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

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.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

Masaki Suda, who thrives both as an actor and a musician.

His third single, released in February 2018, is a striking rock number that sings candidly about struggling in solitude.

The song drew attention as the theme for the drama “Kiss that Kills,” starring his friend Kento Yamazaki.

The clumsy protagonist longs for love yet fears losing it.

His heartrending cry, carried by a wistful melody, resonates deeply.

On an autumn evening, when you feel a sentimental loneliness, these straightforward lyrics somehow offer quiet comfort.

It’s also included on his debut album, “PLAY.”

Cosmos Highwaykaryūdō

Cosmos Highway Hunter

This is a hit number released in 1977 by the brother duo Kariudo, who were active in the 1970s.

The lyrics were written by Machiko Ryu and the music composed by Shunichi Tokura, both of whom were called hitmakers at the time.

It’s also a rare, passionate Showa-era kayōkyoku that two men can sing in karaoke with matched vocals and choreography.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear in autumn—one that gently embraces an old love.

Goodbye, Regretkururi

Quruli – Goodbye Regret

Quruli is a band that has enjoyed long-lasting popularity thanks to its distinctive musicality.

Among their songs is a classic that gently accompanies the slightly wistful air of autumn.

The track portrays a delicate emotional state that quietly bids farewell to regrets about days gone by and tries to look ahead.

Its sparkling piano melody and warm sound seem to softly kindle hope within the sadness.

Released in September 2008 as a commemorative disc for the Kyoto Music Expo, it’s also likely familiar as the song used in House Foods’ “Java Curry” commercial.

Later included on the acclaimed album “Tamashii no Yukue,” this piece features a beautiful, singable melody, making it a great choice to add to your karaoke repertoire when you want an autumnal song.

coarse sugaraimyon

Aimyon – Zarame [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A song that makes you want to take a long, quiet look into your own heart on an autumn night.

Crafted by Aimyon, it portrays someone carrying a lingering pain, suppressing their emotions while desperately struggling to find hope.

Written as the theme song for the Yomiuri TV/NTV Sunday drama “Let Lonely Deaths Pile Up,” it’s included on the album “Jealous of the Cat,” released in September 2024.

While the song’s tone carries a suspenseful tension, it also has a certain warmth that is so quintessentially Aimyon.

Anyone wrestling with daily conflicts and worries will likely find it relatable.

It’s a ballad you’ll want to sing carefully, savoring each and every word.

Fall feels emoKyūso Nekokami

Fall feels emo

Kyuso Nekokami is a five-piece rock band expanding their fanbase with lyrics that are easy to empathize with.

“Aki Emoi,” included as the B-side to their third single “Wakattendayo,” stands out for its band ensemble featuring a synth sound with a sense of transparency and weightlessness.

The lyrics, which evoke scenes of summer ending and autumn setting in, capture the heart with their realistic depictions.

It’s an autumn-tinged track whose contrast between driving beats and a wistful melody lingers in the ear.

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Hoshino Takashi

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