Lovely senior life

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

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

For people in their 90s, many of the classic songs from the Showa era are likely very familiar.

In this article, we’ll showcase a selection of timeless winter songs from that period that we’d love for people in their 90s to revisit.

In particular, many enka masterpieces are themed around winter, and quite a few are widely known across generations.

If you’re reading this, please consider recommending the songs we introduce here to the 90-year-olds in your life, and enjoy the wintry atmosphere together through music.

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

Winter nightsong

Winter Night (Winter Children's Song)

Winter Night Hymn

Many of you may remember singing it in the classroom when you were children.

In keeping with convention, the authorship of both the lyrics and the music for the Ministry of Education song “Winter Night” is not disclosed.

Its first appearance was in the 1912 “Elementary School Songbook,” yet even after more than a hundred years, its melody and lyrics are still admired for their beauty.

The lyrics, depicting family togetherness, contrast the winter cold with the warmth inside the home, conveying a heartwarming scene.

Singing it with older adults may allow you to share nostalgic memories together.

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YosakuSaburō Kitajima

KBD781 Yosaku Kitajima Saburo (released in 1978) 1981 vL

Yosaku Kitajima Saburo

This song celebrates the quiet life of a mountain village and the kindness of its people.

Its powerful melody and heartwarming story, which express Japan’s traditional values and an honest way of living, have moved many listeners.

Saburo Kitajima’s warmly human vocals leave an even deeper impression of that world.

Released in March 1978, the song has remained beloved across generations.

It’s a perfect piece for everyone to hum together during music time at care facilities or to liven up seasonal events.

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What a nice bath.The Drifters

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

Nice hot bath — The Drifters

This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.

The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.

The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.

Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.

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Song of the Four SeasonsLyrics and music by: Toyohisa Araki

Song of the Four Seasons | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Those who love spring are people with pure hearts

Song of the Four Seasons Lyrics and Music: Toyohisa Araki

Under the gentle sunshine of spring, a timeless Showa-era classic resonates deep in the heart.

In Toyohisa Araki’s work, the beauty of Japan’s four seasons and his feelings toward people are exquisitely captured within a warm melody.

Born from gratitude toward nurses during a hospital stay, this piece was introduced on Nippon Broadcasting’s “Aozora Wide,” where it received an overwhelming response, and Yoko Seri’s performance went on to become a million seller.

The tenderly drawn seasonal scenes and the deep affection for friends and family evoke a tranquil passage of time.

It’s a wonderful song that invites you to reminisce and reflect on bonds with loved ones.

Perfect for a relaxing music recreation session for seniors.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a selection of winter songs recommended for people in their 90s.

In particular, among enka winter songs, there are many tracks that enjoy strong popularity across generations.

We hope people in their 90s will take this opportunity to revisit the songs introduced here and savor the feeling of the winter season.