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 for Enjoying the Mid-Autumn Full Moon (31–40)
azure moonEvery Little Thing
Ever since their debut, the music duo Every Little Thing has turned out hit after hit and continues to be highly active today.
Their 29th single, “azure moon,” used as the ending theme for the quiz variety show “Quiz Discovery Variety Itte Q!,” is notable for its expansive ensemble featuring delicate acoustic guitar arpeggios.
The lyrics, which depict the warmth of the moon watching over life, blend with the dreamlike arrangement to create a gentle, embracing feel.
It’s a dramatic ballad whose clear, pure vocals shape its distinctive world.
Sea urchin and chestnutzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
“Uni and Chestnuts,” sung by the music unit ZUTOMAYO (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.), which began their activities by posting videos on YouTube, is a track included on their 2018 album “Tadashii Itsuwari kara no Kishō.” It’s a highly acclaimed work, having ranked 8th on the Oricon album chart and being selected as a winner for the CD Shop Awards.
The intro featuring a toy piano has an adorable sound, and it pairs perfectly with vocalist ACA-ne’s voice!
Crescent Moon SunsetSakanakushon
Sakanaction is a five-piece rock band that captivates fans with their meticulous commitment to sound, both live and in the studio.
“Mikazuki Sunset,” included on their debut album GO TO THE FUTURE, is a track they’ve been performing since their pre-major days as the precursor band, Dutchman.
The lyrics, which evoke the image of the moon appearing as the sun sets, convey a desire to change something even while struggling through the repetition of everyday life.
It’s a stylish pop tune whose tight yet expansive sound echoes the moon’s mystique.
Moon CryingKōda Kumi
Kumi Koda, synonymous with “sexy-cool,” is a diva who represents the Heisei era and is acclaimed for her powerful vocals.
Her song “Moon Crying” is her 40th single, released in 2008.
It’s a track where Kumi Koda’s rich, deep voice blends perfectly with a dreamlike atmosphere.
If you listen to it while moon-gazing, you’ll likely be moved to tears by its poignancy and her beautiful vocals.
If you’re looking for a tear-jerking moon-themed song, this might be the one.
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.
Songs to listen to for moon viewing: Classic and recommended popular tracks to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Full Moon (41–50)
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.
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.