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)
glowing madder-redAimer
Aimer’s song, which has captured the hearts of many as a poignant ballad.
Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Five, the track was released by SME Records in November 2016.
It opens with a melancholic autumn scene and depicts the protagonist walking alone.
Through cycles of meeting and parting, it conveys the pain and helplessness of having to accept the reality that one can do nothing alone, symbolizing the fleeting beauty and transience of life.
A sentimental pop tune perfect for listening to alone on a long autumn night.
Sea urchin and chestnutzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
A song by Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni that stirs listeners’ hearts with its ethereal sound and delicate lyrics.
Released in November 2018, this track is also included on the album “Tadashii Itsuwari Kara no Kishō.” ACA-ne’s clear, translucent vocals and the lyrics’ unique worldview are truly distinctive.
The themes of distance in close relationships and self-acceptance are likely to resonate deeply with Gen Z.
The imagery that likens everyday little joys to food is also memorable.
It’s a track perfect for solitary listening on long autumn nights, letting you sink into a sentimental mood.
fragrant oliveorenji supainikurabu
This song features an arrangement with a subtly oriental atmosphere that evokes the autumn season enveloped in the fragrance of fragrant olives.
Included on the first mini-album “Whenever I’m Irritated,” released in January 2020, it gained widespread popularity.
The lyrics, which capture the bittersweetness of romance and the complexity of human relationships, delicately depict everyday moments and subtle shifts in emotion, resonating with listeners.
It’s a sentimental pop tune perfect for a quiet listen on a long autumn night.
I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo
Atrarayo is a four-piece band known for their transparent vocals and heartrending lyrics.
Digitally released in March 2021, this track became a major hit, racking up over 50 million views on YouTube.
Centered on a love that cannot be made public, it portrays the pain of parting and lingering regret, resonating deeply with listeners.
Also included on their first album, “In the Polar Night, the Moon Remains Silent,” this song is perfect for healing the ache of heartbreak or savoring the melancholy mood of autumn.
Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku
A Kinoko Teikoku song whose intro opens with a dreamy guitar sound and vocals that stir a nostalgic mood and sink into the heart.
Featured on the album “Time Lapse,” this track stands out for its lyrics that capture the complex feelings toward someone you’ve parted with—memories that resurface with the scent of fragrant olive.
Its beautiful yet wistful ensemble makes it a poignant rock tune perfect for savoring the chill of the season.
Released in September 2018, the song was one of the new tracks unveiled during the band’s 10th-anniversary tour.
It’s the kind of piece you’ll want to listen to alone on a long autumn night—just right for a sentimental mood.
C.O.S.M.O.S. ~Cosmos (Autumn Cherry Blossoms)~Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
The dance and vocal group Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, known for their rich vocal prowess and breathtaking performances, has garnered widespread popularity.
Their 14th single, “C.O.S.M.O.S.
~Aki Zakura~,” released in October 2014, is a gem of a ballad themed around the changing seasons.
Blending a pop melody with a powerful performance, this moving track is one you’ll want to listen to quietly on a long autumn night.
osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)natori
This track is marked by an impressive ensemble of delicate, interwoven acoustic guitars.
The lyrics, depicting people walking through a transparent city, seem perfectly suited to autumn, that sentimental season.
Released in August 2023 as Natori’s fifth single, the song is also included on the album “Gekijou,” which came out in December of the same year.
The key is low, making it easy to sing, but because the melody moves quickly and intricately, be sure to practice thoroughly before performing it at karaoke.
With its stylish, jazzy arrangement, you’re sure to draw attention if you can pull it off.