Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Seasonal Kayōkyoku and Children's Songs
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of autumn songs that will feel familiar to people in their 80s.
When it comes to songs well-known among those in their 80s, Showa-era hit tunes surely come to mind.
This time, we’ve also included traditional songs and children’s songs, gathering recommendations perfect for people in their 80s.
They range from pieces with friendly, easy-to-sing melodies to songs whose lyrics evoke nostalgia.
Listen to and sing along with the songs we’re about to introduce together with someone in their 80s, and enjoy a wonderful time.
Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Seasonally Inspired Kayōkyoku and Children’s Songs (1–10)
Song of AutumnNEW!Lyrics and music by: Akira Mine
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.
Donguri KorokoroNEW!Lyrics by Aoki Sonetsugi / Music by Yanada Tei
When it comes to a classic children’s song that everyone can hum—one that depicts tumbling down the autumn hills—this masterpiece surely comes to mind.
The lyrics by Aoki Songe were inspired by his childhood experiences in Matsushima, and the story charmingly portrays the protagonist falling into a pond, playing with loaches, and eventually shedding tears as he longs for the hills.
The song was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and its melody is also used as the departure tune at JR Ōme Line’s Okutama Station.
Its simple melody is perfect for a round; layering the voices in a chase naturally creates a sense of unity.
How about clapping along and enjoying it together among seniors while reminiscing about childhood memories? It will be a heartwarming moment.
Because the moon is so very blueTsutoko Sugawara
Totoko Sugawara’s classic “Because the Moon Is So Blue” is a song cherished by many seniors for its lyrics that evoke the poignancy and beauty of autumn nights, set to a lovely melody.
Despite the music market being only about one-thirtieth the size it is today at the time of its 1955 release, the song became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.
It is said to have been inspired by “Suzukake no Komichi” on the Rikkyo University campus, and it memorably depicts two people who meet by chance walking there under the moonlight.
The song also served as the theme for a Nikkatsu film of the same name, and it has since secured its status as a standard, covered by many artists including Yujiro Ishihara and Masako Mori.
It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to on a long autumn night while gazing at the moon and indulging in fond memories.
A café in a student districtGaro
GARO’s “Gakuseigai no Kissaten” (The Coffee Shop in the Student Quarter) is a moving classic where a beautiful melody and delicate lyrics blend exquisitely.
It conveys a longing for bygone student days and a desire to cherish irreplaceable memories.
Released in 1972, it became a major hit, spending seven consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
For those in their 80s, it’s sure to be a lovely cue to remember their youth.
Why not relax, listen to the music, and let your thoughts drift back to those days?
Harvest Moon over Mount AkagiTaro Shoji
Taro Shoji’s “Meigetsu Akagiyama” is one of the iconic masterpieces of the Showa era.
Since its release in 1939, it has been cherished by many, and its lyrics—depicting the beautiful scenery of Mount Akagi and the brave life of Kunisada Chūji—are deeply etched in the hearts of the Japanese people.
Clad in a tailcoat and singing with a perfectly upright posture, Shoji’s majestic voice moved all who listened.
Leading Japan’s music scene from before the war through the postwar period, Shoji’s songs continue to shine without losing their luster.
How about listening to this classic together with someone in their eighties? It will surely bring back memories of those days.
Stars in the night skyYuzo Kayama
Yuzo Kayama’s “Yozora no Hoshi” (Stars in the Night Sky) is a classic released in December 1965.
With romantic lyrics that depict the beauty of the night sky and the bond between lovers, paired with Kayama’s warm vocals, the song truly moves the heart.
It was also used as a memorable theme song for the film “The Young Guy with an Electric Guitar,” and can be considered a piece that symbolizes Kayama’s versatile talent.
It’s the perfect song for gazing up at the night sky and envisioning a future walked together with someone special.
Be sure to listen to it while looking at the stars—it will surely kindle a light of hope in your heart.
Good evening, Mr. Moon.Fujishima Takeo
Toshio Fujishima’s classic “Good Evening, Moon.” Its melody evokes a bittersweet longing and nostalgia, and the lyrics—set in the Japanese countryside—leave a lasting impression.
With an apple orchard as the backdrop, the words speak to the moon as if confiding lingering feelings and deep affection for a lover once shared time with.
Released in 1957, the song is widely cherished as one of Fujishima’s signature works and is still sung today, including at karaoke.
Why not let this nostalgic tune play as you leisurely reminisce? I hope you can enjoy a warm, comforting moment while looking back on the past.