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.
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- Autumn songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
- [2026] Songs to listen to in November: masterpieces of late autumn, autumn songs.
- [Autumn Classics] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October: A Curated Selection of Beloved, Heartfelt Hits
- A Guide to Classic Autumn Songs to Sing at Karaoke in October
- [1980s J-Pop] Popular winter songs: from chart-toppers to hidden gems!
- Feeling Autumn: Fall Commercial Songs — A Special Feature on Popular CM Tracks
- [2026] A collection of autumn songs for people in their 50s. Showa-era classics that bring back memories of those days
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Songs to Listen to in September: Popular J-POP Tracks That Capture the End of Summer and Early Autumn
- [2026] Autumn Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic Tracks Perfect for the Deepening Fall
- From bittersweet tracks to party anthems: fall songs recommended for Gen Z
Autumn songs that were hits in the ’80s: Japanese masterpieces and popular tracks (21–30)
Before winter comeskamifūsen
This is the seventh single by the folk duo Kamifusen, formed by former members of the folk group Akaitori, which disbanded in 1974.
Still energetically active today mainly in the Kansai region, Kamifusen released this song, which was used in an Osaka Gas commercial and became a major hit, even appearing in school music textbooks.
Its ensemble, sprinkled with memorable phrases, and the beautiful harmonies unique to a married duo linger in the ear, blending with the nostalgic air of autumn.
A timeless classic autumn song, it poignantly captures the heartache of being unable to forget a former lover.
Blue NovemberKisugi Takao
A mellow ballad that portrays a bittersweet love, this is an autumn classic delivered by Takao Kisugi.
The lyrics—singing of jade-green memories and the long nights of fall—leave a strong impression.
The lingering attachment and loneliness for a love that has passed are expressed beautifully.
This piece was included on the album “With Time,” released in November 1988, and was issued as a single the following year.
It was also used in a Dai-ichi Life commercial, resonating with many people.
Highly recommended for those spending long autumn nights alone or those troubled by love.
Why not surrender yourself to its gently permeating melody?
September RainŌta Hiromi
Hiromi Ohta is a singer also known for hit songs like “Momen no Handkerchief” and “Akai High Heels.” This song, “September Rain,” was released in 1977 as her ninth single.
The lyricist and composer are Takashi Matsumoto and Kyohei Tsutsumi, the same team behind Ohta’s debut song “Amadare.” When Ohta sings the lyrics, which depict a heartrending love, her gentle voice makes the sadness even deeper.
The opening of the chorus is particularly striking, conveying a sense of a woman’s inner strength.
It’s an autumn classic that makes you hear the chill of the rain alongside a love growing cold.
Photographs of SeptemberYamamoto Tatsuhiko
A classic autumn song released by Tatsuhiko Yamamoto in October 1982.
Featured on the album “Taiyo ga Ippai,” this ballad centers on bittersweet memories of love.
The September breeze awakens recollections of summer gone by, delicately portraying scenes of looking back on a lost romance.
Its simple yet resonant melody and the past emotions likened to photographs are particularly striking.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at an autumn dusk, lost in thought by the window.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the poignancy of love and the passage of time.
The Koshu Highway is already in autumn.RC sakuseshon
“Kōshū Kaidō wa Mō Aki na no sa” is a song by RC Succession, the rock band fronted by Kiyoshiro Imawano.
It was included on their third album, Single Man, released in 1976, alongside the classic “Slow Ballad.” Although uncredited on the album, members of the American funk band Tower of Power and Godiego’s keyboardist Mickey Yoshino took part in the recording.
The contrast between the wistful sound at the beginning and the rock vibe in the middle section is fascinating—give it a listen!
Melancholy CasablancaGō Hiromi
A song by Hiromi Go released in July 1982.
It was featured in a Suntory “Akadama Punch” commercial and became a major talking point.
It reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and ranked 14th on the 1982 year-end chart.
It also finished 8th on The Best Ten’s year-end ranking, showcasing its immense popularity at the time.
The song centers on lost love and the melancholy of reminiscing, with lyrics reminiscent of the film Casablanca.
Hiromi Go’s heartrending vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a perfect track for those who want to immerse themselves in memories of romance.
Island in SeptemberIse Shozo
A classic song that paints a nostalgic autumn scene.
Released in September 1984, this track features a gentle melody infused with folk-pop elements.
The lyrics, expressing the bittersweet feelings at summer’s end, showcase Shozo Ise’s highly sensitive poetic touch.
Vivid depictions of a cobalt-blue sky and sea, as well as the Milky Way, create a dreamlike atmosphere.
The song is included on the album “Rias-shiki no Koi” and holds an important place in Ise’s solo career.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel a warm, soul-soothing comfort on a quiet autumn night.
actressMurashita Kōzō
Kozo Murashita is a singer-songwriter who has left behind numerous masterpieces with his wistful lyrics and catchy melodies.
Thanks in part to the recent revival boom, he’s now reasonably well recognized among younger listeners too.
Among his works, the piece that perfectly matches the mood of autumn is this track included on the album Hanazakari, released in December 1984.
Its lyrics, which depict the feelings of a woman facing heartbreak and a turning point in life, are striking, and together with the delicate melodic lines, resonate deeply with listeners.
Portraying the process of self-transformation after a broken romance, this song is one that people at any stage of life can relate to.
Farewell… SummerTahara Toshihiko
Toshihiko Tahara’s song released in 1983 is a classic that captures the bittersweet feeling at summer’s end.
Set to a melody influenced by idol pop and city pop, the lyrics about a summer farewell really resonate.
You can feel Tahara’s desire to express the emotions of the youth of that time.
Known as one of his signature tracks, it comes from an artist who achieved twelve No.
1 hits on the Oricon chart.
It’s perfect listening for the season when summer is fading—an ideal song for those who want to relive their youth or who are carrying a wistful love in their hearts.
Autumnotoko
“Autumn,” sung by Otokogumi, a four-member rock band from Johnny & Associates, is a rock tune themed around parting.
Released in 1988 as their second single, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart.
True to Otokogumi’s concept as an authentic rock band, “Autumn” features a tough, cool rock sound.
A ballad version of “Autumn” is included as the B-side of their third single, “TIME ZONE,” so be sure to compare the two!