From bittersweet tracks to party anthems: fall songs recommended for Gen Z
When you hear the word “autumn,” what kind of image comes to mind?
As the weather turns chilly toward winter, many people might sense a faintly lonely atmosphere.
On the other hand, with the growing excitement around Halloween in recent years, those in Generation Z—born between 1996 and 2012—may also think of it as a season full of lively events.
This time, we’ve curated a selection of autumn songs we’d love to recommend to Gen Z listeners.
From hit singles to hidden gems, we hope you can feel the essence of autumn in J-pop.
- Recommended for Gen Z! Winter songs that will liven up your winter events
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- [2026] A collection of autumn songs for people in their 50s. Showa-era classics that bring back memories of those days
- When you want to hype it up with your peers! Karaoke songs recommended for Gen Z
- Autumn songs from the Showa era: A collection of classic masterpieces that colored the J-POP scene
- Autumn songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic fall tunes and recommended popular tracks.
- Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z
- Only masterpieces that color the season of meetings and farewells! Spring songs recommended for Gen Z.
- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
- A roundup of iconic J-pop autumn songs that colored the Heisei era. Let’s listen to autumn tunes that touch the heart!
- Recommended autumn songs for people in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic fall tunes
- Also great for karaoke! Classic autumn songs recommended for people in their 30s
- [2026] Recommended for teens! A roundup of J-pop autumn songs perfect for fall
From bittersweet tracks to party anthems! Recommended fall songs for Gen Z (1–10)
Halloween NightAKB48
A dance tune by AKB48 that blends a disco-inspired vibe with the fun of Halloween.
Released in August 2015, the track debuted alongside the catchphrase “It’s not a club, it’s a disco!” and entered the Oricon Daily CD Single Ranking at No.
1.
It became a massive hit with an estimated 1,188,000 copies sold, achieving million-seller status.
Featuring lyrics themed around Halloween night and a disco sound reminiscent of the 1970s–1980s, it depicts scenes of costumes and parties.
It’s the perfect song to get into the Halloween party spirit—just sing and dance along with everyone at karaoke.
Crazy Party Night ~Revenge of the Pumpkin~kyarī pamyu pamyu
A pop and catchy Halloween-themed tune that livens up those long autumn nights.
Released in September 2015, this song was also featured as Coca-Cola’s Halloween campaign song.
The lyrics vividly portray the mysterious happenings of a magical night, colorfully decorated streets, and the fun of unfolding parties.
The work celebrates individuality and emphasizes the importance of embracing your inner oddball.
It’s a dance track perfect for anyone looking to heat up a Halloween party or costume event.
osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)Aina ji Endo
Aina The End, known for her distinctive husky voice, released this song as the lead single from her first solo album, THE END, in December 2020.
The lyrics delicately portray complex feelings of love and inner conflict through autumn scenes scented with fragrant olive, leaving a lasting impression.
It’s a ballad completed in collaboration with Seiji Kameda, and its dreamy music video also garnered attention.
It’s a track that gently accompanies your heart on long autumn nights—perfect for listening quietly when you’re feeling wistful.
From wistful ballads to party anthems! Recommended autumn songs for Gen Z (11–20)
TsukuyomiKing&Prince
This is King & Prince’s 11th single, exuding a bewitching atmosphere that evokes long autumn nights.
Written specifically as the theme song for the TV drama “Kurosagi,” it was released as a double A-side with “Irodori” in November 2022.
Set under a moon that illuminates the loneliness lurking in the night, the lyrics strikingly depict the conflict between solitude and love.
The dynamic, undulating melody combined with a Latin-flavored ensemble creates a sexy, mysterious allure.
It’s a dance track you can sing and move to, making it a perfect pick to liven up a karaoke session with friends on an autumn night.
evening primroseNovelbright
A ballad that beautifully portrays the hearts of those who have experienced a breakup.
This poignant autumn masterpiece is performed by Novelbright, a five-member rock band known for their hits.
The delicate sound of the piano conveys the pain of heartache.
Released as a digital single in December 2020, it reached No.
16 on the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs chart and was selected as the Monthly Song for the weather segment of Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!” in February.
It’s a recommended track for anyone looking to overcome the pain of lost love or to feel the arrival of a new season.
Like the shining moonSuperfly
A Superfly classic that overlays a bittersweet love and a sense of gratitude onto the moon shining in the night sky.
Released in August 2012 as their 15th single, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Summer Rescue: Tenku no Shinryojo.” The soulful melody carried by a relaxed shuffle beat really stirs the listener’s heart.
Its lyrics express the bond with someone special and the self that shines precisely because that person is there—making it a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the autumn moon.
It’s a deeply moving number that showcases Superfly vocalist Shiho Ochi’s overwhelming vocal prowess to the fullest.
Night journeyYorushika
Yorushika is a two-piece rock band known for their literary lyricism and songs that vividly conjure their unique worlds.
This piece was written as an insert song for the feature-length animated film “A Whisker Away.” Released in March 2020, the track stands out for its lyrics filled with poignancy and deep sentiment.
The highly narrative lyrics, centered on parting from a loved one and the sorrow that follows, resonate with many listeners.
With its symbolic evocation of the seasons and the passage of time, it’s a song you’ll want to savor on a long autumn night.