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 Popular Picks to Enjoy the Mid-Autumn Full Moon (1–10)
Starry NightYuka
This is the track that was chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “A Night When Stars Fall,” which drew a huge response.
It’s a song by singer-songwriter Yuka, produced by Toru from ONE OK ROCK.
Titled after a scene where only starlight shines on a night without the moon, the piece conveys the feeling of calling a loved one’s name as if in prayer, affirming the preciousness of their presence.
The clear vocals of Yuka and the bittersweet yet warm melody weave an ensemble that makes it a song you’ll want to listen to closely under the autumn night sky while thinking of someone dear.
Amber MoonDREAMS COME TRUE
A pop number crafted by DREAMS COME TRUE that’s perfect for autumn nights.
Released in March 1995, it’s included on the classic album “DELICIOUS,” which topped that year’s Oricon annual album chart.
The lyrics, capturing the bittersweet frustration of being unable to move beyond a “friends” relationship despite being in love, resonate deeply.
It’s the perfect song for gazing up at the night sky and basking in sweet, heartrending memories.
moonbowBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is a song that conveys a strong resolve to find a light of hope beyond the darkness.
Created by the four-piece rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN, it was included on the album “aurora arc,” released in July 2019.
It was written specifically for the TV anime Karakuri Circus.
As you listen to the oriental tones woven by acoustic guitar and accordion, you feel as if you’re being led into another world.
On a moonlit night, why not dive into its grand worldview?
crescent moonDREAMS COME TRUE
DREAMS COME TRUE continues to captivate fans with their overwhelming vocal prowess.
This song was used in the hugely popular TV drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours,” so many of you may find it familiar.
It’s included on the single “Asa ga Mata Kuru,” released in January 1999.
The lyric—wishing to the moon, “Please let me see the person I cherish”—overlaps with Miwa Yoshida’s emotionally rich vocals, resonating deeply in the heart.
Why not listen to it on an otsukimi night, thinking of someone special?
Akatsuki-zukuyoHONEY WORKS
“Akatsukizukuyo” is a song by the creator unit HoneyWorks.
It’s included on a single released in May 2015.
The rock-tinged sound led by a piano melody leaves a strong impression.
The protagonist, so consumed with thoughts of the one they love, ends up staying up all night…the lyrics, overlaying those feelings onto the moon hanging in the dawn sky, are irresistible.
Many people are sure to get butterflies from this youthful story.
Try listening while thinking of the person who’s that someone for you.
Thinking of You on a Moonlit Night of Falling LoveKing&Prince
This is a classic love song that captures the exhilarating moment when love begins.
Released in October 2021, this track is King & Prince’s eighth single and was chosen as the theme song for the film Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – Final.
The lyrics evoke a romantic scene of thinking about someone special on a night when the moon shines beautifully.
The sparkling, uplifting, and catchy melody perfectly conveys the protagonist’s heart overflowing with unstoppable feelings of love.
Why not listen to it while gazing at the moon and overlaying it with the precious feelings you hold in your heart?
A full moon that only blooms at nightONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK captivates countless fans with their overwhelming performance and emotional intensity.
This track, included on their major debut album “Zeitakubyou,” is the one.
It sings of a fervent wish to have the darkness in our hearts—like doubt and loneliness that everyone carries—illuminated by the full moon.
The driving sound arrangement and Taka’s punk-tinged vocals are the highlights.
Give it a listen and it’s sure to energize you for tomorrow.