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 (1–10)
Stay by my side even after autumnMinamino Yoko
This song extended the streak of consecutive No.
1s on the Oricon chart, continuing from “Rakuen no Door,” bringing the total to eight.
For Yoko Minamino herself, it was a massive hit that became her second best-selling single.
The lyrics capture the feelings of a young woman worried that “a romance that began in summer might fall apart in autumn,” and they fit perfectly with Minamino’s lovely voice, which has a slightly delicate quality.
The way she sang throughout with a wistful expression made her look just like a French doll.
Didn’t Minamino’s outfits often feature very cute, frilly styles?
YES YES YESofukōsu
Off Course’s 24th single, released in June 1982.
Given the song’s style and lyrics, a June release might feel quite startling by modern standards, right? Still, the overall tone, the appearance of the word “autumn” in the lyrics, and above all Kazumasa Oda’s crystal-clear vocals make it feel very much like an autumn song.
But if you listen closely, it’s not really a track that describes autumn scenery in particular (lol).
It’s more like an autumn vibe, an “autumn song,” so to speak.
In any case, I think it’s one of the best songs to listen to on an autumn night, so please enjoy.
Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)Iwasaki Hiromi
Hiromi Iwasaki’s song “Shishūki” (Season of Reflection) portrays a breakup experienced by an 18-year-old girl.
Released in 1977 as her 11th single, it reached No.
6 on the Oricon singles chart.
The lyrics, written by famed lyricist Yū Aku, beautifully capture the feelings of a girl in her youth.
In fact, Iwasaki herself was 18 at the time of recording and became so emotionally immersed that she couldn’t continue singing.
It’s a track brimming with Hiromi Iwasaki’s mature charm—be sure to give it a listen!
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.
