[For Seniors] Fun Activities That Liven Up Cool Evening Festivals and Summer Festivals

Matsuken Samba II

Classic hit guaranteed to delight seniors: 'Matsuken Samba'—premium level!! [Singing Chair Exercise] Samba Exercise. Perfect for karaoke, exercise, and rehabilitation, ideal for day-service senior care activities!

Let’s get moving to Matsudaira Ken’s signature song, “Matsuken Samba II,” well known from period dramas.

While the song is strongly associated with light, nimble steps, when doing it as an exercise, it’s best to focus on the fun and the rhythm.

Even a simple motion like swinging your hands left and right will engage your arms when matched to the sprightly beat.

By combining choreography inspired by the lyrics with stretches for the neck, arms, and more, you get a well-balanced routine that works the whole body.

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kappamaki

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Awa Odori Exercise

Awa Odori Exercise Basics (Tempo-Up Version)

Awa Odori, the traditional performing art of Tokushima Prefecture.

It’s known as one of Japan’s three major Bon dances, and every August a large festival is held in Tokushima City.

Let’s try a set of exercises inspired by Awa Odori! The actual dance moves the hands and feet in quick, intricate ways and has quite a fast pace, but the exercises introduced here are more relaxed—and you can even do them while seated, so no worries.

Move your whole body with big motions and stretch freely as you exercise.

Let’s power through the summer with energy!

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Araki Jakkan

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Zunpa Ondo: Calisthenics for Seniors

[Senior Exercise] Summer Festival Bon Odori Exercise Dance Compilation Video ① #elderly_care #dance #exercise #exercise_dance #aging_issue #health #stretching #physical_therapist #workout

When it comes to the most famous Bon Odori song… that’s right, “Tokyo Ondo.” Well, it might depend on the person.

You also hear it a lot as the Tokyo Yakult Swallows’ cheering song, so it’s common even outside the Obon season.

Another surprisingly fun one is “Zunpa Ondo.” It has a lot of repeated parts and fun clapping sections, so if you’re looking for a song that really draws in the whole venue, this is my top recommendation above all! Plenty of people have uploaded reference dance videos on video sites, so even those who aren’t confident about dancing can relax.

Give it a try!

Donpan Exercises

Yoko Kobayashi’s Donpan Exercise

Do you know the song where the word “Donpan” is repeated? It’s one of those tunes where, as soon as you hear the melody, you think, “Oh, that song!” It’s fairly well-known, but the composer and original source are unclear; some say it might be based on the “Donpan-bushi.” Using that Donpan melody to enjoy the “Donpan Taiso” could make for a fun performance.

Clap your hands, slap your thighs—make active use of any parts you can stamp or tap.

It’s an easy song to create your own choreography for, and highly recommended.

Gymnastics dance – gentle

Misorah Hibari “Yawara” Gymnastics Dance [Daycare Exercise] [Perfect for Summer Festivals]

June 24 is the anniversary of the death of the original Showa-era songstress, Hibari Misora.

It feels as if it were only yesterday that the entire nation wept when she passed away.

For many older adults, there’s likely a memorable Hibari song tied to their youth, working years, or middle age.

So how about showcasing some exercise or dance routines set to the classic “Yawara” as background music? Of course, it’s fine to use your own original choreography.

Just be sure to weave in some moves inspired by judo, as referenced in the lyrics of “Yawara,” at key points.

Since it’s a gentle, relaxed song, even those who aren’t confident with exercise or dance should be able to take part.