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 for moon viewing: classic and recommended popular tracks to enjoy the Harvest Moon (21–30)
Moonlight LegendDALI
When people hear “a song about the moon,” many probably think of this one—the theme song from the wildly popular anime Sailor Moon.
It was released as a single in 1992.
Some of you who were hooked when it aired might still be able to sing it without looking at the lyrics.
It’s been covered by many well-known artists, including Momoiro Clover Z, so check those out if you’re interested.
On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z
It’s a rock ballad by B’z, one of Japan’s leading musical duos.
Released in 2000 as their 27th single, it was written specifically for the drama “Beautiful Life: The Days We Spent Together.” The lyrics express a longing to know the true feelings of someone important.
It’s a slightly bittersweet yet warmly resonant song.
Princess KaguyaSuiyōbi no Campanella
When you think of the moon, many of you might be reminded of the folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Princess Kaguya), right? For those people, I recommend the song Kaguya-hime released by Wednesday Campanella in 2018.
It beautifully captures the fantastical world of Kaguya-hime, while also delivering that distinctly Wednesday Campanella, slightly mysterious vibe that’s irresistible.
There are no rabbits or mochi-pounding scenes, but it might be nice to enjoy moon viewing with a stylish, slightly unusual track like this.
The music video is also well worth watching, so be sure to check it out.
Golden MoonSuga Shikao
Singer-songwriter Shikao Suga, who has gained popularity for his distinctive sound that fuses psychedelic rock and funk.
His second single, “Golden Moon,” featured as an insert song in the TV anime Honey and Clover, grabs your ear from the opening, where a 16-beat drum merges with a commanding bass line.
Many listeners will likely be moved by the lyrics, which liken dreams and pure feelings lost in adulthood to the moon, and portray the resolve to keep living even after losing them.
With its funky ensemble and beautiful melody, it’s a song that comes to mind when you find yourself looking up at the moon alone.
FULL MOONHIROOMI TOSAKA
FULL MOON, sung by Hiroomi Tosaka, the vocalist of Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, is the title track of his first solo project album, FULL MOON.
It was featured in commercials for Rohto Pharmaceutical’s “Rohto Z! PRO” and Yofuku-no-Aoyama, and reached No.
2 on the Oricon album chart.
With lyrics expressing a desire to spend the night of the full moon with you, the song exudes a mature atmosphere.
It’s a track I highly recommend for moon-viewing with your partner.
Pippi’s Moon-Viewing DreamPokemon
Among the most charming Pokémon characters, Clefairy stands out with overwhelming popularity, and this is a warm, cute number sung by Clefairy.
Its catchy pop melody is easy to learn for everyone from small children to adults, and the addictive chorus is perfect for a group sing-along.
The adorable dance by the Clefairy crew in the official video is irresistible, too.
On a night when the summer heat has finally eased, the stars twinkle and a moon shines sleek and bright at the center of the sparkling sky.
It would be lovely to enjoy the Harvest Moon and sing this song together as a parent and child.
MoonKuwata Keisuke
Keisuke Kuwata, known as the frontman of Southern All Stars, is a singer-songwriter whose trademarks are his freewheeling musicality and soulful vocals.
His fourth single, “Tsuki” (“Moon”), was created as a song to bid farewell to his late mother.
Its fleeting imagery and moonlit lyrics feel mysterious while suffused with deep melancholy.
With an oriental-tinged melody and piano tones that evoke wistfulness, it’s a dreamlike ballad perfectly suited to a moonlit night.