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

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

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.

Yukara on a Moonlit NightToukyou Esumujika

Yukara of the Moonlit Night / Tokyo Est MoscA

This is a song released in 2004 by Tokyo Eth Musica, a trio consisting of twin vocalists Ai Ei and Miho Hirade and composer Daichi Hayakawa.

Its Asian flavor and expansive scale make it the kind of tune that becomes addictive after just one listen.

Rondo of the Autumn WindSakakibara Ikue

Ikue Sakakibara - Rondo of the Autumn Wind

This is a single released in 1979 during Ikue Sakakibara’s idol years; she is currently active mainly on television.

In this song, she seems to dial back her trademark effervescent brightness a little.

It’s a wonderful autumn song dedicated to someone special.

With its soaring chorus, it’s perfect for karaoke.

Howl at the full moonChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy 'Howl at the Full Moon' Music Video

Chatmonchy is a rock band that reshaped the image of girls’ bands in the J-pop scene and influenced countless groups.

Their 11th single, Howl at the Full Moon, used as the theme song for the TV drama “Mousou Sousa: The Stylish Life of Associate Professor Koichi Kuwagata,” sticks in your ears with its striking guitar-riff intro and cute vocals.

Its message—hurling past sorrows and future anxieties at the moon to blow them away—may inspire a positive feeling to take that first step forward.

It’s a heartwarming number whose encouraging lyrics soothe the soul.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Don’t cry, Glory Moon.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Don't cry, Glory Moon.

This song explores setbacks and loneliness in life while centering on the strength to keep moving forward with hope.

The ever-watchful, ever-shining moon is portrayed symbolically, lending the piece a gentle warmth that feels like a soft push on the listener’s back.

Released in October 2024, it was newly written as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “The Travel Nurse.” True to Kazuyoshi Saito’s style, it features an approachable melody paired with lyrics rich in meaning.

This work is sure to stay close to those carrying pain in their hearts and offer encouragement.

It’s the kind of track that makes you want to listen while gazing up at the night sky.

A Pleasant Autumn Day in AsagayaKine Naoto

Asagaya Indian Summer by Naoto Kine

It’s included on Mr.

Kine’s 2010 album Chūō Line.

“Koharu-biyori” refers to those pleasantly warm, fair-weather days that occur from late autumn to early winter.

Just like in this song, October may be the perfect time to savor quiet happiness in everyday life.

Autumn on the brink of sunsetIsseifubi Sepia

Autumn at Sunset’s Edge (Issē Fūbi Sepia)

This is a song included in the third album released in 1985, “Machi yo, Kuzureru Yō ni Warainasai” (“City, Laugh as if You’re Falling Apart”), by the performance group Ittosei Fūbi Sepia, who were active in the 1980s.

In addition to their flashy performances, even their ballad-style songs are brimming with a rugged masculinity.