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

Tokyo Sunsetback number

Tokyo No Yuuyake

For those who find themselves layering a sentimental mood over the cityscape on an autumn evening, this classic by back number is highly recommended.

It delicately portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they struggle with loneliness and inner conflict in an unfamiliar city, yet try to find hope in the beautiful sunset unfolding before their eyes.

The song is included on the album “Chandelier,” released in December 2015, which topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks.

If you listen to it on your slightly chilly walk home when a sudden pang of loneliness hits, its bittersweet yet warm melody will likely wrap gently around your heart.

It’s a tender cheery anthem that seems to give you a gentle push—“Let’s do our best again tomorrow.”

Like this tonightaimyon

Aimyon – Stay Like This Tonight [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Aimyon, known for her nostalgic acoustic sound, has won wide popularity.

Released in November 2018 as her sixth single, this song drew attention when it was selected as the theme for the TV drama “We Can’t Become Beasts.” The lyrics are striking, comparing emotions to beer foam and portraying the frustration of hiding our bitter-sweet feelings and true thoughts in everyday life.

The words, which suggest that even a painful situation can turn into happiness with a small change, seem to gently comfort the melancholy heart of an autumn night.

With its light, pleasant beat, it’s a track you’ll want to listen to in the season when you long for connection.

osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)Aina ji Endo

Aina The End – Osmanthus [Official Music Video]

A song themed around the sweet fragrance that drifts through the autumn season.

Sung by Aina The End, also known as a member of BiSH, it was included on her 2021 album THE END.

Completed together with Seiji Kameda, it has been shaped into a grand ballad.

The lyrics—depicting memories revived by scent and a confrontation with one’s own weaknesses—are distinctive, and resonate deeply alongside her one-of-a-kind husky voice.

The track is based on a demo created about six years before she joined BiSH, and while listening to this beautiful number, graced by a melancholic piano tone, why not spend a sentimental autumn night?

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.