended for older listeners who wish to spend a relaxed time through song.

With the group’s harmonies, it’s a track that lets you sink into memories of your younger days.

Donpan-bushimin’yō

Suddenly, the Donpan-bushi with a folding fan (lol) — Akita folk song / shamisen strumming / Respect-for-the-Aged gathering / shamisen / Oirase

A heartwarming folk song that keeps the traditions of Akita Prefecture alive.

After being chosen as the theme song for the 1961 National Sports Festival in Akita, it gained nationwide popularity.

Set to a dynamic melody played on traditional Japanese instruments such as the shakuhachi, shamisen, flute, and drums, it vividly portrays the region’s nature and daily life.

Its distinctive rhythm and humor-filled lyrics make it irresistibly singable.

At the festival held every August, a rock arrangement is also performed, giving it cross-generational appeal.

Along with nostalgic memories, it’s a song that older adults are sure to enjoy, perfect for singing and dancing at Bon Odori and senior gatherings.

Hanagasa Ondomin’yō

Hanagasa Ondo 🌼 shamisen shamishami 🌼 Oirase Town seniors’ gathering 🌼 folk song/shamisen/Oirase

It is beloved as a traditional folk song that represents Yamagata Prefecture.

At the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival held in Yamagata City in August, many people perform dances to the rhythmic sounds of taiko drums and flutes.

Its charm lies in the lively, vibrant music and the friendly lyrics that sing of Yamagata’s nature and scenery.

The song has been covered by folk and enka singers, used in TV programs and films, and is loved across generations.

This piece is recommended for recreational activities at facilities because it conveys the region’s culture and traditions.

Singing and dancing together can refresh both body and mind and help everyone enjoy a pleasant time.

The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō

The Highland Train Is Coming (1954) — Vocals: Atsurō Okamoto — Japan Kayō (Popular Song) Channel

“The Plateau Train Goes” is a song that has long been loved, especially as sung by Atsuro Okamoto.

Its lively melody and lyrics capture the charm of travel, warmly embracing the listener’s heart.

Released in 1954, it’s a memorable piece that was also performed at that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

For older listeners, it may bring back memories of travels from their youth.

It’s also used as the departure melody at Fukushima Station, so some people might have heard it on the platform.

It’s a great choice to sing together during recreation time, or to enjoy while doing light exercises.

Wrapped in nostalgia, it promises a wonderful time that refreshes both body and mind.