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)
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.
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!
Autumn songs that hit in the ’80s: Japanese classics and popular tracks (41–50)
Summer Time from AutumnNitō Yūko
Yuko Nito, a former idol who made her singing debut in 1987 with “Okorinbo no Ningyo” (“The Grumpy Mermaid”).
Her second single was this track, “Aki kara no Summer Time” (“Summer Time from Autumn”).
The lyrics were written by Keiko Aso, with music composed by Hideya Nakazaki.
The song captures a girl’s cute, heartfelt feelings toward her lover.
As an autumn-themed song, it has a slightly calmer mood for a love song.
It’s about two people who have made it through a summer romance.
Listening to it with your partner might bring you even closer.
autumn and winterMizue Takada
Singer Mizue Takada, who debuted as an idol after becoming the 18th Grand Champion on the audition show “You Are the Star!”, is known for her 22nd single “Shūtō” (Autumn/Winter), a cover song that has been performed by various artists throughout the 1980s.
The lyrics, which depict a lover’s changing emotions along with the shifting seasons, grow more poignant as time moves from autumn into winter.
It’s a wistful number whose melancholic vocals and ensemble stir the heart.
