As autumn arrives, many of us start to feel a little wistful or lonely, don’t we?
Enka, which portrays the emotions of us Japanese people, pairs beautifully with autumn’s nostalgic atmosphere.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic enka songs themed around autumn.
We’ve chosen a variety of tracks, from songs about romance to those that sing of autumn scenery.
Please listen while reading the lyrics, and find the song that resonates with your own feelings.
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- [For Seniors] Classic Autumn Songs to Sing in November: From Children’s Songs to Popular Enka and Kayōkyoku
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- [2026] A Collection of Classic Enka Songs Depicting Winter Scenery
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- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
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Recommended enka songs set in autumn: A collection of moving masterpieces (1–10)
Owara Kaze no BonSandai Sayaka
Sayaka Sandai’s “Owara Kaze no Bon,” featuring her delicate and emotionally rich vocals, was released on November 29, 2023.
The song centers on Owara Kaze no Bon, a traditional event held in September in the Yao district of Toyama Prefecture.
With lyrics by Kiyo Suzuki and music by Yukihiko Ito, it portrays a love story tinged with the melancholic atmosphere of autumn.
The piece lyrically tells a poignant tale of love, delicately evoking people’s emotions and imagery reminiscent of Owara Kaze no Bon.
It stirs a sense of nostalgia and empathy associated with heartbreak and the change of seasons.
It’s truly a song to listen to quietly, while feeling the essence of Japan’s four seasons.
Song of Late AutumnToba Ichirō
Ichiro Toba is a leading enka singer in Japan, known for his signature song “Kyodai-bune” (Brother Ship).
His song “Banshu-ka” (Late-Autumn Song) was released on January 9, 2014, and with lyrics that touch the heart, it beautifully depicts a man drinking while thinking of his loved ones, set at the end of autumn.
Many listeners may be moved by its reflections on days gone by and human connections.
It is especially recommended for long autumn nights, when you want to look back on past memories or seek music that stays close to the heart.
Even If I’m Loved (~Each One’s Autumn~)Cheuni
A gem of a song by Cheuni that portrays a heartrending farewell and loneliness alongside autumnal scenes.
It opens with a parting at a station where fallen leaves swirl, then quietly recounts memories of a love that has passed.
The lyrics, which express a sense of loneliness that isn’t satisfied even when loved, will resonate with many.
Released in September 2007, the track is included on the album “Love, Wine, and Mystery.” Cheuni’s clear, crystalline voice further accentuates the melancholy of autumn.
This work is recommended for those who wish to heal the pain of a broken heart or want something gentle to listen to on a long autumn night.
At the End of the Journeykanmuri jiro
Jiro Kanmuri is an enka singer born in 1944 from Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.
His signature song is often cited as “Honoo,” and he is known for a style called neo-enka.
“Tabi no Owari ni,” released in 1977, was created as an insert song for the TV drama Kaikyo Monogatari.
The song portrays the feelings of a man who continues a wandering journey, and together with its autumnal atmosphere, it’s a piece that deeply resonates with the heart.
Its poignant melody and lyrics are perfect for autumn, a season when loneliness and wistfulness are felt more keenly.
Especially when listened to alone on a long autumn night, it’s sure to strike a chord.
Filled with Kanmuri’s profound emotional expression, this is a track worth hearing even if you’re not an enka fan.
autumn showerSasa Midori
Midori Sasa’s signature song “Aki Shigure” was released on July 2, 2008, and its rich emotional expression resonates with many listeners.
This work delicately depicts the story of a man and woman who part ways after only a year, set against autumnal scenes.
In particular, the lyrics, which use heartbreak and the changing seasons as motifs, elicit broad empathy and leave a deep impression.
“Aki Shigure” is especially recommended for those who have experienced a bittersweet love or who wish to savor the mood of autumn.
Midori Sasa’s expressive vocals and the melody that evokes the essence of autumn are sure to linger in your heart.
Autumn Love SongKouzai Kaori
Kaori Kozai’s “Aki Koika” holds a special place even within her long career.
Released on April 27, 2016, it is a masterpiece that delicately portrays the bittersweetness of autumn and the stirrings of a faint romance.
The lyrics depict a woman’s feelings as she mourns a lost love and lets her thoughts drift on the autumn breeze—sentiments many listeners can relate to through their own experiences.
It’s especially recommended for solitary moments at autumn dusk.
Kaori Kozai’s emotionally rich vocals resonate deeply with listeners, leaving an unforgettable afterglow.
Autumn Firefly -Aki Hotaru-Nonaka Saori
Saori Nonaka, a native of Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture, has firmly established her place in the enka world since her debut in 1989.
In particular, her 2007 release “Akihotaru” (Autumn Fireflies) is a poignant yet beautiful song that portrays someone confiding their unrequited love to the fireflies of autumn.
Listening to it while gazing out the window on a long autumn night makes its sentiment resonate all the more deeply.
The melody and message woven by Nonaka’s voice are sure to gently embrace a wistful heart.