[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] Heartwarming Winter Classics: A Cozy Time with Nostalgic Kayōkyoku and Traditional Songs (21–30)
Traveler of the NorthYujiro Ishihara
A gem of a winter song produced in the later years of Yujiro Ishihara’s life.
The melancholic lyrics, which overlay the poignant scenery of the northern country with the feelings of a traveler, are truly moving.
After its 1987 release, it topped the annual singles chart that year and has since been included on numerous compilation albums, earning its place as a classic winter tune.
It’s a song we especially recommend for the winter season, when loneliness and solitude are easier to feel—perfect for immersing yourself in thoughts of your hometown or someone dear to you.
Otaru no hito yoMasayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica
The debut single released by Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica in September 1967 is an evocative love song set in Otaru, Hokkaido.
Its lyrics, steeped in melancholy, interweave the cold of a northern winter with the sorrow of parting from a lover.
Based on the members’ real experiences, the song is also notable for its beautiful imagery, depicting scenes such as Otaru Station with powdery snow swirling and the shores of Shioya Beach.
It became a major hit, ranking 4th on Oricon’s 1968 year-end chart.
In 1969, it was also used as the theme song for Toei’s TV drama “Kiri no Roman: Otaru no Onna” (Romance in the Mist: The Woman of Otaru), winning the hearts of many.
How about listening to it slowly on a winter night while gazing out the window?
[For Seniors] Heartwarming Winter Classics: A Cozy Time with Nostalgic Kayōkyoku and Traditional Songs (31–40)
Ski SongLyrics: Otowa Shigure / Music: Kōzaburo Hirai
When it comes to songs that evoke images of vast ski slopes and snowy landscapes, “Ski no Uta” (The Ski Song) comes to mind.
Composed as a Japanese children’s song, it was also included in music textbooks.
It depicts the scene of gliding over snow-blanketed ground, resonating with a bright melodic line.
Older adults who have experience skiing may find it nostalgic.
Its lively rhythm makes you want to sway your body from side to side, just like when you’re skiing.
Try singing it together with everyone or clapping along to liven things up.
Silver RoadDark Ducks
Dark Ducks’ “Silver Road” is a heartwarming song that portrays hope and courage.
Through the image of a rugged path battered by winter storms, it mirrors life’s trials and its beauty.
Its uplifting message—that no matter how steep the climb, it will one day lead to a new beginning—makes you feel as if you’re being gently encouraged forward.
The song was a joint release with The Peanuts, and two versions were issued: one performed by Dark Ducks and one by The Peanuts.
On days when the winter chill feels overwhelming or when you’re standing at a crossroads in life, this song can give you the courage to keep walking.
Hymn to the Snowy Mountainssong
Among Japanese shoka (traditional school songs), “Yukiyama Sanka” (Hymn to Snowy Mountains) is counted as one of the most beloved.
Set to the melody of an American folk tune, the song became a huge hit when the Dark Ducks released their recording in 1959.
The lyrics, which praise mountains and nature, are based on the experiences of the lyricist Eizaburo Nishibori, celebrating both the ruggedness and the beauty of mountain life.
It is especially popular among mountaineers and nature enthusiasts.
In its birthplace, Tsumagoi Village, it is familiar as a time signal and as a “melody road,” and it has also been used in tourist information and as a chime on trains.
It’s also recommended to hum this tune while enjoying the grandeur of winter landscapes.
Winter Constellationsong
Keizo Horiuchi, who worked on numerous translations of foreign songs and many school anthems, wrote the lyrics for “Fuyu no Seiza” (Winter Constellations), a song selected for Japan’s Top 100 Songs.
It features a warm melody that evokes the image of stars spreading across the night sky.
The piece was included in music textbooks in the 1940s, so many older people may be familiar with it.
Its relaxed tempo also brings peace of mind.
It’s also recommended to sing it while gazing at the constellations during winter events.
A town where snow fallsHideo Takashima
Takao Akiyama’s “Yuki no Furu Machi o” (The Town Where Snow Falls) is a classic winter song that beautifully portrays snowy landscapes.
The gently accumulating snow and the memories and emotions layered upon it are expressed with delicate nuance.
Released in 1952 and originally created as an insert song for an NHK radio drama, it has been covered by numerous artists and was also featured on Minna no Uta.
Listening to it with older adults may spark lively conversations about winter memories from long ago.
How about enjoying it on a quiet winter night with a warm drink in hand?