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 wistful ballads to party anthems! Recommended autumn songs for Gen Z (11–20)
Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai
This song portrays a bittersweet love, imbued with deep feelings for someone far away.
The scenery of Kyoto is vividly reflected, giving the work a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.
Written as the theme song for the 21st feature film in the Detective Conan series, it was released in April 2017.
For Mai Kuraki, this marked the 21st time she had performed a theme song for the series, earning her recognition by Guinness World Records.
The lyrics, which express the aching emotions of being in love and the hope of reunion, are likely to resonate with those who feel the chill and loneliness of autumn.
The wintry wind does not cry.Sakurazaka46
This work, included on Sakurazaka46’s 13th single “Unhappy birthday Syntax,” is a song performed by the BACKS members.
It was released in October 2025.
The motif is the chilly winds of autumn, and the resolve embedded in the title—“I won’t cry”—conveys a strength that strives to overcome pent-up frustration and loneliness.
Its heartrending melody and cool, airy sound really stir the emotions.
It’s a dramatic idol song perfect for the nip in the air during the colder season.
Komorebi Mezzo-forte＝LOVE
This piece sings of a gentle love, like autumn sunlight filtering through the trees.
It’s a track by =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara, included on their 19th single “Attacked by a Love Song,” released in October 2025.
From a casual moment in a café, it carefully depicts how sincere feelings for the other person gradually grow.
The calm melody line and the members’ soft vocals are soothing, warming the heart.
It’s perfect for listening in the clear air of autumn.
Reflected at duskAkiyama Kiiro
Autumn evenings have a certain wistfulness that makes you long for company, don’t they? This track, released by Kiro Akiyama in August 2019, is the perfect companion for that sentimental mood.
The irresistible, top-tier pop tune woven from buoyant piano and shimmering strings is simply delightful.
In contrast to its dazzling sound, the lyrics sing of lingering feelings for someone unforgettable and the aching struggle not to lose one’s true self.
The song came out when he was gaining attention after being selected for Spotify’s “Early Noise 2019,” and it was later included on the acclaimed album From DROPOUT.
It’s a piece with a curious charm that’s both bittersweet and uplifting—why not take your time singing it on a long autumn night?
In the withering autumnaibii karaa
If you want to sink into the slightly sentimental air of autumn, this might be the song that comes to mind.
Ivy to Fraudulent Game, a piano rock band from Osaka, released this track in October 2024 as the culmination of a story that follows the changing seasons.
Its emotionally rich piano lines, warm strings, and wistful melody all combine to create a nostalgic, heart-stirring experience.
The lyrics, which overlay memories of a past love and days that can’t return with the scent of fragrant olive, gently awaken precious memories tucked away in the listener’s heart.
Listen to it on the way home after the school festival or sports day, when that faint loneliness sets in, and it will quietly stay by your side in your sentimental mood.
Masquerade RhapsodyHatsuboshi Gakuen
When it comes to the joys of autumn, many people probably think of Halloween.
And this track is perfect for getting into that Halloween spirit.
Sung by First Star Academy from the idol-training game “Gakuen Idolmaster,” it was released for streaming in October 2024.
Produced by FAKE TYPE., the song features a bewitching, danceable electro sound, with dizzyingly shifting sections that are downright addictive.
The lyrics convey the exhilaration of transforming into a different you with a costume and wholeheartedly enjoying a one-night-only party.
It also serves as a seasonal event song in the game, and in November 2024 it was included on the CD album “Season Solo Collection Vol.3 ‘Costume Rhapsody.’” It’s perfect for hyping up a Halloween party, and also highly recommended as a dance number for a school cultural festival!
From bittersweet tunes to party anthems! Recommended autumn songs for Gen Z (21–30)
Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS
A heartwarming song that paints a scene at summer’s end, where ache and hope intersect.
It’s one of the tracks included on RADWIMPS’ album “RADWIMPS 3: Mujintō ni Motte Iki Wasureta Ichimai,” which marked their major-label debut in February 2006.
Simple yet emotional rock sounds define the song, which was first performed at the band’s milestone one-man live show in September 2005, becoming a work that symbolized their leap into the major scene.
It’s a piece that touches the heartstrings and makes you want to revisit it during that season when summer’s afterglow lingers and the signs of autumn begin to appear.
It’s also approachable for beginners and quite popular, so take this opportunity to give it a try.