[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.
- [For Seniors] Classic Autumn Songs to Sing in November: From Children’s Songs to Popular Enka and Kayōkyoku
- [For Seniors] Autumn Songs That Touch the Heart: From Nostalgic Children’s Songs and School Songs to Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
- [For Seniors] Crowd-Pleasers! A Collection of Classic Karaoke Songs
- Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Seasonal Kayōkyoku and Children's Songs
- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
- [October Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors!
- [For Seniors] Introducing recommended songs to give on Respect for the Aged Day
- Halloween songs for seniors to enjoy at events: from nostalgic classics to exciting new favorites
- Recommended autumn songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era autumn tunes
- [For Seniors] Songs Everyone Can Sing Together! A Roundup of Recommended Crowd-Pleasers
- [For Seniors] Let’s Have Fun Together! Introducing Uplifting, Energizing Songs
- A Guide to Classic Autumn Songs to Sing at Karaoke in October
- [For Seniors] Popular Karaoke Songs That Everyone Can Enjoy Together
[For Seniors] Lively and Fun! Recommended Songs Everyone Can Enjoy Together in October (11–20)
dragonfly glasses
When we were children, many of us became interested in dragonflies after hearing this song.
The lyrics were written by Seishi Nukaga, and the music was composed by Kozo Murai.
The song’s lyrics, which share the title “Tonbo no Megane” (“Dragonfly Glasses”), are about a dragonfly’s eyes.
They describe how various things reflected in the eyes make their color change or shine.
Many older listeners likely remember chasing dragonflies when they were young.
Why not listen to the song while reminiscing about those days? The lyrics are simple, so it could also be fun to use them as a fill-in-the-blank quiz.
A small nut
Let me introduce a warm song that evokes the arrival of autumn.
Singing nursery rhymes or popular songs can be a chance to bring back memories for older adults.
This song portrays a boy who, holding precious memories of his father in his heart, faces forward and lives on.
Since it was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in October 1971, it has been loved by many people.
Singing it together with seniors may spark lively conversations about days gone by.
Singing also serves as a good exercise for the mouth.
For those who aren’t comfortable singing, enjoying it while clapping along is a great option.
Homesickness on a Journey
This “Ryoshū” is a song from the Meiji era with lyrics written by Inudō Kyūkei.
Although it is known in Japan as a shōka (school song), its original tune is the American song “Dreaming of Home and Mother.” After being included in the music textbook Secondary Education Song Collection, it became widely known in Japan.
The lyrics portray the feelings of a protagonist who has suffered a setback and longs for their hometown, which, combined with the melody, gives it a poignant quality.
Try singing it while reflecting on dreams of the past and your fond memories of home.
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.
365 Steps MarchSuizenji Kiyoko
It is one of Kiyoko Suizenji’s signature songs.
It also drew attention as a case where Kiyoko Suizenji, known for her work as an enka singer, performed a kayōkyoku-style song.
As the title suggests, the piece evokes a march, conveying a positive feeling of moving forward.
It depicts steadily advancing toward the future, and simply listening to it brings a sense of joy.
The lively rhythm of the march is a major highlight, likely creating a fun, immersive atmosphere that draws in everyone present.
The Apple SongNamiki Michiko
If you play “Ringo no Uta” at a senior care facility, it might spark a big sing-along.
Released in 1945, this song is said to be the first hit in Japan after World War II.
Its cheerful vocals and lyrics that evoke the innocent expression of a young girl helped sweep away the postwar gloom.
Even if you’re hearing it for the first time, the upbeat rhythm makes you want to clap along.
In recent years, it’s even appeared in scenes of NHK morning dramas, showing how it’s remained beloved for a long time.
[For Seniors] Lively! Recommended Songs Everyone Can Enjoy Together in October (21–30)
Song of AutumnSakushi sakkyoku: Mine Akira
When it comes to children’s songs that capture the excitement of growth in the autumn season, this one stands out.
Written and composed by Minami Akira, its lyrics are sprinkled with autumn-only details like seasonal clothing, clear blue skies, and fun events such as sports days and festivals.
You can easily picture the children’s lively energy—just listening makes your heart skip with joy.
Its gentle, familiar melody is also perfect for recreation time in gatherings of older adults.
It’s lovely to try a round and let the harmonies ring out while reminiscing about nostalgic autumn events and memories with grandchildren.
Feel the changing seasons with your whole body, and create a warm, welcoming space.