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.
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Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Seasonally Inspired Kayōkyoku and Children’s Songs (1–10)
Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)Hiromi Iwasaki
Hiromi Iwasaki’s classic song “Shishūki” (Autumn of Youth) skillfully portrays the fragility and beauty of adolescence.
As autumn arrives, fading feelings of love and the loneliness and anticipation of stepping into adulthood seep into the heart through Iwasaki’s delicate vocals.
Released in 1977, the piece is a gem from the golden duo of Yū Aku and Takashi Miki.
Set to a nostalgic melody, the lyrics poignantly sing of the transition from eighteen to nineteen—something anyone who has experienced adolescence can relate to.
It’s also lovely to listen to this song at dusk while gazing at the twilight sky.
The Night Wind of the JourneyNoboru Kirishima, Miss Columbia
The 1938 popular song “Tabi no Yokaze” (Night Wind of the Journey) by Noboru Kirishima and Miss Columbia was an unprecedented hit at the time and has remained a beloved classic ever since.
Its appeal lies in lyrics that beautifully portray a man who strides powerfully through life while facing harsh nature, the loneliness of a traveler, and feelings for a loved one.
It is also famous as the theme song for the film “Aizen Katsura,” and the anecdotes from Noboru Kirishima’s performances are fascinating as well.
Many people may find encouragement from this song when they stand at a crossroads in life and struggle over which path to take.
Listening to it together with older adults who have walked a long road in life would likely spark lively conversation.
Falling-leaf drizzleKoichi Miura
Koichi Miura’s 1953 release “Ochiba Shigure” is a classic enka song steeped in melancholy.
You can picture a lone traveler reminiscing about days gone by and a lost love, strumming a guitar through tears.
The song was a major hit at the time and has remained one of Miura’s signature pieces, cherished by listeners for many years.
It’s the kind of deeply flavorful music you’ll want to savor slowly on a lonely autumn night.
For those in their eighties, why not listen closely and let it bring back memories from when the song was in vogue?
Recommended autumn songs for people in their 80s: A collection of kayōkyoku and children’s songs that capture the season (11–20)
Yearning for the ShadowIchiro Fujiyama
Ichiro Fujiyama’s “Kage wo Shitaite” is a masterpiece among masterpieces, with both lyrics and music by Masao Koga.
Set to a beautiful melody, it sings of the aching feelings for a lost love and the lonely heart that pursues the shadow of the beloved.
Since its release in 1932, this song has long been cherished and is truly one of the representative pieces of the Showa era.
For generations who have gone through life’s milestones, the universal message conveyed by “Kage wo Shitaite” is sure to resonate.
On a quiet night, why not listen to Fujiyama’s voice and reminisce about days gone by?
I found a little sign of autumn.nursery rhyme
Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa (I Found a Little Autumn) is a children’s song by Hachiro Sato and Yoshinao Nakata.
Its lyrics convey the joy of discovering autumn through subtle changes in nature and everyday scenes.
With evocative language, it delicately depicts details such as the sound of the wind, children’s voices, and views through the frosted glass of a north-facing room.
Written in 1955 for a special NHK program and recorded in 1962, it has been widely loved ever since.
Its heartwarming melody and graceful lyrics are perfect for moments when you want to savor autumn slowly.
Why not sing it leisurely to a piano accompaniment?
cosmos (flower)Masashi Sada
Sadamasashi’s heartrending classic “Cosmos (Akizakura).” With delicate lyrics, it traces a bride-to-be’s feelings for her mother.
She looks back on childhood memories while facing the hopes and anxieties of a new beginning, and expresses profound gratitude to the mother who has supported her.
The depth and tenderness of the bond between daughter and mother are truly moving.
Released in October 1977 and performed by Sada Masashi himself on March 25, 1978, the song has been covered by many artists and performed multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It is a Showa-era masterpiece.
Sing it with older listeners, and you’ll surely be wrapped in a warm atmosphere as you reminisce about the past.
The House in KakinokizakaKoichi Aoki
While picturing a single tree standing in the garden of their hometown, the protagonist looks back nostalgically from far away.
You can feel the warmth and the bittersweet longing in their heart.
The changing scenes of the family home across the seasons, along with memories of childhood days spent there, are sung to an emotionally rich melody.
As you listen, many of you may find your own nostalgic memories resurfacing.
Sung by Koichi Aoki, this song was a major hit released in September 1957.
Its success led to his first appearance that same year on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a story that hints at the fervor of the times.
It’s the perfect piece to hum on a long autumn night while reminiscing with friends.
Take your time with it, and let your thoughts drift to your own hometown.