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 Harvest Moon (71–80)
TWO MOONSMakihara Noriyuki
It sings about the difficulty of being honest in love.
It’s a song by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara from Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture, included on his fifth album, “PHARMACY,” released in 1994.
His gentle voice is soothing to the heart.
Be sure to listen to it as a couple—you’ll surely be wrapped in a romantic atmosphere.
Even if the moon cannot be seen tonightPorunogurafiti
Porno Graffitti is a two-piece rock band that has won awards in various contests since their amateur days and has kept up that momentum after their major-label debut.
Their 27th single, “Even If the Moon Does Not Shine Tonight,” used as the theme song for the animated film Bleach the Movie: Fade to Black, I Call Your Name, was produced under the concept of creating a new signature song to mark their 10th anniversary.
The lyrics, which evoke contradiction and confusion, connect with the idea of the moon—a presence that undeniably exists even when unseen.
With hysteric synths and a lyrical melody, it’s a rock tune you’ll want to listen to whether the moon is visible or not.
In conclusion
We introduced a selection of classic songs perfect for autumn moon viewing.
From timeless standards to tracks that make you think, “Oh right, there was that song too!”, we covered a range of gems.
Did you find a new favorite? I hope you’ve discovered a piece that pairs perfectly with the moonlit scenery.