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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- Autumn songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic fall tunes and recommended popular tracks.
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A roundup of iconic Heisei-era J-pop autumn songs: Let’s listen to fall tunes that touch the heart! (41–50)
Crimson-colored sunsetFujifaburikku
When it comes to Fujifabric, they have several songs that evoke autumn, and this one is definitely among them.
The title “Akane-iro no Yuuhi” (Crimson Sunset) immediately calls to mind an autumn evening sky.
From the soft, nasal timbre of vocalist Masahiko Shimura’s voice to the many touches throughout the song that stir your emotions, it creates a wonderful atmosphere.
In recent years, actor Masaki Suda has covered it as well, and it remains a beloved classic.
alone in my roomSuzuki Ami
This song by Ami Suzuki, produced by Tetsuya Komuro, is clearly set in autumn when you look at the lyrics.
Summer’s fun has passed, and autumn brings a gradual drop in temperature as winter approaches.
It’s a season that naturally tends to make people feel lonely, and it seems the song’s protagonist is spending time alone and longing for someone’s warmth.
The line to her love interest—“Stay by my side”—is something many listeners can relate to, isn’t it? While the lyrics depict a heart weakened by loneliness, the track itself carries that signature TK sound: mid-tempo yet catchy and upbeat.
glowing madder-redAimer
A song suffused with a wistfulness that evokes an autumn dusk.
Aimer’s distinctive voice beautifully paints the scene of a season where fallen leaves dance.
Through the image of a protagonist walking alone along a ginkgo-lined street, it expresses the cycles of meeting and parting, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in November 2016, it was also used as the ending theme for the TV anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Go.
It’s a gentle ballad you’ll want to savor on long autumn nights.
I especially recommend it to those troubled by love or who have experienced a parting with someone dear.
Have you seen the crimson-red sky?BUMP OF CHICKEN
Among BUMP OF CHICKEN’s catalog, this track is a hidden gem that enjoys immense popularity among fans.
The backstory—that it was inspired by a beautiful sunset—adds even more charm to the song.
Released in November 2006 as the B-side to the single “Namida no Furusato,” it’s characterized by being played entirely with low-position chords.
Motoo Fujiwara’s clean guitar tone resonates pleasantly.
It’s packed with BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature ability to express delicate emotions found in everyday life, and listening to it especially during an autumn twilight can leave you deeply moved.
The gentle, warm melody might be perfect for reflecting on memories with someone special.
Autumn breezeKiroro
This is a bittersweet song by Kiroro that depicts the deepening of autumn and the approach of winter.
The piano—one of the unit’s defining features—stands out in the sound, and its single, resonant notes heighten the sense of poignancy.
The lyrics portray a growing awareness that winter draws nearer as the autumn chill intensifies, along with a sinking of the heart.
As the song progresses, the reasons for disliking winter are gradually revealed, making the sadness feel even more vivid.
It’s a perfect track for the late autumn season, when feelings of melancholy are especially strong.
Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS
A song whose melody evokes the arrival of autumn and whose lyrics resonate deeply.
It delicately portrays the emotions wavering in the space between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
Included on RADWIMPS’s first major-label album, “RADWIMPS 3: Mūjintō ni Motte Iki Wasureta Ichimai,” it was released in February 2006.
Yojiro Noda’s pure vocals beautifully capture the bittersweet feeling you sense under the cool autumn sky, giving you the impression that autumn is quietly creeping into your heart.
It’s the perfect track for those who feel the loneliness of summer’s end yet want to embrace the anticipation of a new season.
Twilight SurroundRIP SLYME
This song, which depicts the hours from dusk to dawn, captured many hearts with RIP SLYME’s signature comfortable sound and lyrics.
It was released in October 2004 and is also included on the album MASTERPIECE.
The music video was filmed at the Tokyo National Museum, and its portrayal of the passage of time is striking.
The lyrics, describing scenes lit by the sunset and wrapped in the darkness of night, are perfect for long autumn evenings.
Recommended for those who want to cherish time spent with friends and moments accompanied by music.