Songs to listen to under the moon: classic and recommended popular tracks to enjoy the Mid-Autumn full moon
An autumn tradition: moon viewing! Offering rice dumplings and pampas grass, gazing at the beautiful moon and letting your thoughts wander—this indispensable seasonal custom is said to have begun in the Heian period.
By the way, there are works across many genres themed around the moon.
In this article, we’ll introduce standout songs among these “moon tunes” that perfectly match an o-tsukimi scene.
We’ve included pieces with beautiful sonorities that suit the Harvest Moon, songs for spending time with family, and tracks that children can enjoy.
As you gaze up at the moon, try listening while layering your own feelings onto the music.
- [Moon Songs Special] Famous songs about the moon. Songs you’ll want to listen to under a full moon or in the moonlight.
- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- [For Seniors] Autumn Songs That Touch the Heart: From Nostalgic Children’s Songs and School Songs to Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
- [Masterpieces Singing the Full Moon] Carefully Selected Popular and Classic Songs Related to the Moon
- [Autumn Classics] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October: A Curated Selection of Beloved, Heartfelt Hits
- Songs to Listen to in September: Popular J-POP Tracks That Capture the End of Summer and Early Autumn
- Colorful coming-of-age songs perfect for autumn listening
- Ballad songs perfect for autumn. Timeless mellow hits for the fall season.
- Songs of the constellations: classic and popular tracks you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the night sky
- Famous songs about the crescent moon. Recommended popular tracks.
- Autumn Classics: Carefully Selected Exquisite Ballads to Listen to in September
- Masterpieces that sing of the stars. Star songs that resonate in the heart, best heard beneath the night sky.
Songs to listen to during moon viewing: classic and recommended popular tracks to enjoy the Mid-Autumn full moon (61–70)
moonlightSaitō Kazuyoshi
Kazuyoshi Saito’s song “Tsukikage” (Moonlight) is a track included on his 1997 album Because, and it sings about the ever-shining, unchanging moon.
Because is one of Saito’s signature works and also features “Utautai no Ballad.” “Tsukikage” is notable for its harmonica intro and carries the flavor of American folk reminiscent of Bob Dylan.
Its uplifting lyrics, which encourage moving forward toward the moon that is always watching over us, are energizing—so be sure to give it a listen!
moon bathingShibata Jun
It’s a translucent slow ballad.
This song is by Jun Shibata, a Tokyo-born singer-songwriter also known as the “Diva of Blogs,” and it was released in 2002 as her third single.
It sings of parting with someone precious and makes your chest tighten.
It’s a tear-jerking moon song I’d recommend to anyone who’s recently had their heart broken or just wants a good cry.
crescent moonayaka
Ayaka is a singer-songwriter who captivates fans with her soulful vocals rooted in gospel and a musicality that reflects her diverse background.
Her fourth single, Mikazuki, which was used as the theme song for NHK’s Mirai Kansoku Tsunagaru TV @Human, remains one of her signature songs to this day.
Comparing a flip phone to the moon evokes a sentimental scene of a long-distance romance.
It’s an emotional number whose piano-centered, mystical ensemble conjures the image of the moon.
The MoonFujihara Sakura
Sakura Fujiwara is a singer-songwriter whose music—infused with roots and world music—has earned high acclaim, and she is the daughter of bassist Koji Fujiwara.
Her digital-only single “The Moon,” used as the theme song for the animated film Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II — Transgression, features a weightless sound and a soft vocal delivery that feels wonderfully soothing.
The lyrics, which portray the sorrow of people hurting one another for the sake of their own justice, seem to reflect not only the film’s story but also a timeless, universal theme for humanity.
It’s a sentimental number whose spacious ensemble evokes the image of the moon.
Moon-viewing udonTempalay
It’s a beautiful track that captures the stillness of late night and early morning.
Set against an autumn moonlit night, its lyrics stand out with poetic expressions that make light seem to make a sound, and with the ache of unfulfilled longing.
Included on the album “((ika)),” this piece was released in May 2024 to commemorate Tempalay’s 10th anniversary.
It unfolds a unique world where psychedelic elements blend with indie rock.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the moon on a quiet night—perfect for long autumn evenings.
It feels like it will gently accompany those who are experiencing loneliness or melancholy.
TSUKIAmuro Namie
Namie Amuro, a singer whose popularity became a social phenomenon in the 1990s and who is remembered as one of the divas of the Heisei era.
Her 41st single released under her solo name, “TSUKI,” used as the theme song for the film “I Just Wanna Hug You,” also drew attention for its dreamlike music video filmed in Iceland.
The lyrics tell a story of gazing up at the moon while thinking of a precious person after parting, stirring up sentimental feelings.
With its translucent vocals and a melody that evokes a sense of wistfulness, it’s a heartrending yet beautiful number that resonates deeply.
soft moonYamazaki Masayoshi
With his gentle singing voice, Masayoshi Yamazaki continues to soothe listeners.
“Yawarakai Tsuki” (“Soft Moon”) features an acoustic guitar that accentuates the song’s beautiful yet sorrowful mood.
The orchestral backing adds a mystical hue to the piece.
If you listen while moon-gazing, you’ll be healed by its unique atmosphere and lyrical world, and tears may well up.
Step into the tender, heartrending world of Yamazaki.