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Recommended autumn songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era autumn tunes

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of autumn songs recommended for people in their 90s.

In addition to enka and popular songs, we’ve included children’s songs and traditional tunes, so those in their 90s are likely to recognize many of them.

All of the songs are themed around autumnal elements like the moon, persimmons, sunsets, and cosmos flowers, so just listening should let you feel the atmosphere of the season.

If you’re reading this, please consider recommending the songs introduced here to the 90-year-olds around you.

Now, let’s dive right into our recommended tracks!

Recommended autumn songs for people in their 90s: A roundup of Showa-era fall tunes (11–20)

The House in KakinokizakaKoichi Aoki

Kakinokizaka no Ie is a song by Koichi Aoki that overflows with nostalgia.

Set in the specific locale of Kakinokizaka, it gently portrays spring blossoms, autumn’s ripening fruit, and memories from childhood.

Its wistful lyrics and warm melody are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

The song is included in Koichi Aoki’s complete collection and has been cherished for many years.

It’s perfect for a quiet afternoon while sipping tea—you may find that scenes of your hometown and precious memories with loved ones come vividly back to life.

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
Insect Chorus, Ministry of Education Song

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.

Harvest Moonsong

♪ Full Moon on the Fifteenth Night – 15-ya Otsuki-san | ♪ Full Moon on the Fifteenth Night, how are you, dear Moon? [Japanese Song / Shoka]
Harvest Moon Song

“Jūgoya Otsukisan” is a children’s song that evokes Japan’s four seasons and traditions.

Its lyrics, which depict a lonely girl speaking to the moon, hold a sense of hope within their poignancy.

Noguchi Ujō’s lyrical text and Motoori Nagayo’s friendly melody resonate with many people.

The words portray Japan’s nature and seasonal atmosphere, letting listeners savor the charm of moon-viewing.

Singing it together with older adults may bring back fond memories.

red dragonflysong

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

“Akatombo” (Red Dragonfly) is a popular children’s song cherished by many as a symbol of autumn.

Through the image of a red dragonfly glowing in the evening sky, it evokes the nostalgia of early childhood and a longing for things lost.

Since its debut in 1927, its beautiful melody and lyrical poetry have continued to capture the hearts of the Japanese people.

It is often sung in schools and at various events, holding a central place in traditional Japanese music.

For older adults, it may be a song that overlaps with memories from their childhood.

Singing it while reflecting on the meaning of the lyrics could also make for a pleasant and meaningful time.

Village Autumnsong

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

“Sato no Aki” (Autumn in the Village) is a beloved classic children’s song that has long been cherished as a symbol of Japan’s four seasons.

It portrays a quiet autumn evening in a rural village, depicting a homely scene scented with simmering chestnuts, and features lyrics that resonate deeply with the Japanese heart through themes of family love and the changing seasons.

First released in 1937, the song’s lyrics were partially revised and re-released after the war.

Its gentle, soothing melody evokes a peaceful autumn atmosphere that brings comfort to listeners.

For many older adults, it is a song that stirs fond memories and vividly recalls tranquil autumn scenes.

village festivalsong

Village Festival (Japanese Children's Song)
Village Festival Song

“Village Festival” is a children’s song that depicts a festival celebrating Japan’s bountiful autumn harvest.

When you listen to this tune, doesn’t a nostalgic village scene come to mind? It’s said the lyrics have changed slightly over time, but the feeling of celebrating the joy and richness of traditional Japanese festivals remains the same.

On an autumn evening, you might hum this song while gazing out the window.

It will surely warm your heart.

Recommended autumn songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Shōwa-era autumn songs (21–30)

maple leavessong

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

“Momiji” is a traditional Japanese children’s song that depicts the autumn foliage on mountains illuminated by the evening sun, celebrating the beauty of the fall season.

Created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, it has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs.

Known for its simple and beautiful melody, it is one of the songs themed around Japan’s four seasons, particularly praising the beauty of autumn nature.

It is widely used in school music classes and is often sung as a two-part chorus.

It’s a perfect song to sing with seniors—why not sing it at a relaxed pace while picturing the autumn scenery?