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 Mid-Autumn Full Moon (41–50)
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.
MOONREBECCA
This is a song by Rebecca, a band that was hugely active on the Japanese rock scene in the 1980s.
It was released in 1988 as their ninth single, a track cut from the album “Poison.” The lyrics tell of the moon quietly watching as a girl gradually grows into a woman.
It’s a classic packed with the wavering feelings of a teenage girl and a delicate, ephemeral mood.
Otsukimi Recitaljin
A song released by Vocaloid producer Jin, the 12th entry in the Kagerou Project.
Its lyrics, sprinkled with words of encouragement, give you strength when you’re feeling down.
While it’s not exactly a song about moon viewing, the official music video includes scenes of looking at the moon, and the title is “Otsukimi Recital.” It might actually be a perfect track to soothe a tired heart while enjoying the moon.
On top of the lyrics, the song has a speedy feel, so listening to it will lift your spirits!
Evening of the full moonSōru Furawā Yunion
“Mangetsu no Yūbe” (Full Moon Evening) is a song imbued with thoughts for those affected by the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
Co-written by Takashi Nakagawa of Soul Flower Union and Hiroshi Yamaguchi of HEATWAVE, it was created for survivors who felt fear at the sight of the full moon rising in the night sky on the day of the quake.
This heartfelt masterpiece by the two has been covered and passed down by many artists.
Take the Mid-Autumn moon-viewing as an opportunity to listen to “Mangetsu no Yūbe” and reflect on Kobe as it was at that time.
ApolloPorunogurafiti
When people hear “moon song,” many probably think of this track.
It’s about the moon we can see with our eyes—the one that looks so close yet is so far away.
Because it lets you imagine traveling to the moon, it gives you a taste of space tourism.
It might not suit a solemn moon-viewing, but it could be perfect for a lively one with friends.
And since it’s a widely known song, it can lift the mood and help create a fun atmosphere.
MoonlightYonezu Kenshi
“Moonlight” is a song included on Kenshi Yonezu’s 2017 album BOOTLEG.
It was the last track on the album to be completed, and its lyrics play an important role in the album’s overall concept.
The album topped the Oricon Albums Chart and won the Excellence Album Award at the 60th Japan Record Awards.
The languid, hip-hop-inspired rhythm layered with Yonezu’s vocals evokes a moonlit sense of wistful longing.
It’s a track I highly recommend listening to while moon-gazing.
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
Chihiro Onitsuka’s “Gekkou” (Moonlight) is her second single, released in 2000, and it’s included on her debut album Insomnia.
Written and composed by Onitsuka herself, it was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama Trick.
The lyrics, which sing of oppression in a chaotic world, are striking, and together with Onitsuka’s haunting, urgent vocals, the song becomes a powerful ballad.
It’s a classic that has also been covered by artists like Hideaki Tokunaga and Ms.OOJA, so be sure to compare the different versions!