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

Crescent Moon SunsetSakanakushon

Sakanaction / Crescent Moon Sunset -Music Video-

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.

rendezvousshaitoopu

rendezvous

Sheitoupe’s songs are perfect for sinking into a sentimental mood while listening to the cold sounds of autumn rain.

Memories of a lost love and the longed-for reunion—wished for even while knowing it can never come true—are portrayed with a painfully vivid realism.

Vocalist So Sasaki’s languid, honeyed voice entwines with the protagonist’s helpless feelings, tightening your chest.

Released in April 2023, the track resonated so widely that by November of the same year it had surpassed 100 million streams.

It was later included on the album Hors d’œuvre.

A bittersweet and beautiful piece, it gently stays by your side on long autumn nights as you reflect on days gone by.

autumn rainsonā poketto

Sonar Pocket “Autumn Rain” [Lyric Video]

Sonar Pocket, known for love songs that resonate with many, released a piece in November 2022 that is a lyrical track conjuring vivid scenes of autumn rain.

While their straightforward, heartfelt lyrics are one of their trademarks, this work, with newly written lyrics by Saint Vega, ventures into a fresh mode of expression that paints landscapes through skillful Japanese rhymes.

The sound, evocative of rain-soaked streets and slightly chilly air, further highlights the poignancy of the story.

Many listeners will likely find their hearts moved as they overlay their own experiences onto the song’s wistful reflections on days gone by.

On a chilly autumn night, listening alone in quiet contemplation, it sinks deeply into your heart.

October’s (2025 mix)Harukamirai

October’s (2025 mix)

How about a slightly bittersweet song that conjures up scenes of a crimson sunset sky and a flowing river? This work by Harukamirai, a rock band from Hachioji, portrays the determination to live powerfully “here and now,” even while carrying uncertainty and frustration about the future.

The contradictory emotions of youth—feeling more constrained the more you seek freedom—surge into your chest atop a melody that makes you want to hum along.

The track was included on the November 2017 mini-album “Hoshikuzu no Uta” and was later rebuilt with a new sound.

On a contemplative walk home, or on a night when you wish someone would sing just for you, listening to it might gently stay by your side.

a balmy autumn daytsukuyomi

Tsukuyomi “Akiharara” Music Video

How about this song for when you want to sink into a sentimental mood on an autumn evening? It’s a track from Tsukuyomi, a narrative music project led by composer Yuri Cannon.

The piece is set against the story of a girl living with illness and the boy who stays by her side, and it sings of fragile feelings that accept a fading fate while striving to live fully in the present, like autumn leaves turning color.

As you listen, you’re drawn into its heartrending world.

The song was released in August 2024 and later included on the concept mini-album “We Call That God.” Its melody is striking—somehow refreshing yet deeply moving.

Savor it as you cherish time with someone precious.

I jumped into the pool in October.Keyakizaka46

Keyakizaka46 'Dived into the Pool in October'

Keyakizaka46 is a girls’ group that set itself apart from conventional idols with a serious worldview and lyrics packed with powerful messages, earning them widespread popularity.

Used as the song for an AEON Card commercial, this track resonates as the slightly chilly autumn air seems to highlight the impatience of youth and the longing for the future.

Shaking off dissatisfaction and inner conflict, they leap into the world on impulse—a portrayal that gently encourages anyone who feels stifled by everyday life.

The song also holds special meaning for fans, as its release was once postponed before finally being recorded for the first time on the October 2020 best-of album “An Instant Longer Than Eternity: We Truly Existed Back Then.” It’s a bittersweet yet empowering youth anthem, perfect for listening at the turn of the seasons.

milk teaShimizu Shota

milk tea

When you think of ballads you want to listen to as autumn deepens, many of you might picture songs with warm melodies that really touch the heart.

That’s why I recommend this one by Shota Shimizu! With its memorable electric piano intro, the song is a love ballad that portrays a calm moment where two hearts melt together, like milk slowly blending into tea.

You can really feel his talent for weaving irreplaceable affection out of everyday scenes.

The track was included on the single “My Boo,” released in October 2016, and later featured on the 2017 album “FLY.” If you listen to it on a chilly night with a warm drink in hand, thinking of someone special, you’ll likely find yourself wrapped up in its sweet, gentle world.