A roundup of iconic J-pop autumn songs that colored the Heisei era. Let’s listen to autumn tunes that touch the heart!
Among songs that beautifully sing of the changing seasons, those themed around autumn hold a special charm.
During the Heisei era, Japan’s music scene produced many masterpieces that painted vivid autumn scenes.
From bittersweet love stories to the imagery of autumn leaf viewing, these songs express the many faces of fall through music.
In this article, we introduce classic J-POP tracks rich with autumn atmosphere, born during the roughly 30 years of the Heisei period from 1989 to 2019.
Please enjoy these moving autumn masterpieces, together with your fond memories.
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A roundup of iconic J-pop autumn songs that colored the Heisei era: Let’s listen to heartwarming fall tunes! (11–20)
Girls’ GenerationHarayuko
As autumn deepens, this classic by Yuko Hara is the one you find yourself humming, isn’t it? It tenderly captures that nostalgic feeling of cherishing days gone by as an adult.
The images evoked by the lyrics—crimson sunsets, flowers swaying in the breeze—overlap with the listener’s own memories, leaving you with a warmth that’s tinged with a gentle sadness.
The song was originally written for Yuki Saito and later self-covered, included on the single “Makeruna Onna no Ko!” released in November 1991.
Many will also remember it as the ending theme of the popular anime YAWARA!, which adds to its nostalgic appeal.
It’s a track that quietly keeps you company when you’re feeling sentimental.
OrangeSMAP
It’s one of those classic ballads you want to hear in autumn, with a poignant yet warm piano melody that brings twilight scenery vividly to mind and gently soaks into the heart.
SMAP has many great songs, but this is one that many people might single out as especially special.
It depicts a breakup scene with a lover, yet its appeal lies in the fact that it’s not merely sad.
Concluding the farewell by deliberately replacing parting words with words of gratitude conveys a deep affection for the days they spent together and makes your heart swell.
There’s also a well-known story that the lyrics were changed at Takuya Kimura’s suggestion during the August 2000 recording.
Although it was a B-side to the single “Lion Heart,” its popularity earned it a place on their best-of album—a true gem of a ballad.
Autumn, clear skies. A breeze blew over me.Hey! Say! JUMP
Under a crystal-clear autumn sky, it’s a hidden gem by Hey! Say! JUMP that feels like a warm breeze gently nudging you forward.
From the whispered lines at the beginning into the soft harmonies that follow, you can’t help but be drawn in.
It portrays a protagonist who once believed they had nothing, finding hope for the future and taking a step forward—and because it’s sung by a group that symbolizes the Heisei era, the message resonates all the more deeply.
This track is included on the single “Kimi Attraction,” released in October 2015, whose title song also garnered attention as a commercial jingle.
When you want to start something new but can’t find the confidence, this song will surely stay close to your heart and give you the courage to face tomorrow.
A man’s heart is as changeable as autumn weather.Gōruden Bonbā
When it comes to a wistful autumn song that overturns the image of a visual-kei air band, this might be the one.
Cleverly riffing on the phrase “a woman’s heart and autumn sky,” it portrays the delicate, ever-shifting emotions of a man.
Its somewhat nostalgic kayōkyoku-style melody further accentuates the peculiar melancholy of autumn.
This soul-stirring track is included on the album “Golden Hour: Best of the Second Half of 2010,” released in January 2011.
The album garnered strong support, debuting at No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s perfect for long autumn nights when you’re troubled by love or feeling sentimental.
Why not listen to it while watching the changeable skies and reflecting on your own feelings?
C.O.S.M.O.S. ~Cosmos (Autumn Cherry Blossoms)~Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
A ballad that portrays a bittersweet love, inspired by the cosmos flower.
True to Sandaime J Soul Brothers’ style, its moving message and beautiful melody resonate deeply.
Released in October 2014, this track is the group’s 14th single.
The gentle vocals of Ryuji Imaichi and Hiroomi Tosaka compellingly capture the loneliness of autumn.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone special as the seasons change.
Play it during a sunset drive, and it’s sure to soothe your heart.
Though the road home is lit by the glow of madder red…Shiina Ringo
A beautifully poignant song that portrays an autumn twilight.
Included on the album Innocence Moratorium released in February 1999, it’s a track that has long been cherished, especially among fans.
It captures fleeting moments of everyday life, expressing their fragility through a unique perspective and poetic language.
The unhurried rhythm and organic sound leave a strong impression, and Ms.
Shiina’s gentle, warm vocals resonate deeply.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone, quietly, during an autumn sunset when beauty and loneliness intertwine.
It’s sure to leave a deep impression on your heart.
A collection of iconic J-pop autumn songs that colored the Heisei era: Listen to these heartwarming fall tunes! (21–30)
Halloween NightAKB48
This is a Halloween-themed song by AKB48 that fully incorporates disco sounds from the 1970s and 1980s.
Released in August 2015 as their 41st major single, it was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Odaiba Yume Tairiku” and in Asahi Soft Drinks’ “WONDA” commercials.
The four-on-the-floor rhythm and mirror-ball-like synths amplify the message of making the most of that one special night of the year.
The simple choreography by Papaya Suzuki, which anyone can dance to, is another highlight.
It’s the perfect track for dressing up and partying with friends, getting everyone hyped at karaoke, or fully enjoying an autumn night.