Recommended winter songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era winter tracks

wintering swallowMasako Mori

wintering swallow

Masako Mori’s “Ettō Tsubame” (Wintering Swallow) is a classic winter song that tells a poignant love story.

Like a swallow taking flight in winter, it portrays a woman’s powerful determination to go to the one she loves, even against the seasons, touching the listener’s heart.

Released in 1983, it won the Best Vocal Performance at the 25th Japan Record Awards.

It has since been covered by many artists and continues to be cherished over the years.

When the cold season makes you want to look back on warm memories, why not listen to this song? Its soul-stirring voice will surely bring back a gentle nostalgia.

Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

“Tsugaru Strait Winter Scene,” known as one of Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature songs, was released in 1977 as her 15th single.

It became the turning point that shifted her from an idol singer to a full-fledged enka artist.

The song won numerous awards, including the Japan Record Awards’ Vocalist Award, and became a major hit.

Its lyrics, depicting the bittersweet feelings of a woman heading north, resonated with many people and have been covered by a wide range of artists, such as Sachiko Kobayashi and Masayoshi Yamazaki.

It has even been sung in Chinese and Taiwanese, showing its cross-border appeal.

Why not give it a listen as you bask in nostalgic memories, undaunted by the winter cold?

Otaru no hito yoMasayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica

Otaru no hito yo

Tsuruoka Masayoshi and Tokyo Romantica’s “Otaru no Hito yo” is a classic that paints the beautiful scenery of Hokkaido.

It richly conveys the winter landscapes of Otaru and the sorrow of parting, stirring heartfelt feelings for a loved one far away.

Released in 1967, the song became a massive hit, selling over 1.

5 million copies and resonating with many people.

For older listeners, it may be a tune that brings back nostalgic memories.

How about listening to it slowly on a winter’s day while gazing out the window? It will surely warm your heart and deepen your feelings for someone special.

snowsong

Snow (♪ Yuki ya konko, arare ya konko) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Children's Song, Ministry of Education Shoka | YUKI SNOW

It’s a famous song that beautifully depicts the quietly falling, steadily accumulating snow.

It was included in the 1911 “Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka” (Elementary School Songs) and was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs” in 2007.

If you sing it together with seniors, it might bring back nostalgic memories of winter.

In fact, many people seem to mix up the lyrics of the first and second verses, so why not check the correct lyrics and hum along while picturing a winter landscape?

winter scenerysong

Winter Scenery (Winter Children’s Song)

“Fuyugeshiki” (Winter Scenery) is a nostalgic Ministry of Education school song released in 1913.

It is a song that celebrates the beautiful scenes at the start of winter, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The way the mist lifts to signal the end of autumn, and the out-of-season flowers blooming under the gentle sunlight, are uniquely Japanese scenes born of the country’s richly varied seasons.

We tend to stay indoors during the cold months, but doesn’t listening to this song make you want to go outside and look for winter scenery? It might also be nice to gaze out the window and hum “Fuyugeshiki” together with older adults.

New Year (Japanese New Year)song

New Year (with gestures) [Japanese Songs / Children's Songs]

“Oshogatsu” (New Year’s) is a Japanese children’s song that captures the excitement kids feel as they look forward to the New Year.

Its lyrics are filled with classic New Year activities like kite flying, spinning tops, and bouncing a handball, and they bring back happy memories.

Since its debut in 1901, it has been loved for over a hundred years.

Singing it with older adults may spark lively conversations as they recall how New Year’s used to be.

With its gentle melody and easy-to-hum tune, why not sing it together and enjoy the New Year atmosphere?

campfiresong

Bonfire – Taki Bi | By the hedge, by the hedge, around the corner—it's a bonfire, it's a bonfire, burning fallen leaves [Japanese Song / Shoka]

Starting with the words “Kakine no kakine,” the song Takibi (Bonfire) is a children’s song that evokes heartwarming memories on cold winter days.

You can almost picture children gathering around the flames as fallen leaves are collected and burned.

Composed in 1939 for an NHK program, this song has long been beloved by many.

It’s perfect for tracing nostalgic memories while sensing the transition from autumn to winter.

Try humming it together with older adults—it might spark lively tales from the past.