[Autumn Classics] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October: A Curated Selection of Beloved, Heartfelt Hits
October, when you can feel autumn’s arrival.
As the weather cools a little, what kind of songs do you feel like listening to? When a song suddenly resonates with you—while strolling through a park with falling leaves or on your way to school or work—it makes the changing seasons feel even more vivid.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are perfect for October.
Autumn evokes many elements: the sentimental glow of a crimson sunset, the moon, flowers, and more.
From tracks that conjure nostalgic memories of fall to songs you’ll want to listen to right now, you’re sure to find one that speaks to your heart!
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[Autumn Classics] Japanese songs to listen to and sing in October! Carefully selected heartfelt hits (71–80)
gentianWANIMA
Rindou, sung by WANIMA, is an uplifting song filled with the message, “Stay true to yourself, even when it’s hard.” Released in 2019, it’s included on their third album, COMINATCHA!!, which reached No.
1 on the Oricon Albums Chart.
In this track, KENTA, the band’s vocalist, showcases a different charm from their signature song Tomoni, delivering a gentle voice that resonates with listeners.
Titled after the gentian—the prefectural flower of Kumamoto, where the members were born and raised—this is one of their standout songs.
Be sure to give it a listen!
MissingKubota Toshinobu
This is a gem of a ballad by Toshinobu Kubota, known for his uniquely groovy style, perfect for an autumn night.
It poignantly conveys, with a soulful voice, the helpless love between a man and a woman who care deeply for each other yet can never be together.
The struggle of wanting to forget but being unable to, and the regret of wishing they had met earlier, really hits home.
The song was included on his debut album, “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986, and was used as an ending theme for shows like World Pro Wrestling.
Though it wasn’t released as a single, it remains one of his most beloved signature songs.
It feels like a gentle companion to the quiet loneliness that follows the bustle of summer.
Serene and sweet autumn evening lyricismUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
This song, with its quiet, beautiful melody that evokes an autumn evening, sinks deep into the heart.
It’s a track by the three-piece rock band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN.
The piece seems to depict both the loneliness of a passing season and a gentle warmth that cherishes precious memories.
It’s bittersweet, yet somehow soothing in a mysterious way.
The song is included on their seventh album, MODE MOOD MODE, released in January 2018.
The harmony between Kosuke Saito’s clear, translucent vocals and the band’s delicate sound is wonderful.
It’s a song I’d love for you to listen to alone on a slightly chilly night, strolling through a park where fallen leaves are dancing.
Crescent Moon SunsetSakanakushon
Sakanaction masterfully fuse electronic music with a band sound, captivating listeners with their unique musical world.
This track, included on their debut album GO TO THE FUTURE released in May 2007, is a number that symbolizes the early days of the band’s career.
Evoking a scene where the sun sets and a slender moon peeks into the sky, the song conveys the frustration felt within the repetition of everyday life, as well as a quiet resolve to change something.
Upon its release, it garnered major attention in their home of Hokkaido, reaching No.
2 on the Sapporo Hot 100 chart, and it was also selected as the ending theme for MBS’s MM-TV.
It’s a stylish track that gently accompanies reflective autumn nights.
Beyond the Night SkySuga Shikao
“Yozora no Mukou,” for which Shikao Suga provided the lyrics to SMAP.
I was surprised to learn this was apparently Suga’s first job providing lyrics only.
With its gentle, tinkling guitar tones and his husky vocals, it’s a deeply sentimental song.
On an autumn night breeze, the lyrics will surely tighten your chest as they bring back old memories.
It’s a classic ballad with a mysterious vibe, as if speaking to our past selves.
Moon DropsShibasaki Kou
Ko Shibasaki is a singer who exudes an overwhelming presence as an actor and also has the profile of a businesswoman.
The song Tsuki no Shizuku, used as both an insert song and the main theme for the film Yomigaeri, was released under the name RUI, the character she plays in the movie.
The contrast between its oriental melody and the dreamy ensemble featuring piano evokes the image of an autumn sky with the moon floating above.
As a well-known song, it’s sure to draw attention at karaoke—an emotional ballad number you can’t go wrong with.
DragonflyDREAMS COME TRUE
It’s a song included at the end of DREAMS COME TRUE’s 10th album “the Monster,” released in 1999.
Although it’s relatively short for a DCT track, the lyrics—overlaying the singer’s feelings onto a dragonfly soaring through the autumn sky—naturally resonate with the heart.
It’s a hidden gem.