[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 Masterpieces] Japanese songs to listen to and sing in October! A curated selection of heart-touching popular tracks (31–40)
First LoveUtada Hikaru
A signature song by Hikaru Utada that moves me every time I listen—“What an amazing voice…” How could Hikaru Utada, still in her early teens, sing lyrics with such depth? She truly is a genius.
It’s a song that lets you dwell on the past while encouraging you to live in the present, and its sentimental mood makes me want to listen to it in the autumn.
Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)
With the sound of the sea and the sanshin in the background, Kenta Kiritani’s voice really resonates in my heart.
His singing is simple, yet powerful, and I think it’s a masterpiece that goes beyond just a commercial jingle.
“Summer has ended, and my memories with you have ended too, which makes me a bit lonely, but I can still face forward and keep walking.” It’s such a gentle song.
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
The opening guitar is incredibly heartrending and gives me chills.
It’s a song that makes me want to sing the songs I love, tell the person I like that I like them, and throw myself wholeheartedly into the things I love—just live simply.
It’s a cool track with a sentimental vibe.
Reflected at duskAkiyama Kiiro
A perfect song to listen to while feeling the refreshing autumn breeze is Akiyama Kiro’s “Yūgure ni Utsushite,” released digitally in 2019.
This track conveys a resolve to keep living strongly by embracing everything—both the happy, joyful days and the painful, difficult ones—as colors that enrich one’s life.
Its crisp, driving melody seems to elevate that strength even further.
Even if you find yourself in tears, listening to this song will make you feel ready to keep going again!
nape (of the neck)aiko
If you’re in the mood for a bittersweet, girly song, Aiko’s “Eriashi” is my top pick! This slow-tempo piano ballad is soothing to the ears.
As expected from the queen of love songs, Aiko.
The lyrics about thinking of someone you loved after a breakup are sure to resonate with any girl.
Her clear, sweet high tones are wonderfully easy on the ears.
It might be perfect for autumn, when you feel a little lonely—why not listen to it while reminiscing about someone from the past?
[Autumn Masterpieces] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October! A Curated Selection of Heart-Touching Hits (41–50)
If only I had held you tighterWANDS
WANDS is a three-piece rock band that enjoyed overwhelming popularity as a leading act among Being-label artists who dominated the J-POP scene of the 1990s.
Their third single, “If Only I Could Hold You Tighter,” which was used in a Mitsui Life Insurance commercial, became WANDS’ biggest hit as a standalone act.
Its catchy melody and love-infused lyrics make it a perfect soundtrack for autumn, when people start to feel lonely.
It’s also a great choice for your karaoke repertoire, but be careful when singing, as there’s a large pitch gap between the verse and the chorus.
It’s already autumn.CRAZY KEN BAND
The epitome of cool for grown-ups, Crazy Ken Band included this song on their 2006 album “GALAXY.” The vibe of a fun-loving older guy who adores summer lamenting that autumn has arrived might just reflect vocalist Ken Yokoyama’s own state of mind.