Autumn songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic fall tunes and recommended popular tracks.
From the 1990s, when CDs sold like hotcakes, into the 2000s, when the shift to digital gradually took hold.
As more people began enjoying music on digital music players, cell phones, and YouTube, the music industry truly entered a turning point.
In this article, we’ll introduce hit autumn songs from the 2000s, a time when the way we listened to music began to change.
We’ve gathered a variety of tracks—from songs that evoke the slightly wistful mood of fall to tunes many people downloaded to their phones.
You might just reunite with the songs that colored your youth.
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Autumn songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic autumn tunes and recommended popular tracks (21–30)
the red threadKobukuro
A moving masterpiece by Kobukuro that portrays a year of overcoming misunderstandings and anxieties with a lover, leading to a renewed affirmation of their bond.
Over roughly seven minutes, not a single line repeats, and the lyrics vividly evoke the characters’ delicate emotions.
It pairs with the slightly lonely atmosphere of autumn, likely to stir a sentimental mood.
The song was used in a Nippon Life commercial and is also known for being covered by actress Yui Aragaki in October 2008.
A gem of a ballad that pierces the heart with the preciousness of believing.
Always RemainKubota Toshinobu
A song by singer-songwriter Toshinobu Kubota, a leading figure in Japan’s R&B scene.
It depicts a warm love in which a cherished person transcends mere memories to live on forever in one’s heart.
The soulful vocals, expressing feelings that remain unchanged even when apart, melt gently into the slightly wistful air of autumn.
Released as a single from the album “As One” in November 2000, the track was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Hamidashi Keiji Jounetsu Kei.” A 2000s R&B ballad that tenderly embraces sentimental emotions.
Autumn songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic autumn tracks and recommended popular songs (31–40)
Late Summer (A Season for One)Hirahara Ayaka
This is a number in which Ayaka Hirahara covers a classic by Yumi Arai.
With the arrangement handled by Masataka Matsutoya, just as in the original, the poignant scenes woven by the passing of summer and the arrival of autumn are portrayed through a beautiful ensemble.
The loneliness of a solitary season is gently embraced by Hirahara’s warm, transparent vocals.
Released in September 2005 as her ninth single, it was a double A-side with “Inochi no Namae,” which also served as a theme song for a TBS program.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on a long autumn night, reflecting on days gone by.
Shadow (kagebōshi)Kuwata Keisuke
A warm number by Keisuke Kuwata that you’ll want to sink into on a long autumn night.
With a sound imbued with deep respect for John Lennon layered with mesmerizing strings, it unfolds a world that feels nostalgic yet beautiful.
The lyrics depict a scene after the rain, gently staying close to someone dear who is steeped in sorrow.
This piece is included on the acclaimed album ROCK AND ROLL HERO, which won the Japan Gold Disc Award, and it’s also familiar as a Japan Coca-Cola commercial song.
A jewel of an autumn song, perfect for listening while thinking of someone special.
Firefly ~ I will keep on livingMakihara Noriyuki
With a warm, gently enveloping voice that conveys universal messages, Noriyuki Makihara’s songs resonate deeply.
Like a firefly glowing softly in the dark, the lyrics portray the strength to live with quiet hope in one’s heart, seeping deeply into the listener’s soul.
On an autumn night when you feel the ache of longing for someone, the gentle melody may feel all the warmer.
Released in February 2008 as his 38th single, this work was also used as the theme song for the film “KIDS” and in commercials.
It’s a warmly comforting number that gives you a gentle push when you’re lost in life or need strength for tomorrow.
Even if the moon cannot be seen tonightPorunogurafiti
This song by Porno Graffitti, a rock band from Hiroshima Prefecture, pierces the heart with its exhilarating sound and wistful vocals.
Released in December 2008 as their 27th single, it is also known as the theme song for the film “BLEACH: Fade to Black.” Created with a strong determination to craft “a new signature song” for their 10th anniversary, it was later included on the acclaimed album ∠TRIGGER.
Set on an autumn night when the moon is hidden by thick clouds, the song portrays the earnest feelings of yearning for someone out of reach, wrapped in an urban, cool atmosphere.
The belief in a light that exists even when unseen aligns perfectly with the anime’s worldview.
Blending digital elements with rock, this track is ideal both for nights when you want to sink into sentiment and for belting out at karaoke.
Excuse, maybeAKB48
As summer draws to a close and a slight chill creeps into the air, it’s the perfect season to listen to one of AKB48’s classic songs.
Set in September, this track captures the sweet-and-sour feeling of being unsure about your love for someone.
Its exhilarating melody seems to give a boost to the turbulent emotions that come with school events like sports festivals and cultural festivals, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
The frustration of pretending not to notice your true feelings overlaps beautifully with autumn’s sentimental mood, resonating deeply.
Released in August 2009, the song became a major topic of conversation because it was performed by the members chosen in the very first General Election.
It became familiar as an ending theme on shows like NTV’s AKBINGO! and was later included on the best-of album Kamikyokutachi.
Why not give it a listen when you want to bask in a slightly bittersweet mood, with summer memories still in your heart?