Songs themed around cosmos flowers: a roundup of classic tracks that evoke the feeling of autumn!
Speaking of autumn flowers, cosmos—written in kanji as “秋桜” (akizakura)—are famous.
Cosmos are a hallmark of autumn, appearing in the lyrics of many classic songs! In this article, we’ll introduce songs themed around cosmos, as well as songs in which cosmos appear in the lyrics.
Even among songs themed around cosmos, the feelings and messages they carry vary widely.
It’s also great to take your time listening while reading the lyrics to see what’s being sung about.
Please enjoy while imagining a landscape of blooming cosmos!
Songs themed around cosmos flowers. A roundup of classic autumn-evoking masterpieces! (1–10)
cosmos (flower)ieiri reo
Akishoku (Autumn Hues) stands out with its Oriental-style intro.
This rich, heartfelt ballad appears on Answer, the 2020 album by singer-songwriter Leo Ieiri, who debuted in 2012 with the single “Sabrina.” Notably, the song was written and composed by folk music master Masashi Sada and is a cover of a Momoe Yamaguchi track.
Ieiri’s vocals—sung with a nostalgic tone to match the kayōkyoku style—are a must-hear.
cosmos (flower)ROTTENGRAFFTY
Within Japan’s mixed-genre rock scene, ROTTENGRAFFTY is a band with significant name recognition.
“Akizakura,” included on their 2022 album HELLO, is a standout track characterized by a distinctly Japanese sensibility themed around cosmos flowers.
Its richly evocative worldbuilding meshes perfectly with the driving momentum of loud music, delivering a sound only they could create.
The song’s curious blend—evoking nostalgia while still feeling fresh—is well worth a listen!
COSMOSMimas
It’s a masterpiece that portrays the connection between the universe and humanity on a grand scale.
Widely loved as a choral piece, it has become a staple at school cultural festivals and choir competitions.
Released in December 2010, it was also chosen as the theme song for a week dedicated to stargazing.
Performed in various arrangements, its lyrics—celebrating reverence for the cosmos and stars and the preciousness of life—have captured the hearts of many.
A perfect song to listen to while gazing at the night sky, and highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel the vast universe up close.
C.O.S.M.O.S. ~Cosmos~Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
This song, “C.O.S.M.O.S.
~Kosmos~,” portrays the bittersweet feelings of a man and the complexities of love.
Released in 2014 as a single, it’s the autumn-themed track from J Soul Brothers III from Exile Tribe’s series inspired by the four seasons.
Cosmos flowers are synonymous with autumn, and here the swaying cosmos in the autumn breeze is likened to his girlfriend—a sad love song.
Even though they care for each other, there seems to be some obstacle in their relationship; it’s a love song that conveys a sense of longing and sorrow.
cosmossupittsu
Cosmos is a slow number that feels like it stays by your side on a cool, breezy autumn day.
It’s a song by Spitz, paired with the single Longing in the Sunny Window and also included on their B-sides collection, Hachō Fūgetsu.
Wrapped in a sound that drifts like a dream, it resonates gently.
This song, which sings of parting from a loved one, overlays the irretrievable passage of time with cosmos flowers, seeping quietly into that feeling of having nowhere to go.
Its delicate imagery, evoking the vivid bond between beautiful scenery and memories, makes it a quintessentially Spitz, bittersweet autumn tune.
cosmos (flower)Yamaguchi Momoe
“Cosmos,” released in 1977 by legendary singer Momoe Yamaguchi.
The song was written and composed by Masashi Sada, and it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Widely known as a moving classic, it portrays the exchanges between a daughter preparing to marry and her mother by her side.
Even if you’re not in that situation yourself, listening to it conjures vivid scenes—the cosmos flowers swaying in the garden as if witnessing it all—making it a song that brings tears for the love between mother and daughter.
Memory of CosmosSKE48
Cosmos no Kioku by SKE48, the idol group representing Nagoya.
This song was included as a B-side on the 2010 single “1!2!3!4! Yoroshiku!,” with Jurina Matsui and Rena Matsui in the center positions.
It portrays the feelings of a boy who puts on a brave face but can’t bring himself to confess his feelings to the girl he loves who’s transferring away.
Though it’s a bittersweet love song, it’s also very upbeat in true idol-song fashion, with a refreshing, clear-sky-in-autumn vibe that makes it a particularly charming track.