[For Seniors] Crowd-Pleasers! Recommended Songs Everyone Can Enjoy Together in October
At senior care facilities and similar settings, let’s try singing songs that reflect the season.
This time, we’ll introduce songs with an October theme.
We’ve chosen a wide range, from children’s songs to popular tunes.
Some seniors may recall singing them in childhood or hearing them after entering the workforce.
From there, conversations may naturally expand.
Singing also helps with oral exercises.
Even those who are reluctant to sing can still enjoy participating in the recreation through hand clapping and other activities—there are many ways to have fun.
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[For Seniors] Lively! Recommended Songs Everyone Can Enjoy in October (1–10)
autumn leaves
The song “Momiji,” with lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano and music by Teiichi Okano, depicts the beauty of autumn foliage, just as its title suggests.
It is said that Takano was moved by the view of the autumn leaves from Kumanodaira Station on the Shinetsu Main Line at Usui Pass—now a discontinued line—and composed the piece.
Since it was included in Elementary School Songs (2) for the former national curriculum, many older people likely remember singing it in their grade school days.
Just listening to it conjures up vivid scenes of beautiful autumn leaves, doesn’t it? It’s also a round that can be enjoyed in canon, so be sure to try singing it together.
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.
red dragonfly
Listening to songs like nursery rhymes and traditional school songs that evoke memories of the past is called reminiscence therapy and is effective for preventing dementia.
Also, actually singing out loud activates the prefrontal cortex and is said to help improve memory.
“Red Dragonfly” (Akatombo) is a nursery rhyme that continues to be loved across generations, from children to adults.
Its nostalgic lyrics conjure up images of red dragonflies darting across the evening sky.
In addition to listening to or singing the song, it’s also fun to make a quiz by leaving blanks in parts of the lyrics and having people fill them in—highly recommended for getting everyone involved.
[For Seniors] Lively and Fun! Recommended Songs Everyone Can Enjoy Together in October (11–20)
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.
pine cone
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.
Tokyo Olympic Ondo
Released as a cheering song for the Tokyo Olympics, this piece is widely known through Haruo Minami’s singing.
Composed in Japan’s traditional ondo style, it expresses the joy of people around the world being connected through the Olympics.
It was released in 1963 and became extremely popular among the public at the time.
The lyrics, reflecting Japanese culture and tradition, convey the festive spirit of the Olympics to listeners.
For older generations, it may overlap with memories of their youth.
If everyone sings along and claps in rhythm, it’s sure to make for a fun time.
Voices of Insects
First published in 1910 in the Elementary School Reader Songs, this Ministry of Education song is still included in the second-grade curriculum guidelines more than 100 years later.
Do you know the insects that appear—the pine cricket (matsumushi), the bell cricket (suzumushi), and the ones that come after? In fact, the next insect was originally the kirigirisu, but in 1932 it was changed to the kōrogi (cricket)! It’s said the change was made because kirigirisu was an old term that referred to kōrogi.
Even among older generations, you might find people divided into the “kirigirisu camp” and the “kōrogi camp.”