[2026] A collection of autumn songs for people in their 50s. Showa-era classics that bring back memories of those days

Mermaid of OctoberOkada Yukiko

Mermaid of October

A fantastical and romantic worldview that resonates in the autumn dusk.

Yukiko Okada’s “October Mermaid” is a track included on the album of the same name, released in September 1985.

Marked by Masataka Matsutoya’s meticulous arrangement and ethereal melodies, it’s a refined song with a City Pop sensibility.

It paints the image of a silver-haired mermaid swaying on the waves beneath a blue moonlit sea, with the mermaid’s lovesick longing expressed through a clear, translucent vocal.

This work symbolizes Okada’s musical growth and purity.

It’s a piece you’ll want to enjoy on a long autumn night, in an unhurried mood.

Photo Mail for OctoberIwasaki Yoshimi

Photo Mail for October

It is a masterpiece that beautifully portrays autumn scenery and the bittersweetness of love.

The emotions of the protagonist, who receives a letter in October, are exquisitely expressed through Yoshimi Iwasaki’s delicate vocals.

Released in September 1984, this song carries the refined atmosphere of city pop and evokes an urban autumn landscape.

Included on the album “Cyclamen,” it has long been cherished as one of Iwasaki’s signature songs.

This work will deeply resonate with those who have experienced a breakup or are in a long-distance relationship.

It’s perfect for listening alone on a long autumn night, but it might also be lovely to listen to it with someone special and reaffirm each other’s feelings.

Crescendo of Fallen LeavesKawai Sonoko

Sonoko Kawai – Crescendo of Fallen Leaves

A masterpiece that beautifully captures the wistfulness of autumn.

It flawlessly fuses the essence of 80s idols with synth-pop arrangements.

Gaining buzz as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Yuyake Nyan-Nyan,” it reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly chart and No.

59 on the year-end chart following its November 1985 release.

Sonoko Kawai’s clear, transparent vocals vividly portray autumn scenery and the pain of heartbreak.

The track is also included on the albums “Dedication” and “sonnet,” and has continued to be loved across generations.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to during an autumn dusk, in a gently reflective mood.

If you board the autumn-clothes boatWatanabe Marina

If you board the autumn-clothes boat

A lyrical masterpiece that delicately paints an autumn scene.

Released in September 1987, this song was included on Marina Watanabe’s second album, “EVERGREEN,” which reached No.

5 on the Oricon chart.

Keiko Aso’s poetic lyrics and Etsuko Yamakawa’s beautiful melody blend perfectly, gently expressing the feelings of lovers in an autumn park.

Centered on piano and strings, the nostalgic sound exquisitely evokes the calm atmosphere of fall.

Highly recommended as a deeply moving piece for anyone experiencing the anxieties and hopes of love.

Autumnotoko

Autumn — Otokogumi — 1988

This autumn ballad, which combines both poignancy and power, is a song that encapsulates the appeal of Otokogumi, a male idol group emblematic of the 1980s.

Its lyrics, depicting parting and new beginnings, overlap with autumn imagery like lightning and rain, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in 1989, it drew significant attention, including reaching No.

1 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.

In June 2023, they appeared on NHK’s “SONGS,” offering a valuable opportunity to look back on their activities since before their debut.

It’s the perfect track for a long autumn night, listening while gazing out the window—one that lets you fully experience the allure of Otokogumi.