[Moon Songs Special] Famous songs about the moon. Songs you’ll want to listen to under a full moon or in the moonlight.
As exemplified by Princess Kaguya, the moon has captivated countless people since ancient times as a symbol of mystery alongside the sun.
Not only full moons and crescents, but also rare events like lunar eclipses and supermoons are widely cherished.
Here, we introduce a variety of classic songs related to the moon.
From karaoke staples and moon-themed songs by popular artists to hidden gems that aren’t widely known, we’ve picked a range for anyone who wants to discover “all kinds of moon songs.” Be sure to check them out.
You’re sure to encounter beautiful, captivating pieces that will steal your heart.
- [Masterpieces Singing the Full Moon] Carefully Selected Popular and Classic Songs Related to the Moon
- Songs to listen to under the moon: classic and recommended popular tracks to enjoy the Mid-Autumn full moon
- Famous songs about the crescent moon. Recommended popular tracks.
- [2026] Classic Western songs about the moon: Recommended popular tracks
- [Night Songs] Classic masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP you’ll want to listen to at nighttime.
- Children’s songs and nursery rhymes about the moon
- Masterpieces that sing of the stars. Star songs that resonate in the heart, best heard beneath the night sky.
- [Moon Songs Special] Famous songs about the moon. Songs you’ll want to listen to under a full moon or in the moonlight.
- Songs of the constellations: classic and popular tracks you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the night sky
- List of seasonal songs: a classic guide to finding tracks that fit the current season
- Classic Japanese songs about Earth: songs that include the word “Earth” in their lyrics
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- Packed with masterpieces! Karaoke songs recommended for women of the Yutori generation
Moon Song Special: Timeless songs about the moon. Tracks to enjoy under a full moon or moonlight (71–80)
Desert of the MoonYamazaki Hako
This is a children’s song with lyrics by Masao Kato, who was both a painter and a lyricist, and a melody composed by Suguru Sasaki.
Many artists have covered it, and I think it’s a song that every Japanese person has heard at least once.
It’s curious that a Japanese children’s song features camels in the desert, isn’t it? The tune is full of melancholy, and listening to it makes you feel a little lonely.
MOONLIGHTBUCK-TICK
BUCK-TICK is a veteran band with over 30 years of activity.
This song, included on their debut album released in 1987, sings of a fleeting romance under the moonlight.
Although it was never released as a single, it has been performed frequently at live shows and included on best-of compilations, making it a well-known track among fans.
Night of Howling at the Crimson MoonGO!GO!7188
“The Night Howling at the Red Moon” is a track included on GO!GO!7188’s fourth original album, “Ryūzetsuran,” released in 2004.
From the lyrics, one can catch a glimpse of someone struggling in the liminal space between life and death, pondering what the “red moon” signifies.
Two moonsMakihara Noriyuki
It’s the B-side track to Noriyuki Makihara’s 11th single, “Futatsu no Negai” (“Two Wishes”).
Using the two moons—the full moon in the night sky and its reflection on the sea—as motifs, it gently sings about the pure feelings of first love in boyhood.
The pronunciation of the English lyrics is remarkably fluent and uncharacteristic of a typical Japanese singer.
The highly metaphorical lyrics are also a highlight.
Moon BoatIkeda Satoshi
When it comes to moon-themed songs by singer-songwriter Satoshi Ikeda—known for the hit debut single “Monochrome Venus”—it has to be “Tsuki no Fune” (Moon Boat).
Released in 1988 as his fifth single, it was used in a commercial for Sanki Co., Ltd.’s “Boutique JOY.” It’s a melancholic, heartrending ballad that evokes the image of the moon reflected on the water’s surface, and it’s a classic that has been covered by artists like Noriyuki Makihara and CHEMISTRY.
Highlights from Ikeda’s 30th-anniversary concert are available on his official YouTube channel, so be sure to check them out!
Golden MoonSuga Shikao
Released in 1997, this “Golden Moon” is Suga Shikao’s second single.
You could call it a spring that lasted too long: the relationship has gone on, the passion has faded, and they can’t go back to how it was back then.
Even so, if that’s what she wants, he’ll “gather all the light and paint a golden moon.” It’s a sentiment many men can relate to.
For women… it’s a bit complicated.
Crescent Moon MelancholyBābī Bōizu
Barbee Boys, a rock band that gained popularity for their distinctive sound featuring intertwined male–female twin vocals and saxophone.
This 1989 November release deftly portrays the unfulfilled complexities of adult love.
Over a floating guitar riff, KONTA and Kyoko’s vocals capture the emotional disconnect between a man and a woman, their bittersweet harmonies resonating deeply.
Released as the band’s 13th single, the song is also known for being featured in a commercial for Meiji’s chocolate bar “body.” It’s a perfect listen when you want to spend a quiet night alone gazing at the city lights or sink into a sentimental mood.