Autumn songs that were hits in the 80s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
The Showa-era pop scene produced countless masterpieces—what kind of songs do you like? Even after decades, there are so many wonderful tunes whose lyrics you still remember and find yourself humming, etched in your heart.
Among them, this article will introduce songs perfect for autumn, selected from popular hits of the 1980s.
Whether you listened to them in real time back then or are from a younger generation who didn’t experience that era, please enjoy these timeless classics that will resonate with your heart.
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Autumn songs that were hits in the ’80s: classic and popular Japanese tracks (11–20)
Sumire September Loveippūdō
The look of vocalist IAZMU, whose beauty seemed both masculine and feminine, became a huge topic at the time.
Now, as a “henpecked husband” character, IZAMU is in high demand on variety shows.
Hard to believe this song is already from 30 to 40 years ago.
The intro, which starts with an Asian-tinged sound, was also very striking.
Above all, Masami Tsuchiya’s composition is exquisite! While many autumn songs are about parting, this one dares to celebrate love in autumn.
I can still picture IZAMU spinning around the stage as he sang, as if it were yesterday.
Each AutumnArisu
Alice, known for their wide range covering pop and rock, delivered this song that leans more toward confessional, novelistic folk.
I think many people would say this is their favorite.
The arrangement features Hiromi Yasuda—who has worked on songs by Yosui Inoue and Miyuki Nakajima—and, incredibly, the one and only Katsuhisa Hattori.
That’s quite a lineup! The lyrics, recited calmly as if reading a novel, prompt the listener to recall the ups and downs of their own life.
It feels like a paradoxical kind of encouragement: “Life isn’t all fun—but…” How do you feel about it? It’s an Alice classic that comes to mind when autumn arrives.
Ya Ya (I Won’t Forget That Time)Sazan Ōrusutāzu
A song that’s inseparable from the boisterous, festival-like image of “The Live Kings,” and one that can be called an early signature track of Southern All Stars.
By setting aside their usual intensity for a nostalgic, ballad-like tone, it’s a piece that makes you once again recognize the power of Southern All Stars and Keisuke Kuwata.
Among fans, there’s speculation that “Ya Ya” refers to Mr.
Kuwata’s older sister, or perhaps to a deceased friend—but regardless of such anecdotes, it doesn’t change the fact that this is a masterpiece.
Starting with “When autumn comes, I remember that person who is no longer here,” immerse yourself fully in the world of Southern All Stars!
Street-corner TwilightShaneruzu
Now known by the name Rats & Star, the chorus group formerly called Chanels won popularity with a musical style rooted in doo-wop and soul.
Their third single, “Machikado Twilight,” was used 11 years after its release, in 1992, as an insert song for the film Memories of Tomorrow.
Its lyrics, which depict the growing distance between lovers as the blazing summer ends, evoke a poignant sadness that pairs well with autumn’s melancholy.
Marked by their trademark soulful choral work and a lively beat, it’s a quintessential autumn song of the 1980s.
FinNakamori Akina
An autumn classic that evokes both poignancy and beauty.
Released in September 1986, this song is characterized by lyrics depicting the end of a romance between a man and a woman.
Its restrained, cool vocals and sophisticated, film soundtrack–like production are captivating.
It enjoyed widespread popularity, including three consecutive weeks at No.
1 on TBS’s music program “The Best Ten.” Showcasing Akina Nakamori’s delicate emotional expression, it’s a perfect recommendation for long autumn nights.
A moving song that resonates with those who wish to heal the pain of heartbreak or overcome a farewell with someone dear.
The Moment of Noble RedKunikyo Sayuri
This is the third solo single by Sayuri Kokusho, member No.
8 of Onyanko Club.
Onyanko Club was like today’s Nogizaka46 or AKB48, and of course this song also reached No.
It hit No. 1 on the Oricon chart! In the title “Noble Red no Toki,” the character for “shunkan” (瞬間) is read as “toki.” I remember Sayuri laughing on the show when Tunnels’ Ishibashi teased her, saying, “What does ‘noble’ even mean?!” She was so cute.
By the way, “Noble Red” in this song, I think, evokes the color of tinted fallen leaves.
The lyrics—wishing for “pure love that this romance will last forever”—are by a young Yasushi Akimoto.
As expected!
Signs of autumnofukōsu
When it comes to autumn songs by Off Course, led by Kazumasa Oda, isn’t “Aki no Ke-hai” the one that comes to mind? Released in 1977 as their 11th single, it was a single cut from the album “JUNKTION,” which came out the same year.
Oda’s distinctive vocals and the breakup-tinged lyrics make it an achingly bittersweet track.
According to Oda, despite the song being about a cold-hearted man, he always found it puzzling that it invariably ranked number one in fan club surveys.
Love, my deepest apologies for troubling you when you are so busy.Harayuko
After its original release in 1983, it was reissued as an 8cm single in 1993, made available for download in 2016, and began streaming in 2019—truly a song that has been “loved across generations.” That song is none other than “Koi wa, Gotabō Mōshiagemasu.” The yellow background with a pink caricature of Haru Yuko is catchy, and everything from the typography of the lyrics to the melody is packed with stylish inspiration.
The joyful lyric about “happy days that continue even after summer ends” also connects to the spirit of Southern All Stars, the band Haru belongs to!
Autumn Full StopArisu
Akishifu is the 17th single by Alice, released in 1979.
It was issued as a single from the album ALICE VII, which came out the same year, with lyrics by Shinji Tanimura and music by Takao Horiuchi.
Akishifu reached No.
4 on the Oricon singles chart, while the album ALICE VII topped the album chart at No.
1.
The lyrics, which portray the delicate dynamics between a man and a woman, combined with a distinctly wistful sound, create a track imbued with a sense of melancholy.
It’s a song I especially recommend listening to in autumn!
Embraced by the wintry wind…THE ALFEE
THE ALFEE’s classic hit is a melodic rock song themed around a bittersweet unrequited love.
Lyrics that evoke winter’s chill and a sense of loneliness resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in March 1987, the track was also used as the theme song for the TV drama “Don’t Cry.” It reached No.
29 on the Oricon charts and garnered support from a broad audience.
Its wistful atmosphere makes it perfect for the cold season, offering comfort to those troubled by love.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to savor on long winter nights.