[For Seniors] Heartwarming Winter Classics: A Cozy Moment with Nostalgic Kayōkyoku and Traditional Songs

Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

Sayuri Ishikawa, who debuted in 1973 with the catchphrase “Columbia Princess.” The song “Tsugaru Strait: Winter Scene” was the one that propelled her to stardom.

It depicts crossing the snow-swept Tsugaru Strait by boat from Aomori to Hokkaido, and gives voice to the wavering feelings of a woman returning to Hokkaido after parting from someone dear to her.

Takashi Miki’s wistful melody and Ishikawa’s rich, resonant vocals make you feel the chill and loneliness of winter with striking realism.

The song became a major hit, earning the 19th Japan Record Awards’ Vocal Performance Prize and reaching No.

2 on Oricon’s year-end singles chart.

It’s a piece that people now in their 80s likely heard many times in their youth, so why not listen to it together with someone special and bask in winter memories?

Snow CountryIkuzo Yoshi

Snow Country

When it comes to Ikuzo Yoshi’s signature songs, it has to be this one.

It’s a masterful ballad in which aching love and the snowscape of the north blend beautifully—Yoshi at his very best.

It topped the Oricon charts and even earned him an appearance on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

You can picture a woman standing still in the snow, nursing the pain of a broken heart while holding close the tender feelings that lie deep within.

Anyone who has spent a lonely night shedding tears under a frigid sky will surely be moved by the sorrow and beauty this song carries.

I think it’s a classic that grows deeper with age.

The Makioka SistersHiroshi Itsuki

The Makioka Sisters

The celebrated song by Hiroshi Itsuki, woven from Osamu Yoshioka’s lyrics and Shosuke Ichikawa’s composition, is a gem that portrays the fleeting nature of winter and the ache of a wistful love.

Released in September 1983, it became a major hit with total shipments reaching 816,000 copies.

Its beautiful lyrics depict the fragile feelings of love—symbolized by “sasameyuki” (fine, powdery snow)—and the sorrow of parting, resonating deeply with listeners.

This piece is recommended for moments of quiet reflection, as if looking back on a past romance in the stillness of winter.

It may also be lovely to listen to with older adults and let memories of the past blossom into conversation.

From the northern innHarumi Miyako

Harumi Miyako / From the Northern Inn (Full with Lyrics) Harumi Miyako / Kita no Yado Kara

A smash hit by Harumi Miyako, renowned for her striking voice and powerful singing.

She is a national icon who led the Enka scene in the Showa era, releasing numerous classics.

Among them, this song is widely beloved as a signature ballad that poignantly expresses the loneliness and longing of winter.

Through the lyrics, you can feel the emotions of a woman spending time alone amid a northern snowstorm—certain to move any listener.

Released in 1975, it won the 18th Japan Record Award in 1976.

With sales exceeding 1.

4 million copies, it is counted among Miyako’s signature songs.

It’s the kind of piece you’ll want to listen to quietly on a winter’s night as thoughts of someone special deepen.

The Winter RivieraShinichi Mori

Winter Riviera

This is a fresh, pop-style song by Shinichi Mori.

When you think of Shinichi Mori, you probably picture enka with a husky, seasoned voice that touches the heart, but in this track, while still husky, his vocals are breezy and light, letting you enjoy a different charm from enka.

Lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, music by Eiichi Ohtaki.

Released in November 1982, it was used in a Suntory Winter Gift commercial.

A man says goodbye and leaves the woman.

That loneliness that wells up so strongly you try to tell yourself, “I’m not sad at all!”—many of us have probably felt it, haven’t we?

Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)song

Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)

A nostalgic melody I used to sing with my grandparents.

This song depicts a warm scene of everyone gathering around the hearth, even amid the harsh cold of Manchuria.

Composed in 1924, it made its way from the Manchurian song collection into Japanese music textbooks and has been loved for many years.

It was also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” so it might be nice to listen to the voices from the 1965 broadcast.

On a cold winter’s day, humming this tune together with your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will surely strengthen the bonds of family.

What a nice bath.Drifters

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

How about enjoying the well-known hot spring song by The Drifters? Released in June 1968, this track was used as the ending theme for the popular TBS program “It’s 8 O’Clock! Everyone Gather!” It’s a fun song that makes you feel like heading to a hot spring, and many listeners say it gives them a boost of energy.

Let this song help you get through the cold winter with a smile!