[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!
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- A Guide to Classic Autumn Songs to Sing at Karaoke in October
- Popular Autumn Songs Ranking [2026]
- Ballad songs perfect for autumn. Timeless mellow hits for the fall season.
- [2026] Songs to listen to in November: masterpieces of late autumn, autumn songs.
- From bittersweet tracks to party anthems: fall songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
- [2026] A collection of autumn songs for people in their 50s. Showa-era classics that bring back memories of those days
- Autumn songs that were hits in the 80s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
- [For Seniors] Autumn Songs That Touch the Heart: From Nostalgic Children’s Songs and School Songs to Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
- Uplifting songs to listen to in autumn that will make you feel positive
- Songs to listen to in autumn: Ranking of popular Japanese bands [2026]
- Autumn songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
[Autumn Classics] Japanese songs to listen to and sing in October! A carefully selected list of moving popular tracks (91–100)
Burning Autumnhaifaisetto
When Hiroyuki Itsuki’s novel “Moeru Aki” (Burning Autumn) was adapted into a film in 1978, the theme song specially written for it was “Moeru Aki,” performed by Hi-Fi Set.
Composed by Toru Takemitsu, who scored the film, it won the Best Music Award at the 2nd Japan Academy Prize.
For Hi-Fi Set, it was released as the B-side to their 13th single, “Nettaiya” (Tropical Night).
Later covered by artists such as Seri Ishikawa and performed as a jazz piece, it’s a renowned song—be sure to give it a listen!
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi
This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu that drew huge attention through a collaboration with Masaki Suda, who also radiates overwhelming presence as an actor.
The track is included on Yonezu’s fourth album, “BOOTLEG,” released in November 2017.
Looking back on the bygone days of youth, this slightly sentimental piece is perfect for long autumn nights when the clamor of summer has subsided.
It depicts a yearning for those radiant “blue” days and the struggle of living in a “gray” reality, with the poignant feeling of missing an old friend you can no longer see conveyed through their two voices.
It’s a heart-tugging song that, when you listen to it as you recall happier times and feel a bit lonely, seems to awaken emotions tucked away deep in your heart.
[Autumn Masterpieces] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October! A Curated Selection of Popular, Heartfelt Tracks (101–110)
OctoberTHE BOOM
If you want to fully immerse yourself in sentimentality, I recommend THE BOOM’s “October.” It’s a simple, slow-tempo ballad.
With sparse instrumentation and a relaxed melody, it maintains a melancholy mood throughout.
There isn’t a dramatic swell or climax, yet somehow it tightens your heart in the best way—a true classic.
The lyrics, centered on saying goodbye, are a perfect match.
Be sure to pay attention to the trembling, emotive vocals as well.
A City Turning ColorsMinami Saori
A song renowned as one of Saori Minami’s signature works, vividly reflecting the colors of autumn.
Released in August 1973, this piece beautifully harmonizes Mieko Arima’s lyrics with Kyohei Tsutsumi’s composition to portray the pain of heartbreak and the beauty of growth.
Included on the album “Before Twenty,” it became the best-selling release of Minami’s career.
Set against the backdrop of a city turning to autumn hues, it gently narrates, in her transparent vocals, the journey of overcoming a parting and maturing into womanhood.
Perfect for long autumn nights when you want a song to accompany your thoughts of someone special.
azure moonEvery Little Thing
Ever since their debut, the music duo Every Little Thing has turned out hit after hit and continues to be highly active today.
Their 29th single, “azure moon,” used as the ending theme for the quiz variety show “Quiz Discovery Variety Itte Q!,” is notable for its expansive ensemble featuring delicate acoustic guitar arpeggios.
The lyrics, which depict the warmth of the moon watching over life, blend with the dreamlike arrangement to create a gentle, embracing feel.
It’s a dramatic ballad whose clear, pure vocals shape its distinctive world.
MapleŌmori Motoki
Among the solo songs by Motoki Omori, the frontman of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, a recommended autumn tune is “Maple.” As the name suggests, maple refers to the tree known for its vibrant fall foliage.
The track features singer Miku Motomatsu as a guest vocalist, and the interplay between the two voices is a highlight.
The lyrics depict a certain couple, carefully narrating their mutual care and affection in a conversational format.
It’s a perfect love song to listen to with someone special, or to play at a wedding ceremony or reception.
Be sure to read the lyrics as you listen.
The MoonFujihara Sakura
Sakura Fujiwara is a singer-songwriter whose music—infused with roots and world music—has earned high acclaim, and she is the daughter of bassist Koji Fujiwara.
Her digital-only single “The Moon,” used as the theme song for the animated film Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II — Transgression, features a weightless sound and a soft vocal delivery that feels wonderfully soothing.
The lyrics, which portray the sorrow of people hurting one another for the sake of their own justice, seem to reflect not only the film’s story but also a timeless, universal theme for humanity.
It’s a sentimental number whose spacious ensemble evokes the image of the moon.