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)
moonlightJane Jade
A song that paints a moonlit night, accompanied by the light, lilting sound of a ukulele.
Jane Jade’s debut single leaves a lingering afterglow, as if you were gazing up at a starry sky.
The lyrics delicately portray longing and the journey of self-discovery, elevated by the duo’s beautiful harmonies.
Released in December 2023, this gem became the spark that led to the unit’s formation.
Together with the follow-up “Sounds of the Seasons,” it’s filled with everything that makes Jane Jade so captivating.
Perfect for listening alone on a quiet moonlit night, or as background music for time spent with someone special.
Songs to Listen to During Moon Viewing: Classic and Recommended Popular Tracks to Enjoy the Harvest Moon (51–60)
Full moon…!arima kana (CV: han megumi)
Kana Arima is a character from the TV anime “Oshi no Ko,” voiced by Megumi Han.
The song “Full moon…!” included on “Oshi no Ko Character Song CD Vol.
3” appeared in episode 9 of the anime.
Its lyrics, which sing of an unbreakable resolve like the ever-changing moon, make you want to cheer her on so she can shine as brightly as a full moon.
It’s a heartwarming number featuring a cute vocal performance over a lively shuffle beat that leaves a strong impression.
Moon and Sweet TearsChara
The song “Tsuki to Amai Namida” sung by Chara is a single released in 2000.
It was also included on her best-of album released the same year, “Caramel Milk: THE BEST OF CHARA,” and was used as the theme song for the NTV drama “Limit: What If It Were My Child…”.
It’s a cute yet bittersweet love song whose lyrics capture the feelings she experienced when she gave birth to her second child, crafted in Chara’s own pop style.
It’s a perfect track to listen to while moon-gazing with your kids!
MoonELLEGARDEN
The song “Tsuki” (Moon) by ELLEGARDEN is a track included on their 2002 album “DON’T TRUST ANYONE BUT US.” The lyrics and composition were handled by guitarist-vocalist Takeshi Hosomi.
It’s a fast-paced, rough-edged rock tune packed with ELLEGARDEN’s appeal.
You can picture a scene where the “moon” visible from your room as you listen to music is shrouded, evoking a lonely, wistful atmosphere.
It’s a song I especially recommend listening to on the night of the full harvest moon.
Praying to the MoonGLAY
Released in 1996, this song, “Praying to the Moon,” was also a staple of their live shows at the time.
It depicts a woman offering a prayer to the moon, and the man watching her finds her incredibly beautiful.
If you’re a man, this song might even bring to mind a woman you once loved.
The atmosphere is somewhat mysterious, making it perfect for nighttime listening.
How about revisiting your memories while listening on a moon-viewing night? Its rock-like sound and sense of speed keep it from becoming overly sentimental—highly recommended!
Grapefruit MoonGOING STEADY
Grapefruit and the moon—two things that seem unrelated at first glance—come together to create a classic song.
Nostalgic now: youth punk.
For many, it likely carries a familiar ring.
Its energetic melodies and straightforward lyrics moved countless listeners.
Why not savor that nostalgic resonance under the full moon?
Feel So MoonUNICORN
UNICORN is a five-piece rock band whose members can all handle both songwriting and vocals, and they continue to captivate fans with their highly flexible musical style.
Their 14th single, “Feel So Moon,” written as the theme song for the TV anime Space Brothers, came to life thanks to an enthusiastic request from the original creator, Chuya Koyama.
The lyrics, which make you feel as if you’ve set foot on the still largely unknown moon, expand the sense of wonder with UNI C O R N’s signature comedic touch.
It’s a pop-rock tune whose exquisitely laid-back vocals and rich, spacious ensemble evoke a feeling of zero gravity.