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)
On a full-moon nightaimyon
Singer-songwriter Aimyon has carved out a one-of-a-kind presence with her nostalgic sound and lyrically inventive perspective.
Her major-label 4th single, “If It’s a Full Moon Night,” features a brisk, tight acoustic guitar sound.
The lyrics are sensual yet stylish; even without the word “moon,” they conjure the heightened emotions of a full-moon scene.
It’s an emotional pop tune whose sexy yet exhilarating sound and melody linger in your ears.
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.
Songs to Listen to During Moon Viewing: Classic and Recommended Popular Tracks for Enjoying the Mid-Autumn Full Moon (31–40)
MOON PRIDEMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
“MOON PRIDE” is the 12th single by Momoiro Clover Z, released in 2014.
It was written as the theme song for the TV Asahi anime Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal and reached No.
3 on the Oricon singles chart.
With lyrics celebrating the strength of fighting girls and a driving sound, it’s a track that fills you with courage as you listen.
Be sure to play it on the night of the full harvest moon, and let it fire you up for work or study the next day!
Moon Song[Alexandros]
![Moon Song[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FU5FxTP1cpw/sddefault.jpg)
A moon-related song by [Alexandros] that I recommend is “Moon Song.” It’s the first track on their 2016 album EXIST!, which reached No.
1 on the Oricon album chart.
The song was used in a Mitsui Sumitomo Card commercial, and its music video themed around “darkness and light” became a hot topic.
The lyrics evoke a sense of parting that’s heartbreakingly poignant, making “Moon Song” a perfect choice for moon-viewing.
Like the shining moonSuperfly
Superfly is a musical unit that has gained popularity for their powerful vocals and breathtaking live performances, a contrast to their petite appearance.
Their 15th single, “Kagayaku Tsuki no Yō ni” (Like the Shining Moon), released as a double A-side with “The Bird Without Wings,” was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Summer Rescue: Tenku no Shinryojo.” The message—that we can shine only because of the precious people in our lives—evokes an inseparable bond, like that between the sun and the moon.
With its soulful melody carried by a relaxed shuffle beat, it’s a song that stirs the heart—perfect for listening while gazing at the moon.
Prince of the Night and the Princess of the MoonSento Chihiro Chitti (BiSH)
This is a cover of “The Night Prince and the Moon Princess,” a song that has been performed since the GOING STEADY era and continued by GING NANG BOYZ, sung here by BiSH’s Cent Chihiro Chitti.
Many of you may be familiar with the original version.
The lyrics are difficult to grasp on a single listen, but they’re sprinkled with words that evoke the night sky—like the moon and stars—so it’s perfect for moon viewing.
It’s slow-tempo and easy to listen to, and it might be nice to lie down somewhere and enjoy a sense of openness while you listen.
There’s also a theory that the lyrics make sense if you interpret them with Night on the Galactic Railroad in mind.
If you’re curious, be sure to check it out.
moonlightDREAMS COME TRUE
The music unit DREAMS COME TRUE has continued to captivate fans for many years since their debut with overwhelming vocal prowess and hook-filled songs.
“Moonlight,” included on their 9th album SING OR DIE, is beautiful from its opening, where a deep ensemble rides on a triple meter.
The lyrics, which evoke a spiritual message, combined with the moon as a fantastical presence, draw you in, don’t they? With its mystical arrangement and the exquisite contrast between soulful vocals and melody, it’s a hidden gem that evokes the moon.