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.
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- Autumn songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
- Autumn songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic fall tunes and recommended popular tracks.
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- Autumn songs that were hits in the 80s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
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A collection of iconic J-pop autumn songs that colored the Heisei era: Let’s listen to heartwarming autumn tunes! (31–40)
Monochrome of the Autumn WindFIELD OF VIEW
FIELD OF VIEW, the rock band that initially debuted as view in 1994 and later made waves with a re-debut under a refreshed image.
Their 16th single, “Monochrome of the Autumn Wind,” released simultaneously with their second best-of album FIELD OF VIEW BEST ~fifteen colours~, draws you into its world from the start with a floating, ethereal intro featuring piano and acoustic guitar.
The lyrics, depicting a heartrending farewell, are bound to tighten your chest alongside the dramatic melody.
With its nostalgic arrangement and sentimental mood, it’s a rock tune you’ll want to hear in the autumn.
Autumn breezeOzaki Yutaka
When the hot, carefree summer of running around and having fun ends and autumn arrives, do you ever feel a little lonely? This song captures that feeling—something surely everyone has experienced.
It’s a hidden gem by Yutaka Ozaki, one of the defining singer-songwriters of 1990s Japan.
While it conveys the poignancy of the contrast with the radiant summer, it also beautifully portrays the unique wistfulness of autumn.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
Around the time when the lingering traces of summer remain, this song echoes through the city.
Released in July 1997 as one of Elephant Kashimashi’s signature works, it was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night.” The piece is captivating for Hiroji Miyamoto’s powerful vocals and lyrics that resonate deeply.
The words overlay the feeling of wandering in search of lost love with the image of the moon shining in the autumn night sky, giving the song a universality that anyone can relate to.
The phrase about the wind leading into tomorrow carries a hope for the future, and it feels warmly encouraging, as if gently pushing you forward.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a long autumn night, gazing up at the moon.
Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari
A gentle song whose warm melody seems to embrace the lonely autumn alongside the setting sun.
Guitarist Yoshiki Mizuno created it with the theme of a wedding.
Although the word “farewell” is used—something not usually preferred at weddings—here it does not mean separation, but parting by death.
From marriage until the day when death inevitably comes someday.
It feels like a song imbued with the wish to spend that time together, holding close the promise of that day when the madder‑red sky was so beautiful.
language of flowersMr.Children
It’s a masterpiece that delicately captures the poignant feelings of autumn.
Using the language of cosmos flowers as a motif, it conveys the pain of heartbreak and lingering regret through a gentle melody.
Included on the album “Shifuku no Oto,” released in April 2004, this song features the characteristically touching lyrics and performance that define Mr.Children.
From the lyrics that begin with the second verse, you can sense the lingering attachment to an unfulfilled love.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to quietly on long autumn nights, one that seems to offer comfort to those troubled by love.
A roundup of iconic Heisei-era J-pop autumn songs: Let’s listen to fall tunes that touch the heart! (41–50)
Autumn, by the Tama RiverKAN
When talking about 90s J-pop, KAN is an indispensable artist! This song is one of his hidden gems, with lyrics that weave a story set in autumn.
Its distinctly 90s sound evokes nostalgia, and listening to it now makes it resonate even more deeply.
Though it depicts heartbreak, the song’s breezy vibe and his bright, clear vocals leave you feeling warm and positive.
nape (of the neck)aiko
When you’re looking for autumn songs, aiko’s track is almost always mentioned.
The lyrics don’t explicitly reference autumn, but I think it’s cherished as an autumn song because of the ginkgo trees shown in the music video and the mellow mood that suits the season’s atmosphere.
In the lyrics, she writes about regret over a past love, lingering attachments she still can’t let go of, and a positive resolve to grow even more from here on out: “I’m going to keep getting better!!”