[For Seniors] September Song Special: Introducing Nostalgic Classics and Children’s Songs that Evoke Autumn

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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Bright Red Autumnsakushi: satsuma tadashi / sakkyoku: kobayashi hideo

Bright Red Autumn [Chorus] by Sunflower ×12 with Lyrics

Within very few words, this deeply evocative song projects scenery and speculation, even the passage of time and friendship.

The lyrical world crafted by Mr.

Tadashi Satsuma aligns beautifully with the melody by Mr.

Hideo Kobayashi.

While singing of autumn plants, it rhymes simply, presents the scene in the first half, and ends with surreal speculation—lyrics with a superb sense, reminiscent of French literature! Might the time depicted in this song be evening? Many listeners may be reminded of childhood by the rich image of savoring the turning of the seasons together with friends.

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Masuda Bunka

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Rindō PassShimakura Chiyoko

Rindō Pass

We would like to introduce a classic by Chiyoko Shimakura that’s perfect for the autumn season.

Its poignant lyrics, depicting an older sister getting married around the time when gentian flowers bloom, truly resonate.

Released in 1955, this song is known as her second single following her debut.

Because it centers on gentian—an iconic flower of autumn—it’s a great choice to sing with older adults.

Singing while picturing the scenes in the lyrics can stimulate and activate the brain.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to enjoy in a calm mood.

Why not savor the feeling of autumn along with fond memories?

Moonlit Night over the Great Tone RiverTabata Yoshio

Otone Moonlit Night — Yoshi-o Tabata

With its wistful melody and heartwarming lyrics, this song is likely to resonate with many older adults.

The lyrics tell the story of a character from the Tenpō Suikoden, as depicted in kōdan and naniwabushi narratives.

Later on, Haruo Minami also sang a song themed around the same figure.

“Ootone Zukiyo” was released in 1939 and is known as one of Yoshio Tabata’s signature works.

How about singing it together with seniors at an autumn event? Through the song, even older adults who find it difficult to sense the changing seasons might be able to feel the arrival of autumn.

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

I found a little sign of autumn.

Even in September, when the heat still lingers, autumn scenes gradually begin to spread through nature, don’t they? This is the perfect time to listen to “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (“I Found a Little Autumn”) while savoring those moments when you suddenly notice autumn’s arrival.

The lyrics were written by Hachiro Sato, who also wrote “Ringo no Uta” (“The Apple Song”), and the music was composed by Yoshinao Nakada, known for the children’s song “Medaka no Gakkō” (“The Killifish School”).

The song’s lyrics depict glimpses of autumn discovered in quiet, everyday moments.

Why not listen to it while looking for signs of autumn during seasonal events or on a stroll?

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SAKI

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Song of AutumnSakushi sakkyoku: Mine Akira

[Piano Accompaniment] Autumn Song / With Vocals Version / Children’s Song / Nursery Rhyme / Royalty-Free Video

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.