Autumn anime songs: iconic tracks for the deepening fall

Crescendo in the color of withered leavesMizushima Yasuhiro

Yasuhiro Mizushima: Crescendo in the Color of Dead Leaves

You can almost see a scene where the image of someone dear overlaps with the falling autumn leaves.

This song was created by lyricist Reo Rinoshita and composer TSUKASA, and sung by Yasuhiro Mizushima.

It served as the ending theme for the anime Marmalade Boy and was released as a single in November 1994.

Mizushima’s gentle, enveloping vocals further enhance the sentimental atmosphere of autumn.

The lyrics, which depict feelings for a loved one gradually growing stronger, harmonize beautifully with the sound.

In this season when we long for companionship, why not listen closely with a warm drink in hand?

AndanteClariS

ClariS “Andante” Music Video [TV Anime “Spice and Wolf: MERCHANT MEETS THE WISE WOLF” Ending Theme]

An anime song that sings of a new departure, marked by emotionally stirring, beautiful harmonies.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf,” this track is by the popular music duo ClariS—known for numerous anime theme songs such as “Connect” and “Hitorigoto”—and was released in May 2024 as their 28th single.

Its Irish-inspired sound, layered with the duo’s clear, translucent vocals, creates a world with a touch of the exotic.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to on a leisurely walk during an autumn evening.

lapis lazuliAoi Eiru

Eir Aoi “Lapis Lazuli” Music Video (TV Anime “The Heroic Legend of Arslan” Ending Theme)

Its grand, passionate sound pierces the heart.

This song was used as the ending theme for the anime The Heroic Legend of Arslan and is sung by Eir Aoi.

It was released in April 2015 as her 10th single.

The harmony between Eir Aoi’s soaring, powerful vocals and the worldview that depicts a strong will to defy fate and carve out the future is wonderful.

It feels as if it ignites the passion sleeping deep within one’s heart.

I recommend listening to it on the night you’ve made a resolution, while gazing up at the stars.

PrologueManabe Kazu (CV: Fujito Chinatsu)

Prologue

On an autumn evening when the fragrance of osmanthus drifts softly and the sky is dyed crimson, this is the song by Chinatsu Fujitō that makes you want to overlay your heart onto that scene.

It’s a character image song from the TV anime K-On!, expressing the straightforward anticipation for the future hidden within Nodoka Manabe’s calm demeanor.

It’s as if you can see her viewing the present as the prologue to the story that’s about to begin and believing in the person she’ll become.

Released in October 2009 as the single “K-On! Image Song: Nodoka Manabe.” Give it a listen when you want to reflect on your own future.

Moon Riverfhána

fhána / Moon River – MUSIC VIDEO

“Moon River” is a song used as the ending theme for the TV anime The Eccentric Family 2.

It was created by fhána, a band known for blending diverse musical styles, and released in April 2017 as their 11th single.

The lyrics are striking, weaving a bittersweet yet warm story of wandering under the moonlight in search of someone precious.

The grand, evolving sound arrangement is also a highlight.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to dwell on feelings that remain unchanged as the seasons turn.

Walk the wastelandASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Walk on the Wilderness”

A refreshing yet slightly bittersweet power-pop track by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, a band that represents Japan’s rock scene.

This work vividly portrays the sweet-and-sour exhilaration and anxiety of chasing someone you admire and racing through a mysterious night.

Carrying secret feelings in your heart and stepping into the wilderness known as the unknown, it’s a song that will surely give listeners courage.

Released in March 2017 as the band’s 24th single, it colored the story as the theme song for the animated film “The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl.” It’s a number that powerfully pushes you forward when you want to start something new but can’t quite take the first step.

sixth-magnitude starzarame

My Hero Academia Season 7, Cour 2 Ending Non-Credit Video / Ending Theme: "Sixth-Magnitude Star" by Zarame

It’s a perfect song for autumn scenery.

Sung by Zarame, a negative–positive singer-songwriter, it was released as a digital single in July 2024.

It was selected as the ending theme for Season 7, Cour 2 of the anime My Hero Academia.

While rooted in rock, it unfolds with a poignant melody and emotional lyrics that leave a strong impression.

The song reflects feelings for a precious presence that has been lost, resulting in something that really hits home.

When you’re feeling lonely, this track might just save you.