[Autumn Love Songs] A selection of love songs that portray a bittersweet longing

A world without youto shiki

Toshiki “A World Without You” Official Music Video

This song, “A World Without You,” was released in 2022 by singer-songwriter Toshi, who hails from Hyogo Prefecture.

After it drew attention on TikTok, it was officially released.

It’s a sad love song sung while thinking about a former lover who is no longer by one’s side.

Even while denying feelings of regret, it conveys that the love was genuine, and that with the passage of time and emotional processing, acceptance became possible.

It’s a track that matches the wistful atmosphere of autumn.

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When the sun shines againTakahashi Hiro

Hiro Takahashi – When the Sun Shines Again (Yu Yu Hakusho ending theme)

A song brimming with melancholy.

It’s also famous for being the ending theme of the anime Yu Yu Hakusho.

It’s so full of sorrow that I’d love to interview the creator and ask, “What kind of life leads to writing a song this steeped in sadness?” The pleading quality of the vocals is wonderful, too.

Withered Pampas Grass of the Showa Erasakura to ichirō

Sakura and Ichiro / Showa Withered Pampas Grass 1974.7 Sakura & Ichiro

This is a song from the enka genre.

The lyrics are extremely sad.

In many ways, it feels withered.

There isn’t a single part that feels positive, yet when you look at the song as a whole, it’s truly a great piece.

It remains a classic to this day and is a beloved masterpiece, especially among older listeners.

The Wind, Fallen Leaves, and the Travelerchūingamu

Wind, Fallen Leaves, and a Traveler ● Chewing Gum ☆1972

Chewing Gum was a folk-song duo consisting of two sisters who were in elementary and junior high school at the time, and this song became their hit and signature track.

It was released in 1972.

Their clear harmonies are refreshing, and the straightforward melody line really sticks with you.

A City Turning ColorsMinami Saori

Coloring Town / Saori Minami

One of the signature songs by Cynthia, a.k.a.

Saori Minami, alongside the classic “17-sai.” Released in 1973 as her ninth single, it’s a staple autumn song that you’re sure to hear somewhere every fall.

Depicting a woman walking sentimentally through a town where dead leaves have begun to swirl, thinking of a former lover, this piece has been covered by many musicians.

Ruby RingTerao Akira

Akira Terao – Ruby Ring (1981)

There’s almost no one in today’s music scene with such a dashing, mature aura—he’s that exceptional.

He has so much presence that you’d hesitate to even meet his eyes face to face.

Terao Akira’s richly seasoned, deep vocals add just the right flavor, don’t they? I honestly think this is a song only he could sing.

Before winter comeskami fuusen

Paper Balloon — Before Winter Comes

Paper Balloon is a long-established presence in the folk group scene.

Their song “Before Winter Comes” was released in 1977.

Today, it has become a standard for choral performances and is included in music textbooks.

Its popularity took off after radio airplay, and in 1978 it reached No.

4 on the Oricon chart.