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 J-Pop tracks (31–40)
Just a little more… a bit more…ZARD
The women’s vocal music unit ZARD—whose group name was coined from words like “Lizard,” “hazard,” “blizzard,” and “wizard”—released this as their ninth single.
The song was used as the ending theme for the TV drama Lullaby Detective ’93, and its poignant message about a forbidden love really tugs at the heart.
The melancholy piano tones and lyrics that paint a vivid story evoke a sorrow that seems to mirror the autumn scenery fading in color as winter approaches.
With an emotional melody that shakes the soul, it stands as one of ZARD’s signature tracks.
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
One of Kazuyoshi Saito’s signature songs, it’s a famous track that many of you probably know.
The lyrics depict the story of a singer who can only convey his true feelings through song—beautiful words that pierce straight into the heart.
The simple guitar accompaniment and his slightly raspy voice, tinged with melancholy, enhance the song’s allure.
That indescribable tightening-in-the-chest feeling… doesn’t it feel a bit like the autumn season?
Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato
This is the 17th single by singer-songwriter Chisato Moritaka, who showcases her musical sensibilities as a multi-instrumentalist performing various instruments live.
The song was used as the ending theme for the travel program “Ii Tabi Yume Kibun,” and is known as the first single on which Moritaka herself participated as an instrumental performer.
Its heartrending lyrics and melody evoke such a strong sense of melancholy that you can picture the scenery even if you’ve never been to the place.
It’s an emotional number that’s perfect for autumn, a season often associated with farewells.
innocent worldMr.Children
It’s one of Mr.Children’s signature songs, and they’ve been leading the J-pop scene since back then.
The refreshing melody evokes a clear autumn sky, and the lyrics—filled with inner conflict and forward-looking hope—leave a strong impression.
I’m sure many fans felt encouraged by it at the time.
It’s a timeless classic that hasn’t faded, no matter how many years have passed since its release.
Blown by the windElefanto Kashimashi
A heartwarming autumn classic that sings of an unchanging, everyday breeze.
It’s a song by Elephant Kashimashi, released in 1997 as their 16th single.
It was also featured in a Glico Almond Chocolate commercial, drawing wide attention.
You’ll be drawn into a soundscape woven from Hiroji Miyamoto’s passionate vocals and a bittersweet melody.
The lyrics poetically reflect on the passage of time, evoking a delicate sense of nostalgia.
It’s a track you’ll want to play in those autumn twilights, when you find yourself quietly lost in thought.
I am here.Yamazaki Masayoshi
Singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki, also known as a multi-instrumentalist who plays all the parts himself on some recordings.
His eighth single, “Boku wa Koko ni Iru” (“I Am Here”), used as the theme song for the TV drama Miracles, in which he starred, is also known as his biggest hit.
The lyrics, portraying emotions swayed by a bittersweet romance, tighten the heart along with a lyrical melody that evokes autumn.
With its distinctive vocals, it’s an autumn song that colored the 1990s.
Another OrionFujii Fumiya
After The Checkers disbanded in 1992, Fumiya Fujii, who began his solo career the following year, was also an artist who colored the music scene of the time.
Many of you may remember this song as a famous ballad that sings of straightforward love.
While Orion is strongly associated with a winter constellation, this song—written for a summer-themed TV drama—was reportedly titled “Another Orion” to convey the idea of an “Orion in the heart.”
Sumire September LoveSHAZNA
This is a song that became a hot topic when SHAZNA, who had suddenly appeared and was racking up hits in 1997, covered Ippu-Do’s classic “Sumire September Love,” a big hit in the ’80s.
It matches the deep hues of autumn perfectly and can truly be called the ideal fall song.
I love you more than anyone.Furuchi Toko
Singer-songwriter Toko Furuuchi, who established a style often dubbed the “Goddess of Love and Relationships” and “cult leader,” gained popularity with songs that infused J-pop with black music.
Her 7th single, ‘Dare Yori Suki Na No Ni’ (Even Though I Love You More Than Anyone), used as the ending theme for the infotainment show The Wide, is a major hit known as her signature song.
Its lyrics, portraying unreciprocated feelings for someone you love, are likely to resonate with many listeners.
With her transparent, crystalline vocals and the sound of the piano heightening the poignancy, it stands as a quintessential autumn song of the 1990s.
Autumn breezeOzaki Yutaka
When the hot, carefree summer of running around and having fun ends and autumn arrives, do you ever feel a little lonely? This song captures that feeling—something surely everyone has experienced.
It’s a hidden gem by Yutaka Ozaki, one of the defining singer-songwriters of 1990s Japan.
While it conveys the poignancy of the contrast with the radiant summer, it also beautifully portrays the unique wistfulness of autumn.