When autumn comes, many of us find ourselves wanting to listen to ballads, don’t we?
Maybe it’s because the sparkling summer has ended and we feel a touch of loneliness, or because we’re moved by the season’s charm and slip into a calm, reflective mood.
In this article, we’ll introduce some ballads that are perfect for autumn.
These rich, mellow ballads are ideal for those long autumn nights.
We’ve gathered songs you’ll want to listen to as the seasons change.
Enjoy a quiet, gentle moment with music by your side.
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
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- Timeless songs that go perfectly with autumn leaves. Autumn tunes ideal for beautiful scenery and drives.
- Songs to Listen to in September: Popular J-POP Tracks That Capture the End of Summer and Early Autumn
- [2026] Autumn Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic Tracks Perfect for the Deepening Fall
- A masterpiece piano ballad
- Autumn songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic fall tunes and recommended popular tracks.
- [Autumn Classics] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October: A Curated Selection of Beloved, Heartfelt Hits
- [Perfect for Autumn] Heartbreak songs that resonate with bittersweet feelings
- A Guide to Classic Autumn Songs to Sing at Karaoke in October
Ballad songs to listen to in autumn. Gentle autumn classics (1–10)
Crimson-colored sunsetFujifaburikku
Released in 2005, “Akane-iro no Yūhi” was a song created during Fujifabric’s indie era.
In memory of the band’s original vocalist, Masahiko Shimura, who passed away suddenly in 2009, Tamio Okuda—whom Shimura greatly admired—covered the song, his voice choking with tears, and the band Kishidan, where Shimura’s former part-time job senior belonged, also performed it, drawing attention.
Actor-singer Masaki Suda covered the song in 2018 as well, saying it changed the way he approached singing.
Why not take a quiet autumn evening to listen closely to this song yourself?
Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari
That slightly lonely feeling that comes with autumn and makes you long for others can become surprisingly stronger when you feel people’s warmth.
This song by Ikimonogakari is one that lets you sense those human connections.
Promises exchanged with irreplaceable friends, lovers, and family under a madder-red sky.
What promises will you make, and with whom? The lyrics and melody seem to tell you that you’re not alone, cleansing your heart and giving you strength.
Maplesupittsu
Spitz’s classic song “Kaede” is a ballad everyone knows, right? It’s also famous as a heartbreak song, weaving together memories with a lover and feelings you just can’t forget.
I’m sure many people have actually listened to this song and cried after a breakup.
With a title like “Kaede” (Maple), you can’t help but think of this song when you see the autumn-colored maple leaves.
The calm melody and heartbreakingly poignant lyrics fit the autumn scenery perfectly.
autumn orangeAAA
As summer passes and autumn arrives with dancing dead leaves, it evokes a vivid, film-like scene—fragile yet beautiful.
Beyond its catchy melody, AAA’s songs, featuring both female and male vocals, let you empathize from multiple angles.
This track sings on your behalf about the bittersweet romance of two people and the feelings that can’t be helped.
nape (of the neck)aiko
It seems the song’s protagonist ended up breaking up with the man she loved so much.
Was it because of her selfishness, or because his feelings changed? Many years appear to have passed since then, yet she continues to think of him just the same.
The song conveys the sorrow and helplessness of an everyday life that once seemed a given, now fleetingly gone.
The title “Eriashi” (nape/neckline) may express her feelings of never being able to be honest and face him directly, always gazing at the beloved figure of him from behind.
Though the road home is lit by the glow of madder red…Shiina Ringo
Ringo Sheena, also known as the central figure of Tokyo Incidents, is a singer-songwriter who captivates fans with her voice and musical sensibilities.
Her song “Akane-sasu Kiro Terasaredo…” from her million-selling debut album Innocence Moratorium was used as the theme for Suntory’s “The Cocktail Bar: Fresh Orange” commercial.
Its nostalgic piano melody and sentimental atmosphere evoke images of autumn.
Though it’s an album track, it remains a hidden gem beloved by fans.
Like the shining moonSuperfly
A supremely powerful yet gentle number by Superfly, renowned for her overwhelming vocal ability.
The former self who once trembled alone is loved by someone, learns to love in return, and eventually becomes a warm, light-like presence that envelops others.
It’s a little sentimental, but when you want a boost, please give this song a listen! I’m sure it will help you notice the people who matter to you and give you the strong push you need to face forward again.