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 to Enjoy the Harvest Moon (51–60)
to the moonYogee New Waves
This is the song chosen as the theme for the late-night drama Hitori Camp de Kutte Neru (Eat and Sleep on a Solo Camp).
It’s a track that sings of a strong desire to go to the moon, and in the music video the members are standing on the moon with Earth floating in the background.
Rather than being a heavily message-driven song, it leans more toward BGM—something you can relax to.
Prepare some dango and sake for moon viewing, and listen while gazing absentmindedly at the moon.
The floating, airy sound is soothing and I think you’ll find it very healing.
Moonlit Horizon[Alexandros]
![Moonlit Horizon[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z58NJIjdp8c/sddefault.jpg)
Forming a new lineup and relaunching in 2021, the four-piece rock band [Alexandros] has gained popularity with a classic yet modern rock sound.
Their second digital-only single, Tsukiiro Horizon, chosen as the theme song for Coca-Cola Japan’s Aquarius commercial, amps you up from the intro with its refreshing, guitar-riff–driven hook.
The lyrics, which evoke a sense of pride in the place reached after relentless walking, can be taken as a positive message that paints the future rather than the past.
Even without explicit words, it conjures the image of a moon shining in the night—a brisk, exhilarating rock tune.
moonlightAo
Released in December 2023, this is a ballad that overwhelms with Ao’s beautiful vocals.
While it was created for Häagen-Dazs’ TV commercial “Honjitsu, Torokeyoubi,” its worldbuilding—depicting the moon’s diverse and complex emotions—also evokes a nostalgic atmosphere.
The days spent gazing up at the moon, the days bathed in light—every moment feels like an irreplaceable treasure.
Based on Debussy’s masterpiece Clair de Lune, the Japanese lyrics breathe new life into the piece.
With its warm ambiance, it’s the kind of song you’ll want to savor slowly while moon-viewing.
Moonlightkuzu
“Moonlight” is a song by Kuzu, a duo consisting of comedians Tomomitsu Yamaguchi and Hiroyuki Miyasako.
Released as a single in 2001, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It was also used as the ending theme for the comedy show “One-Nine R&R,” which led to the formation of Kuzu.
With its bright, folk-inspired sound, the harmonies by Yamaguchi and Miyasako make it a beautiful classic.
Be sure to enjoy moon-viewing with family and friends while listening to “Moonlight”!
Songs to listen to during moon viewing: classic and recommended popular tracks to enjoy the Mid-Autumn full moon (61–70)
Howl at the full moonChatto Monchī
Chatmonchy is a rock band that reshaped the image of girls’ bands in the J-pop scene and influenced countless groups.
Their 11th single, Howl at the Full Moon, used as the theme song for the TV drama “Mousou Sousa: The Stylish Life of Associate Professor Koichi Kuwagata,” sticks in your ears with its striking guitar-riff intro and cute vocals.
Its message—hurling past sorrows and future anxieties at the moon to blow them away—may inspire a positive feeling to take that first step forward.
It’s a heartwarming number whose encouraging lyrics soothe the soul.
Full Moon NightNaoto Intiraymi
It’s a ballad that sings about how meeting someone—though they’re not nearby now—can make the world look and feel beautiful.
Released in 2019, it was used as the theme song for the TV show “Tsuukai TV Sukatto Japan: Family Sukatto.” In the lyrics, there’s a scene where the singer sees the moon floating in the night and overlays it with the image of someone precious.
Who would you picture—family, a lover, someone else? It’s a song that soothes loneliness and hardship and reminds you of what truly matters, so please give it a listen while moon-gazing.
A Drop of the MoonKoizumi Kyoko
A nostalgic moon song, “A Drop of the Moon.” Its melody has a wistful feel, perfect for bathing in nostalgia.
It’s a number by Showa-era idol Kyoko Koizumi, and it’s just right for a grown-up moon-viewing.
Gazing at the moon while recalling those bygone days will surely be beautiful.
Why not project your youth onto the moon with this beloved classic? It might even bring you to tears.