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)
wild chrysanthemumNEW!Lyrics by Nobuo Ishimori / Music by Nobuo Ishimori
This is a 1942 children’s song with lyrics by Nobuo Ishimori and music by Kan’ichi Shimofusa.
It charmingly depicts the pale purple wild chrysanthemums blooming in an autumn field.
The first verse portrays the delicate figure of the quietly blooming flowers; the second presents a peaceful scene of an insect alighting on a blossom; and the third conveys a warm wish for the flowers to keep blooming even when the cold winter arrives.
With its relaxed tempo and easy-to-sing melody, it’s well suited for singing together at gatherings of older adults.
If you come across wild chrysanthemums on an autumn stroll, think of this piece and savor the changing of the seasons.
Desert of the MoonNEW!Lyrics by Masao Kato / Music by Suguru Sasaki
Beloved as a children’s song, this work was created by poet and painter Masao Kato, who produced the poem together with accompanying illustrations.
After its publication in a magazine in 1923, composer Suguru Sasaki set it to music, and it came to be widely sung.
It depicts a prince and princess riding a camel, quietly traveling across moonlit sands, unfolding a fantastical and beautiful world.
Its wistful melody gently accompanies the reflective mood of autumn.
Why not spend a moment singing it together and sharing nostalgic memories? It is a somewhat romantic, unforgettable autumn classic.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.