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 (11–20)
Moon BowlSakanakushon
Sakanaction continues to captivate many fans with their inventive sound that fuses rock and electronica.
Featured on the concept album “Adapt,” released in March 2022, this track is also known as the song from the TOYOTA Yaris Cross commercial.
Created around the theme of “adaptation,” the album’s worldview is symbolized by a wish to overcome stifling days, evoked through the image of moonlight shining into a dark bowl.
Listening under the Harvest Moon, the beautiful melody melts into the night and brings a sense of calm.
Under the moonlightMONGOL800
MONGOL800 is a rock band based in Okinawa, beloved across generations.
Released in September 2001, their classic album MESSAGE set a record with over 2.8 million copies sold as an indie release, and it includes the song Under the Moonlight.
This track is a love song that sings of pure feelings for a cherished person, conjuring beautiful scenes like moonlight and the summer night sky.
Another hallmark is its structure: it shifts from a gentle, ballad-like first half to an energetic punk sound in the latter half.
This dynamic progression vividly captures the emotional swell as quiet affection transforms into a fiery resolve.
Children of the Sun and MoonV6
A gently heartwarming story of love and hope.
Sung by V6, this piece carries a warm message to the children of the sun and the moon.
In lyrics crafted by Ai Iwasaki, the meaning of life and the cycle of existence are beautifully depicted, offering comfort to listeners’ hearts.
Released in May 2017 as their 48th single, it was also featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta, and its animated music video drew attention.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a moon-viewing night with family or someone dear.
As you gaze up at the quiet night sky, why not reflect on your own life? You may find yourself realizing that someone has been watching over you.
HoneymoonSEKAI NO OWARI
Featured on the February 2019 album “Lip,” this track offers a soothing contrast between delicate instrumentation and a gentle vocal delivery.
As time passes and things change, the moon continues to shine in memory.
The lyrics, painting such scenes, evoke a beautiful yet bittersweet story.
It’s a nostalgic number with an irresistible, uniquely floating sensation where reality and fantasy seem to blend.
The size of the moonNogizaka 46
A powerful cheer song delivered by Nogizaka46.
Included on their 7th single “Barette,” released in November 2013, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Naruto Shippuden.
While gazing up at a moon larger and brighter than usual, the song expresses a resolve to overcome sorrow and move toward independence, and as you listen, it fills you with passion too.
When you’re striving toward something and feel a bit lonely at night, listening to it will surely give you a gentle push forward.
Moon ShapedHomecomings
A song characterized by a gentle melody and delicate lyrics.
Released digitally in May 2024 as the theme song for the film “Mikazuki to Neko” (Crescent Moon and Cat).
Its poetic, emotionally rich imagery—like moonlight illuminating the city and the night embracing what is missing—resonates deeply.
It’s said to carry themes of kindness and the importance of forgiveness, evoking the small magic found in everyday life.
A nostalgic, warm dream-pop track that showcases Homecomings’ musicality.
You’ll likely feel an even deeper emotion when you enjoy it alongside the film.
It’s the perfect song to listen to with someone special on a moon-viewing night.
Songs to listen to for moon viewing: classic and recommended popular tracks to enjoy the Harvest Moon (21–30)
HoneymoonSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI is a four-member co-ed band that has gained popularity for live performances and a worldview that fully entertain their audience.
“Honey Moon,” included on their fifth album Lip released simultaneously with their fourth album Eye, features a simple, string-focused ensemble contrasted with gentle vocals that feels wonderfully pleasing.
The lyrics, which depict a moon that remains unchanged in memories while everything else changes over time, seem to reveal a story that conveys a sense of sorrow within its beauty.
It’s a nostalgic number with a distinctive floating sensation that comfortably bridges reality and unreality.
