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 (31–40)
MissingKubota Toshinobu
This is a gem of a ballad by Toshinobu Kubota, known for his uniquely groovy style, perfect for an autumn night.
It poignantly conveys, with a soulful voice, the helpless love between a man and a woman who care deeply for each other yet can never be together.
The struggle of wanting to forget but being unable to, and the regret of wishing they had met earlier, really hits home.
The song was included on his debut album, “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986, and was used as an ending theme for shows like World Pro Wrestling.
Though it wasn’t released as a single, it remains one of his most beloved signature songs.
It feels like a gentle companion to the quiet loneliness that follows the bustle of summer.
Until duskNimei Atsuko
Released in October 1987, this song is filled with Atsuko Futana’s charm.
Set against an autumn sunset, it’s a poignant love song that portrays the subtle distance and shifting dynamics between two people.
Characterized by elements of synth-pop and island music, the track features a melodic, nostalgic atmosphere that evokes the lingering feel of summer and the arrival of autumn.
Included on the album Fluorescent Lamp, it is regarded as a culmination of Futana’s musical career.
It’s a moving piece that you’ll want to listen to during an autumn twilight.
SeptemberTerao Akira
A classic by Akira Terao that powerfully conveys the emotions of a bittersweet farewell.
Released in February 1987, this song is included on the album “Reflections.” Its melodic, rhythmic sound—rooted in city pop—leaves a strong impression, while Terao’s distinctive voice resonates deeply.
It delicately portrays the pain of lost love and the loneliness that follows, with the September setting—symbolic of summer’s end—heightening the sense of poignancy.
A song that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or are trying to move on from someone important.
Perfect for listening to on an autumn evening at dusk.
Lavender LipsKawai Naoko
Idol singer Naoko Kawai, who skillfully played a variety of instruments such as piano, guitar, mandolin, and synthesizer, also released songs she wrote and composed herself.
Her 22nd single, “Lavender Lips,” pairs a floating, airy ensemble with her translucent vocals in a way that’s irresistibly pleasing.
The lyrics, brimming with feelings for a loved one, resonate with the beautiful scenery of autumn and draw you into their world.
With a hooky beat that mirrors complex emotions, it’s a cute autumn song.
October Weather ForecastUeda Chika
A masterpiece that gently portrays the emotional shifts felt with the arrival of autumn.
Chika Ueda’s soft vocals and a melody infused with city-pop elements beautifully capture the October atmosphere.
Included on the album “Classiest,” released in August 1984, this track leaves an impression with its fusion of synth-pop and pop.
Perfect for those who want to sink into a mellow mood while sensing the change of seasons.
It’s especially recommended for a relaxed listen by the window at autumn dusk.
Crescendo of Fallen LeavesKawai Sonoko
A masterpiece that beautifully captures the wistfulness of autumn.
It flawlessly fuses the essence of 80s idols with synth-pop arrangements.
Gaining buzz as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Yuyake Nyan-Nyan,” it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly chart and No.
59 on the year-end chart following its November 1985 release.
Sonoko Kawai’s clear, transparent vocals vividly portray autumn scenery and the pain of heartbreak.
The track is also included on the albums “Dedication” and “sonnet,” and has continued to be loved across generations.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to during an autumn dusk, in a gently reflective mood.
Autumn at eighteenKikuchi Momoko
A song that symbolizes Momoko Kikuchi’s youth.
Released in September 1986, this track captures a page from the autumn of her eighteenth year.
The lyrics and melody, which fully bring out Kikuchi’s charm—pure and earnest—are striking and won the hearts of young people at the time.
Included on the album “Say Yes!,” the song played an important role in establishing her status as an idol.
It expresses the transience of adolescence and the many emotions felt during the process of growing up, making it a piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
It’s a heartwarming song perfect for listening to on long autumn nights.
Blue PhotographMatsuda Seiko
Although it was originally a B-side single, this celebrated ballad won overwhelming support as a TV drama theme song.
The poignant melody blends beautifully with the world of the TBS drama “Ao ga Chiru,” and it likely remains deeply etched in many hearts.
When it was first released in October 1983, it was a B-side, but due to its strong reception it was reissued as a double A-side, and it held the No.
1 spot on TBS’s “The Best Ten” for eight consecutive weeks.
Seiko’s crystal-clear vocals express pure feelings for friends who part ways upon graduation.
It’s a gem of a song to revisit at life’s crossroads, as you look back on a radiant youth.
September That Came LateMatsubara Miki
A celebrated song that poignantly sings of autumn’s melancholy is known as one of Miki Matsubara’s signature works.
Strongly influenced by city pop, it stands out for its urban atmosphere and delicate arrangement.
Its lyrics, reflecting on a lost love, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
Included on the album “REVUE,” released in June 1983, this track is one of Matsubara’s ambitious works in which she took on self-production for the first time.
Its gently flowing melody and vocals that are both powerful and delicate are especially captivating.
It’s a piece you’ll want to play on a long autumn night, when you quietly sink into your thoughts.
Highly recommended for those who want to bask in memories of romance.
Autumn is burningIshikawa Hitomi
“Autumn on Fire” is a song by idol Hitomi Ishikawa, who debuted in 1978, and it was released in 1980 as her ninth single.
It was used as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo variety show “Obake no Samba,” in which Ishikawa also appeared.
The lyrics, overflowing with feelings for a man she broke up with after a summer romance, are particularly striking and beautifully express a woman’s passion.
“Autumn on Fire” is a song that leads into her hit two years later, “Machibuse,” so be sure to give it a listen!
