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 collection of classic J-pop autumn songs that defined the Heisei era. Let’s listen to heartwarming fall tunes! (1–10)
That Autumn and School Daysoishikuru meronpan
A three-piece rock band, Oisicle Melonpan, delivers a song from the late Heisei era that vividly evokes autumn scenery.
It stirs a faint nostalgia for our school days gone by.
In the lyrics, the worries and conflicts of youth are likened to flowers that bloom fleetingly, and the delicate choice of words resonates deeply.
The progression from a languid mood to an outpouring of emotion in the chorus not only feels sweet and sour, but also brings back memories that are a touch bittersweet.
The track is included on the mini-album “indoor,” released in September 2017.
The visuals featuring the band performing on a school rooftop are striking and further enrich the song’s world.
Listen to it on an autumn evening when you’re feeling a bit sentimental, and it will gently seep into your heart.
It’s sure to offer comfort to anyone whose memories of youth weren’t entirely shining and bright.
Scent of autumnBikkeburanka
A song by Vickeblanka that captivates with its commanding piano performance and a falsetto voice that seeps into the heart.
The lyrics portray the poignant feeling of being bound and swayed by a love that has ended, as well as the strength to rise above it.
This sweet yet bittersweet interplay of emotions beautifully aligns with the sentimental atmosphere of autumn.
The track is included on his debut mini-album “Tuberculin,” released in October 2014, and drew attention after being selected for FM802’s Heavy Rotation.
When you listen to it in those moments after summer’s bustle has faded and you suddenly find yourself yearning for connection, its dramatic melody may resonate with you even more deeply.
A Ticket Given by AutumnMr.Children
It’s one of Mr.Children’s hidden gems that colored the final days of the Heisei era, from a band that has led the J-pop scene for many years.
The lyrics tell a story set in autumn, capturing the quiet moments of two people whose feelings have cooled a little.
The gentle, acoustic tones woven by keyboards and woodwinds leave a lingering afterglow, like the feeling you get after finishing a short film.
The track is included on the album “Juuryoku to Kokyuu” (Gravity and Breath), released in October 2018, which topped the Oricon weekly chart.
There’s also an anecdote that Kazutoshi Sakurai wrote it with Kana Nishino in mind, which may help you feel the song’s delicate world even more deeply.
It’s a tender piece that keeps you company on long autumn nights, perfect for reflecting on days gone by.
Maplesupittsu
This song, one of Spitz’s signature tracks, was released in 1998.
It’s a beautiful ballad that showcases Spitz’s hallmark gentle sound and Masamune Kusano’s warm vocals.
The delicate mood created by the arrangement and singing further highlights the poignancy of the lyrics, which tell of parting with a loved one.
Many people feel a bit sentimental in autumn, and this is a perfect song to listen to at such times.
Excuse, maybeAKB48
As summer draws to a close and a slight chill creeps into the air, it’s the perfect season to listen to one of AKB48’s classic songs.
Set in September, this track captures the sweet-and-sour feeling of being unsure about your love for someone.
Its exhilarating melody seems to give a boost to the turbulent emotions that come with school events like sports festivals and cultural festivals, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
The frustration of pretending not to notice your true feelings overlaps beautifully with autumn’s sentimental mood, resonating deeply.
Released in August 2009, the song became a major topic of conversation because it was performed by the members chosen in the very first General Election.
It became familiar as an ending theme on shows like NTV’s AKBINGO! and was later included on the best-of album Kamikyokutachi.
Why not give it a listen when you want to bask in a slightly bittersweet mood, with summer memories still in your heart?
YELLikimonogakari
In the clear autumn air, you find yourself wanting to listen to a melody that’s somehow wistful yet powerful.
This classic ballad by Ikimono-gakari is a perfect match for that sentimental mood.
Released as a single in September 2009, the song is also known for being selected as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high division.
Although it’s now established as a graduation song, reading the lyrics reveals that it’s actually set in autumn.
It seems to tell us that parting is not an end, but the beginning of a new future.
Even while holding onto anxieties, moving forward with the bond of friends in your heart brings a warm courage to those reflective autumn nights.
On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z
Let me introduce a classic B’z song that’s perfect for long autumn nights.
With its beautiful guitar riff and memorable melody, this track sings of deep love, inner conflict, and hope.
Under the moonlight, the lyrics delicately portray someone reflecting on their relationship with a loved one.
Released in February 2000, the song was used as the theme for the TBS drama “Beautiful Life,” and it deeply moved many listeners.
Reflecting the drama’s storyline, the song paints an emotional world that only B’z can create.
It’s ideal for a slow autumn evening with someone special, or for times when you’re troubled by love.
It’s sure to resonate with your heart.