[For Seniors] Heartwarming Winter Classics: A Cozy Moment with Nostalgic Kayōkyoku and Traditional Songs
In the season when winter’s chill seeps into our bones, the gentle strains of familiar songs quietly stay close to the heart.
Listening to classic Showa-era hits and nostalgic school songs in the crisp, dignified air has a mysterious power to wrap the heart in warmth.
Winter melodies woven with the cold of the north, the stirrings of love, and feelings for one’s hometown will surely resonate deeply with older adults.
Here, we introduce heartwarming winter classics that you can enjoy together with seniors.
It’s lovely to spend time reminiscing as you chat, and just as lovely to close your eyes and sink into the lyrics.
How about spending a leisurely time with these timeless winter songs?
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[For Seniors] Winter Classics That Touch the Heart: A Warming Moment with Nostalgic Kayōkyoku and Traditional Songs (1–10)
coniferNEW!Goro Noguchi
This is a song released by Goro Noguchi in 1976 that overlays the bittersweetness of winter love with snowy scenery.
The lyrics were written by Kotaro Aso and the music composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi, and it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Like a dignified conifer standing tall, it portrays a man who continues to care for his former lover even after their breakup, where sadness and kindness intersect.
The contrast between strength that does not wither in the cold wind and sighs as cold as snow is striking.
With this work, Goro Noguchi won the Vocal Performance Award at the Japan Record Awards, and he also performed it on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Why not listen to it while recalling an old romance or picturing a winter scene? It can also be a great prompt to share memories with fellow residents at the facility.
City LightsMasaaki Sakai
A song by Masakazu Sakai that feels warmly comforting, as if gently staying by your side when your heart tends to sink on long winter nights.
Released in 1973, this track sings about the importance of sensing each other’s kindness and love—like a glimpse of city lights seen amid loneliness and solitude.
In the winter season, when you long for human warmth, why not listen to it with someone special and reaffirm your bond and warmth together? The message woven into this song will continue to resonate in many hearts across generations.
wintering swallowMasako Mori
Counted among Masako Mori’s signature songs, this piece centers on the theme of a winter swallow and portrays a woman consumed by an unrequited love.
The lyrics, which evoke the cry of a swallow out of season, leave a strong impression.
More than picture-perfect happiness, the heroine longs for a love that burns out, wishing even to share its pain—her poignant feelings are deeply moving.
Performed at events like NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, the song has remained beloved for many years since its release.
It’s a classic that’s perfect for listening on a winter night.
[For Seniors] Winter Classics That Touch the Heart: A Warming Moment with Nostalgic Kayōkyoku and Songs (11–20)
Winter nightsong
“Winter Night” is a traditional Japanese children’s song that portrays winter scenery and the warm togetherness of family.
The lyrics depict a family gathered around a lamplight, with father and mother telling stories to their children.
The contrast between the blizzard outside and the warmth inside the home is striking.
Composed as part of education in the Meiji era, the song was published in 1912 as a Ministry of Education song.
Beloved across generations, it was also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from 1968 to 1969, and has long been cherished as a classic winter piece in Japan.
Often sung in music classes, it’s a wonderful song for the whole family to sing together.
May your winter evenings be filled with heartwarming harmonies.
A Journey Through Wind and SnowSaburō Kitajima
Set against the harshness of winter, this moving song portrays a man’s journey and way of life.
Saburō Kitajima’s powerful vocals vividly depict a man who keeps playing the shamisen amid falling snow.
Released in September 1980, the single sold a total of 2.
5 million copies and won the 1st Masao Koga Memorial Music Award.
It was performed multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen starting in its release year, and in 1981 it even closed the show, cementing its status as a classic that resonates with many.
This piece conveys human resilience that won’t yield to the cold of winter and a fervent passion for music.
Listening to it with older adults may help you share in life’s hardships and joys together.
snow camelliaSachiko Kobayashi
Sachiko Kobayashi’s “Yukitsubaki” is her 43rd single, released in June 1987, and it is an especially meaningful song for her.
The lyrics, which express her feelings for her mother who raised her with great care despite many hardships, are sure to move listeners.
Kobayashi has performed the song multiple times on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen and cherishes it so much that she calls it her “treasure.” It is a beloved winter classic whose lyrics evoke a cold winter landscape while conveying a message that warms the heart.
rime iceYukio Hashi
This is a classic song that portrays the chill of winter and the heartache of lost love.
It conveys the lingering attachment to a love that vanished as fleetingly as rime ice, and the sorrow of still loving that person while not even knowing where they are.
Released on October 5, 1966, it was issued as Yukio Hashi’s 84th single.
It won the 8th Japan Record Award, marking Hashi’s second time receiving the grand prize.
Recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or who want to reflect on memories with someone dear.
Listening with older adults may also inspire warm reminiscence of days gone by.