Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Seasonal Kayōkyoku and Children's Songs

Moonlit Night over the Great Tone RiverYoshio Tabata

Otone Moonlit Night — Yoshi-o Tabata

When you gaze up at the clear autumn night sky, memories of your hometown and days gone by naturally come to mind.

This song, performed by Yoshio Tabata, is a timeless classic that gently accompanies those feelings.

Along a moonlit riverside, the poignant emotions of a samurai longing for his distant hometown and beloved younger sister resonate deeply, carried by the plaintive tones of the guitar.

First released on record in October 1939, the song was re-recorded around 1952 (Showa 27), and has remained cherished across generations.

Rather than a tune to sing boisterously with friends, it’s one to savor alone on a long autumn night, when you want to listen closely to the story told by the lyrics.

Close your eyes, and the scenes of the song will quietly unfold in your heart.

Homesickness on a Journeysong

Song “Nostalgia for a Journey”

Ryoshū (Nostalgia of Travel) is a children’s song that depicts scenes of yearning for one’s distant hometown and family, set against autumn’s long nights and the sky seen while traveling.

The lyrics were translated into Japanese by poet Inudō Kyūkei in 1907 and included in the 1907 Middle School Song Collection.

From the lyrics, one can feel the loneliness of being away from home and a deep love for family.

Inudō Kyūkei imbued the song with his own sense of nostalgia.

Its distinctive melodic line and gentle yet profound tune resonate with many listeners.

Ryoshū is an ideal song to sing with your family while savoring the atmosphere of Japanese autumn.

It invites a time of reminiscing, allowing memories of the past to bloom at a leisurely pace.

Enjoy a wonderful time singing it together with someone in their 80s.

The sound of insectsMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)

Sounds of Insects | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Ah, the bell cricket is chirping

First published in 1910 in the Elementary School Reader Songs and later selected in 2006 for the “100 Japanese Songs,” this is a Ministry of Education school song.

The piece portrays the sounds of insects heard on autumn nights as if they were a beautiful ensemble.

You know the pine crickets and bell crickets, but do you know which insect appears next? In fact, it was originally a katydid, but in 1932 it was changed to a cricket.

This revision was made because “kirigirisu” was once an old term that referred to crickets.

Even among older generations, you might find people split into the katydid camp and the cricket camp.

Talking about that while everyone sings together could make for a delightful time.

Village Autumnnursery rhyme

Village Autumn (Satonoaki) / Opening lyrics ♪ Quiet, so quiet ♪ / Easy-to-read lyrics included [Japanese song, Japanese traditional song]

The children’s song “Sato no Aki” (Autumn in the Village), created by Nobuo Saito and Minoru Kainuma, has been beloved since its release in 1948.

Born out of the postwar turmoil and hardship, the song carries a background of consoling people’s hearts, depicting serene autumn scenes and the poignant feeling of longing for family far away.

Issued as an SP record and later included in music textbooks, it has been widely passed down through the generations, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Songs of Japan.” Set to a gentle melody, it invites listeners to reflect on the beauty of autumn in the countryside and on the feelings of those who lived through wartime.

Why not softly hum this song—rich with historical memory and warm hope—together with someone dear to you?

autumn leavessong

Autumn Leaves | With Lyrics | One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs | Maple leaves on the mountains glowing in the autumn evening sun

The song “Momiji,” composed by Teiichi Okano with lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano, features striking lyrics that depict the beautiful scenery of autumn.

Since its release in 1911, it has long been cherished as a classic autumn piece.

For those in their eighties, it may be a memorable song from their elementary school days.

The beautiful landscape woven by red and yellow autumn leaves evokes the richness of Japan’s fall season.

It’s nice to sing it at a relaxed tempo with piano accompaniment.

As you sing, you might reminisce about the past or share memories of going out to view the autumn foliage.

It’s sure to bring a calm and heartwarming time.

red dragonflynursery rhyme

Red Dragonfly | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Red Dragonfly of the Evening Glow

“Akatombo” is a famous song known for its lyrics by Rofu Miki and music by Kosaku Yamada.

It beautifully depicts gazing at a red dragonfly at dusk in autumn and nostalgically recalling the past, conveying a universal sense of longing that anyone can relate to.

Its appeal lies in its profound lyrics that evoke childhood memories, sunset scenes, and even the atmosphere of the era.

It’s one of the classic pieces that represent autumn in Japan.

Song of the Four SeasonsLyrics and music by: Toyohisa Araki

Song of the Four Seasons | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Those who love spring are people with pure hearts

Under the gentle sunshine of spring, a timeless Showa-era classic resonates deep in the heart.

In Toyohisa Araki’s work, the beauty of Japan’s four seasons and his feelings toward people are exquisitely captured within a warm melody.

Born from gratitude toward nurses during a hospital stay, this piece was introduced on Nippon Broadcasting’s “Aozora Wide,” where it received an overwhelming response, and Yoko Seri’s performance went on to become a million seller.

The tenderly drawn seasonal scenes and the deep affection for friends and family evoke a tranquil passage of time.

It’s a wonderful song that invites you to reminisce and reflect on bonds with loved ones.

Perfect for a relaxing music recreation session for seniors.