Classic Japanese rock songs recommended for autumn
There are so many songs themed around autumn or that give off an autumnal vibe, aren’t there?
Unlike summer songs, which are often upbeat, autumn songs tend to carry a sense of wistfulness and nostalgia.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of autumn songs crafted by Japanese rock bands.
From the obvious hits that come to mind to hidden gems, we’ve picked out a wide variety.
Listening to these tracks while reading the lyrics might be perfect for those long autumn nights.
Take this opportunity to sit back and enjoy them to the fullest.
Classic Japanese rock songs recommended for autumn (1–10)
The Autumn SongELLEGARDEN
A four-piece rock band that has had a major impact on Japan’s rock scene since 2000 and thrilled fans by returning in 2018 after a 10-year hiatus, ELLEGARDEN’s track.
Featured on their 4th single “Missing” as well as the best-of album “ELLEGARDEN BEST 1999-2008,” the interwoven guitar parts—combining palm-muted riffs and arpeggios—really amp up the tension.
Its driving feel paired with a hint of melancholy seems to resonate with autumn, a season that’s comfortable yet tinged with sadness.
A perfect autumn song, just as the title suggests, blending exhilaration and wistfulness in exquisite balance.
Orangethe shes gone
This song beautifully portrays autumn scenery and the lingering aftertaste of heartbreak.
It’s included on the shes gone’s 3rd mini-album, FACE.
Released in September 2020, the song’s wistful lyrics and melody resonate deeply.
It expresses feelings for a lost love and a resolve for personal growth, making it a track with a strong message.
It’s perfect for those who want to soothe the pain of a breakup—an ideal song to listen to quietly on an autumn evening.
so that it can’t be heardHanbureddāzu
It’s a classic song that poignantly portrays a faint, tender love.
It’s included on Humbreaders’ album “Useless Machine,” released in February 2020.
Akira Mutsumuro’s gentle, calm vocals and the acoustic guitar’s tone really sink into the heart.
It’s packed with unspoken feelings and the frustration of not being able to convey your feelings to someone you like, and it tightens your chest.
I think it’s the perfect track to listen to alone on an autumn evening.
A Ticket Given by AutumnMr.Children
This is a song included on Mr.Children’s 2018 album “Juuryoku to Kokyuu” (“Gravity and Breathing”).
It opens with scene-setting that evokes the atmosphere of autumn and goes on to depict two people mending their relationship after a fight.
Kazutoshi Sakurai’s gentle vocals really sink into the heart.
The protagonist’s sensitivity is striking—seeing a single leaf that happened to fall into their bag as a ticket from God.
It’s a deeply moving song that captures the moment when a small trigger takes on great meaning.
Highly recommended for listening in autumn while reminiscing about memories with someone special.
evening primroseNovelbright
When it comes to grand ballads that sing of a heart unable to forget a loved one, “Tsukimisou” stands out.
Released in 2020 by Novelbright, a rock band that first drew listeners’ attention through street performances, the song delivers a majestic and beautiful band sound that gently accompanies the nostalgic feelings of autumn.
The lyrics, reflecting on days spent with someone special against the backdrop of a city at dusk, are instantly relatable.
Carried by vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s emotional voice, the track resonates with a bittersweet yet warm sound.
Be sure to listen to this ballad that tenderly envelops the loneliness and anxiety of heartbreak.
Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS
A RADWIMPS song that depicts the emotions of the changing seasons.
It captures the slightly lonely mood that comes when summer vacation ends and the air turns a bit chilly.
It’s included on the album “RADWIMPS 3: Mujintou ni Motte Ikiwasureta Ichimai,” released in February 2006.
The band expresses the sentiments that arrive with the shifting seasons through their unique poetic lyrics and a mid-tempo band sound.
red-yellow fragrant olive (Osmanthus fragrans)Fujifaburikku
This is the third single by Fujifabric, a three-piece rock band that has continued their activities by carrying on the songs with the remaining members even after their central figure, Masahiko Shimura, passed away suddenly.
Created as the “autumn” entry in a series of singles themed around the four seasons, the track leaves a lasting impression with its floating guitar sound and dreamlike organ tones.
Its dramatically unfolding arrangement and wistful melody evoke the speed and transience of the changing seasons.
An expressive, lyrical ensemble makes this rock tune a perfect match for a sentimental autumn landscape.
I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo
A four-member co-ed rock band formed by members who attended a music vocational school, Atarayo’s track.
Included on their first EP, “Before Dawn,” this song—despite being their first original—became the catalyst for their breakout.
The contrast between the distinctive vocals and the transparent ensemble mirrors the complex emotions depicted in the lyrics, tugging at the heartstrings.
Its emotionally charged story, which resonates with listeners’ own memories, makes it a perfect number for autumn, that sentimental season.
On a full-moon nightaimyon
It’s a song performed by Aimyon that evokes a seductive figure under a full moon shining in the night sky.
The acoustic guitar’s bold strumming stands out, as does the drum’s powerful tone that seems to match it, conveying a sense of emotional heat and strong resolve.
With its imagery of the full moon, a long night, and feverish feelings, it also suggests the seasonal shift from summer to autumn.
The lyrics are sprinkled with sensuous words, giving the song a mysterious, alluring atmosphere.
Sea urchin and chestnutzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
This song, which poetically reflects on the importance of individuality, is by Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.
It was released digitally in November 2018 and is also included on the album ‘Tadashii Itsuwari kara no Kishō.’ Its Japanese-inflected, pop-leaning arrangement is striking.
If you listen while relating the lyrics to your own experiences, it might resonate even more deeply.
It’s a track you’ll want to savor on a long autumn night.