[Perfect for Autumn] Heartbreak songs that resonate with bittersweet feelings

You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn

You’re the one who let me fall for you / Arekun [Official Music Video]

This is a heartbreak song that sings of a bittersweet love.

The refrain of “You made me fall for you” captures a swirl of anger and sorrow toward the other person.

Are-kun’s delicate yet powerful vocals convey the complexities of love with striking realism.

Released in September 2020, the track became a massive hit with over 10 million views on YouTube.

It was later included on the major-label debut album “Kokyū” (Breath), released in September 2021.

Give it a listen and take a moment to reflect on your own feelings.

breakup songOkazaki Taiiku

Okazaki Taiiku “Heartbreak Song” Music Video

This song, which depicts the pain of heartbreak and recovery, gives voice to the feelings of a protagonist who has gone through a grand, fireworks-like breakup.

It poignantly lists places filled with memories of time spent with a lover—movie theaters, amusement parks, aquariums—and portrays how, as time passes, those places seem to “burn down” and disappear.

Yet there’s also a sense of strength in the way the protagonist encourages themselves to stop brooding and face forward.

The touch of humor in the lyrics leaves a strong impression, offering comfort and the courage to move past heartbreak.

Showcasing Okazaki Taiiku’s keen observational eye and distinctive sensibility, this work shines as a heartbreak song perfect for autumn—one that will surely resonate with the heart.

Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku — Night of the Osmanthus

This song by Kinoko Teikoku delicately portrays the sentimental feelings that arrive in fleeting moments on autumn nights.

Carried by a beautiful, slightly ephemeral guitar tone, it quietly speaks of longing for someone unforgettable.

With the scent of fragrant olive stirring old memories, the lyrics—steeped in the ache of time that can never return—perfectly accompany the uniquely melancholic mood of autumn.

It was included on the album Time Lapse, released in September 2018.

An emotional yet gentle track, ideal for listening to at night when you’re spending time alone.

SeptemberAndrop

androp “ September” Official Music Video

androp is a four-piece rock band that has gained popularity with songs featuring messages that empathize with listeners and a clear, translucent vocal style.

Their digital single “September,” released on September 7, 2022, boasts an emotional ensemble reminiscent of 1990s power pop that feels wonderfully satisfying.

The lyrics, which evoke memories of youthful romances that didn’t go as planned, are likely to stir the heart alongside a subtly wistful melody.

It’s a lyrical number perfectly suited to the sentimental season of autumn.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Blue BenchSasuke

Blue Bench / Sasuke

A male duo, Sasuke’s signature song “Aoi Bench.” This track was their debut single, and it became a long-running hit, even reaching No.

1 in the Indies category of the Oricon rankings in 2005, two years after its release.

With its catchy melody and straightforward lyrics packed with romantic regret, it’s a memorable song that clearly earned its long-lasting popularity.

While it has an autumn vibe, the fresh arrangement also gives off a hint of spring—definitely something to listen for!

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Ryo

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Autumn breezeKiroro

Autumn breeze

Kiroro, known for many hits like “Nagaimon,” and “Mirai e.” Among those star-like hits, the truly hidden gem is “Akikaze” (“Autumn Wind”).

The lyrics begin like a soliloquy with “I hate the winter that the autumn wind brings,” and gradually develop into a deeper reflection on memories with her lover.

The remarkable thing about this song is that it never shifts to a happy ending; it concludes while preserving its aching sorrow.

Autumn tends to amplify feelings of loneliness, and there are times when you even want to sink into that sadness, right? The unusually long intro—so long it makes you do a double take—also heightens the melancholy.

The color of loveHiguchi Ai

Ai Higuchi / The Color of Love [Official Video] | Ai Higuchi ‘Koi no Iro’

This is a song by Ai Higuchi that expresses the aching feelings of a love that can never come true.

Written as the ending theme for Drama 24 “First Love, Zarari,” it was released as a digital single in July 2023.

The lyrics depict the pain of falling in love and the complex emotions of feeling just a little stronger despite it all, resonating deeply with listeners.

The string arrangement is beautiful, and Ai Higuchi’s expressive vocals are striking.

It’s a perfect song for a long autumn night, offering comfort to those who’ve just experienced heartbreak or are struggling with unrequited love.