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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A roundup of iconic Heisei-era J-pop autumn songs: Let’s listen to fall tunes that touch the heart! (41–50)
late autumngagaga supi
This song is one of Gagaga SP’s signature tracks, captivating for its unique world where the pain of heartbreak coexists with a forward-looking resolve.
Set against an autumn twilight, the lyrics, which portray memories with a past lover and shifting emotions, resonate deeply.
Released in October 2002, the song is included on the albums “Ora Ichinuketa” and “Gagaga SP Best Album,” and was also used in a commercial for the Toyota Voltz.
It’s especially recommended for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or feel the uncertainty of life.
It might be nice to listen closely on a long autumn night and reflect on your own experiences alongside it.
A collection of iconic J-pop autumn songs that colored the Heisei era: let’s listen to heartwarming autumn tunes! (51–60)
AliensKirinji
An urban, lyrical song that seeps into the long nights of autumn.
Released as a single by Kirinji in October 2000, it’s also included on the album “3.” With its peculiar worldview and evocative lyrics, the track won Best Shooting Video at the SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards 2000.
It has been used in films and TV dramas and is loved by a wide audience.
The lyrics, which depict the feelings of spending the night, express the deep bond between two people.
Another appeal is that it has been covered by various artists, including Motohiro Hata and Masayuki Suzuki.
It’s a gently mellow song you’ll want to listen to alone at night.
Eternal SunsetHanbaato Hanbaato
“Eternal Sunset” by Humbert Humbert is a song that captures the feeling of reminiscing about a past love while watching an autumn sunset.
It’s included on their 2018 album FOLK 2.
The bittersweet air of autumn can sometimes bring back faint, tender memories from long ago.
When you find yourself thinking of an old love—just like in this song—it might be nice to accept those feelings as they are and, together with the song, let your thoughts drift to “I wonder if that person is doing well now.” Like the warm red glow cast by the setting sun, it’s a track that gently warms the heart.
red-yellow fragrant olive (Osmanthus fragrans)Fujifaburikku
One of Fujifabric’s signature songs, inspired by the fragrant olive (kinmokusei), a hallmark of autumn.
Masahiko Shimura’s gentle vocals and the band’s delicate performance beautifully capture the season’s wistfulness and emotion.
Released in September 2004, this track is the third in a series of singles themed around the four seasons.
The lyrics portray the shifting feelings that come with the changing seasons, leaving a strong impression of confronting the passage of time and the flow of life.
The scent of fragrant olives appearing in an autumn following a cool summer lingers in the heart as a symbol of memories.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to by the window on a long autumn night.
Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai
A beautiful classic that vividly captures autumn scenes that resonate with the heart.
Its lyrics, intertwining the bittersweet longing for someone far away with the landscapes of Kyoto, leave a strong impression.
The imagery centered on Togetsukyo Bridge is especially superb, exquisitely expressing both the changing seasons and unwavering feelings.
Released in April 2017 as Mai Kuraki’s 41st single, the song also drew attention as the theme for the feature-length anime Detective Conan: The Crimson Love Letter.
It marks her 21st theme song for the Detective Conan series, a feat recognized by Guinness World Records.
A mellow, mature autumn song you’ll want to listen to at dusk, as you think of someone dear.
Aki-loveJuliet
It’s a song that beautifully and poignantly captures the season of autumn.
Juliet’s captivating vocals weave a harmony that resonates in the heart.
Released in October 2010, it was also used as the ending theme for the variety show “Gurunai” (Guruguru Ninety-Nine).
The lyrics, interlacing emotions such as love, friendship, and life’s challenges, leave a strong impression.
With a warm tone that conveys the strength to overcome tough times and the bonds with those dear to you, it’s a track best enjoyed while walking through a city where fallen leaves are dancing.
It will surely deliver a gentle cheer to your heart.
crescent moonayaka
When you think of autumn songs released since 2000, many of you probably think of this one first, right? It’s a ballad themed around the moon, which evokes the feeling of autumn.
You can fully savor Ayaka’s beautiful vocals, and the song has a beauty that perfectly matches the image of the moon.
It’s about two people who are apart, with the crescent moon they look up at portrayed strikingly as something that connects their hearts.
While it can feel like it’s about a long-distance romance, it was actually written with a friend living far away in mind.
