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)
moonlightmoumoon
This is a song that colors autumn nights with the gentle, sunlit sound of the music duo moumoon.
YUKA’s clear, translucent vocals and the delicate, guitar-centered ensemble crafted by MASAKI are especially striking.
The track seems to portray a tender yet bittersweet feeling of thinking about someone precious under the moonlight.
Its lyrics, together with the dreamy arrangement, gently envelop the listener’s heart.
Released as a single in November 2010, it was also featured in the AEON “Full Moon Rosé” commercial.
The song was later included on the acclaimed album “15 Doors.” It’s sure to keep you company during quiet, contemplative autumn evenings.
Moon Riverfhána
“Moon River” is a song used as the ending theme for the TV anime The Eccentric Family 2.
It was created by fhána, a band known for blending diverse musical styles, and released in April 2017 as their 11th single.
The lyrics are striking, weaving a bittersweet yet warm story of wandering under the moonlight in search of someone precious.
The grand, evolving sound arrangement is also a highlight.
It’s a song to listen to when you want to dwell on feelings that remain unchanged as the seasons turn.
Songs to Listen to During Moon Viewing: Classic and Recommended Popular Tracks for Enjoying the Mid-Autumn Full Moon (31–40)
Love Autumn on a Moonlit NightMinami Chiaki (CV: Chihara Minori)
I’m drawn to the nostalgic atmosphere of this song.
It’s a character song from the anime Minami-ke Okaeri, sung by Minori Chihara, who plays Chiaki Minami.
It’s one of the tracks included on the mini-album Haru Natsu Aki Tojo!!, released in December 2008.
Its gentle tone, perfect for long autumn nights, seeps into the heart.
Listening to it puts me in a relaxed mood.
If you want to soothe a tired heart after busy days, please give it a listen.
A waning moonMiyawaki Shion
This song brings to mind a moon floating in a quiet, crystal-clear night sky.
Sung by singer-songwriter Shion Miyawaki, it served as the ending theme for season 2 of the TV anime Assassination Classroom.
The track was released in January 2016 and was also included on her mini-album Sora later that year.
Its introspective lyrics—expressing a desire to gather up imperfect and lost things to verify them—really resonate.
Her emotionally rich voice envelops the feelings of the anime’s characters.
It’s a perfect anime ballad for a long autumn night.
Moonlight FlowerJanne Da Arc
Janne Da Arc’s signature song, “Gekkouka.” It was also used as the theme song for the TV anime Black Jack.
With its cool sound and a voice that resonates in the heart, it’s an extremely popular track.
It combines both a solemn atmosphere and a mysterious one—truly a masterpiece that could be called a flower blooming under the moon.
Listening to it, humming along while gazing at the moon, might let you sink into a nostalgic world.
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.
