[Autumn Classics] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October: A Curated Selection of Beloved, Heartfelt Hits

KoiAndrop

androp – “Koi” Music Video, theme song for the film “Until I Meet September’s Love”

androp is a four-piece rock band acclaimed for their meticulous sonic approach.

This song was written as the theme for the film “Until I Meet September’s Love” and released in February 2019 as their 11th single.

Even when fate stands in the way and meeting becomes impossible, an unwavering resolve to keep thinking of the other person is conveyed through delicate piano tones and a crystal-clear vocal.

Its pure, unadorned lyrics quietly stir the listener’s heart.

It’s a perfect classic for moments when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, wrapped in the slightly wistful air of autumn.

Night journeyYorushika

Yorushika – Night Journey (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

How about a song that gently seeps into your heart on a long autumn night? The number by Yorushika beautifully captures the delicate emotions that waver in the quiet of the night.

It conveys the frustration of wanting to break free from the present yet being unable to take that final step.

Even so, the resolve to face forward while believing in a sliver of hope comes powerfully through in Suis’s clear, translucent vocals.

Released in March 2020, this piece was produced as an insert song for the feature-length animated film “A Whisker Away” and is also included on the album Plagiarism.

It’s a recommended track for contemplative walks home or moments when you want to sit quietly and reflect on yourself in a calm room.

On a full-moon nightaimyon

Aimyon – If It's a Full Moon Night [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A very moody song that evokes a long autumn night with a beautifully shining moon.

Released in April 2018 as Aimyon’s fourth major-label single, it’s also included on the acclaimed album “Shunkanteki Sixth Sense.” Although the words suggested by the title hardly appear in the lyrics, the song has a curious charm: through skillful metaphors—like the image of melting ice cream—it vividly brings to life a sensual night shared by two people.

Many of Aimyon’s lyrics adopt a male perspective, and I think that’s one of the reasons her music appeals broadly without alienating listeners.

At karaoke, singing it with a touch of boldness might help you sink into the song’s world and make it feel just right.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

With the concept of “down-to-earth music,” Sukima Switch’s lyrical songs have earned support across generations.

Released in March 2004 as their second single, this track has become a classic, securing numerous tie-ins such as an insert song for the film “Rough” and themes for TV dramas.

Its heartrending lyrics and melody evoke scenes of parting, likely bringing back memories for anyone who listens.

Musically, it’s a very straightforward and beautiful ballad that almost anyone can sing along to with ease.

When singing it at karaoke, try to value every single word of the lyrics and perform with care.

It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “I’ll Be Dyed” Music Video

If you’re looking to indulge in a slightly sentimental mood on a chilly autumn night, I recommend a wistful mid-tempo number from Chatmonchy.

Released in November 2008, this song poignantly conveys the loneliness of city nights and the tender ache of stretching yourself to do something unfamiliar.

The gradient of a heart that has lost something precious and is slowly dyed a different color seems to resonate in your chest, carried by Eriko Hashimoto’s aching vocals.

This was the band’s ninth single and marked their first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Tonsura” and included on the classic album “Kokuhaku” (Confession).

Sing it earnestly at karaoke, and memories of your youth might just come flooding back.

Even if the moon cannot be seen tonightPorunogurafiti

Porno Graffitti “Even If the Moon Can’t Be Seen Tonight” MUSIC VIDEO (Theme song for the film “BLEACH: Fade to Black, I Call Your Name”)

This song by Porno Graffitti, a rock band from Hiroshima Prefecture, pierces the heart with its exhilarating sound and wistful vocals.

Released in December 2008 as their 27th single, it is also known as the theme song for the film “BLEACH: Fade to Black.” Created with a strong determination to craft “a new signature song” for their 10th anniversary, it was later included on the acclaimed album ∠TRIGGER.

Set on an autumn night when the moon is hidden by thick clouds, the song portrays the earnest feelings of yearning for someone out of reach, wrapped in an urban, cool atmosphere.

The belief in a light that exists even when unseen aligns perfectly with the anime’s worldview.

Blending digital elements with rock, this track is ideal both for nights when you want to sink into sentiment and for belting out at karaoke.

maybeYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Tabun” Official Music Video

A song by YOASOBI released in July 2020 that also serves as the theme for a short film of the same name.

It depicts a quiet morning shared by two people facing a breakup, and is a mid-tempo number that gently accompanies the melancholic autumn season.

YOASOBI’s songs might seem difficult to sing, but this one features a calm rhythm that lets you savor the lyrics.

Ikura’s clear, transparent vocals delicately convey the complex emotions—the helpless sense of loss after a relationship ends, a heart wavering over the fact that it’s no one’s fault, and the sudden resurgence of regret.

It’s a moving song recommended for autumn nights when you want to sing as if telling a story, pouring your feelings into every word.