Autumn songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
There are many expressions like “the autumn of ____,” but for those of you who’ve come here, I’m guessing “the autumn of music” comes first.
In this article, I’ve put together a collection of autumn songs that were hits in the 1990s! From ballads that perfectly match a scene of dancing autumn leaves to pop tunes with a nostalgic vibe, it’s a playlist packed with the essence of the ’90s.
I think you’ll discover songs that naturally bring back memories of those days when you listen! Please enjoy it to the end!
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Autumn songs that were hits in the ’90s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (11–20)
loverSHAZNA
A poignant love song by SHAZNA, an indispensable presence when talking about the visual kei scene of the ’90s.
Released as a single in October 1998, the track was featured in a JT “Foaming Café au Lait” commercial and used as a TV program ending theme.
It was also included on the album Pure Hearts.
As the seasons shift from autumn to winter, the feelings one holds for a loved one… that fleeting emotion tightens around the heart.
Listening to it in this season when we long for connection may deepen your feelings for someone special even more.
Shonan SeptemberSazan Ōrusutāzu
Southern All Stars are often associated with summer, but they also have plenty of masterpieces perfect for autumn listening.
This track is a bittersweet, AOR-style ballad set in Shonan.
Included on the album “Sakura,” released in October 1998, its distinctly ’90s sound stirs a sense of nostalgia.
The lyrics depict memories of a bygone love—not just a beautiful recollection, but an honest portrayal of desires and humiliation, which makes it all the more poignant.
It’s the perfect number for those moments when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood by the seaside, with the clamor of summer fading into the distance.
Autumn SongŌe Senri
A nostalgic autumn classic by singer-songwriter Senri Oe.
I’m drawn to the lyrics that capture everyday scenes, like the cicadas that signal the end of summer and the chill of the wind you feel as you pedal a bike.
This song is one of the double A-side single released in October 1998, written specifically for NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” His conversational singing voice perfectly matches the nostalgic autumn atmosphere.
Give it a listen as you look back on the past.
slideShiina Ringo
This song, brimming with Shiina Ringo’s signature style, portrays a fragile, precariously balanced relationship between a man and a woman.
Originally released in May 1998 as the B-side to her debut single “Koufukuron” (A View of Happiness), it was later included on the album “Watashi to Houden.” The vocals—languid yet earnest—and the melody, which seems to render emotional tremors directly into sound, leave a strong impression.
The two protagonists, sensing the end yet unable to touch the heart of the matter, evoke the wistful atmosphere of autumn, when one longs for human warmth.
Be sure to follow the story woven through the lyrics.
Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long AgoMy Little Lover
A signature hit of the ’90s by My Little Lover, it’s the beautiful, irresistibly catchy melody line that truly stands out.
Autumn often brings a vague sense of wistfulness, and this song gently seeps into that slightly lonely feeling.
It stirs a kind of nostalgia—deeply moving—so please give it a listen.
THUNDERBIRDT.M.Revolution
This work is striking for the contrast between its wistful melody and powerful vocals.
Released in October 1998 as T.M.Revolution’s ninth single, it was also used as the ending theme for the TBS program “Hitachi Sekai Fushigi Hakken!” (“Discover the World’s Mysteries”).
It has sold over 500,000 copies in total and reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
The track is also included on the album “The Force.” The lyrics depict a being with lonely wings living with love and conviction, emphasizing the importance of connecting emotionally with others while accepting the pain in one’s heart.
Highly recommended for moments of solitary reflection.
Autumn songs that were hits in the ’90s: Classic and popular J-Pop tracks (21–30)
missingKubota Toshinobu
A singer-songwriter with an un-Japanese sense of groove and a soulful voice who performs on the world stage, Toshinobu Kubota’s song is included on his first album, “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” and is widely known as one of his signature tracks across a broad range of listeners.
The lyrics, which sing of a forbidden love, and the heartrending melody feel perfectly suited to the melancholy season of autumn.
Even though it wasn’t released as a single, it’s been covered by many musicians—proof that it’s a timeless masterpiece cherished across generations.
