![[Autumn Classics] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October: A Curated Selection of Beloved, Heartfelt Hits](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YapsFDcGe_s/hqdefault.jpg)
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!
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[Autumn Classics] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October! A Curated Selection of Popular, Heart-Touching Tracks (1–10)
Maplesupittsu
A classic Japanese heartbreak song that blends poignancy with freshness.
It’s one of the signature works by the hugely popular rock band Spitz, released in 1998 as their 19th single.
The song drew attention as an insert track for the drama “Over Time,” later served as the theme song for the 2010 drama “A Mother’s Last Day,” and in 2017 a cover by Moka Kamishiraishi was featured in a commercial.
It’s also a popular choice for karaoke for many people.
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
Speaking of autumn, the moon comes to mind—and I imagine many people also think of this song.
It’s the second single and signature track by Chihiro Onitsuka, which became a hit as the theme song for the hugely popular TV drama Trick.
Although it’s said that the direction at the time of her debut wasn’t what she truly intended, and she apparently doesn’t have a strong attachment to this song, it remains a masterpiece that evokes the image of the moon.
OrangeGReeeeN
A song that expresses the bittersweet, tender turbulence of love through the image of the color orange.
Released in April 2012 as GReeeeN’s 16th single, it was also featured in Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE commercial.
The piece captures both the initial confusion of falling in love and the moment you begin to realize how important those feelings are to you, evoking the atmosphere of a page torn from school-day youth.
It’s especially recommended for those slightly wistful moments from the end of summer into autumn.
flower fortune-tellingVaundy
This is a song Vaundy wrote specifically as the theme for the Sunday drama “My Dear Assassin (Boku no Satsui ga Koi wo Shita).” In the lavish music video featuring the drama’s cast, an unreal, distinctive world of imagination is portrayed, expressing a presence that is happy yet fragile, like a flower.
The lyrics, which convey the aching wish for love to come true through the motif of flower fortune-telling, take on an indescribably bittersweet feeling when listened to in the sentimentality-prone autumn season.
It’s a track that intertwines a lively, heart-fluttering melody that makes you want to dance with a sense of poignancy, offering comfort to those troubled by love.
Howl at the MoonYorushika
A Yorushika song that poetically depicts loneliness and inner conflict.
Its world, woven from a clear, translucent vocal and skillful metaphors, has drawn responses like “This is exactly how I feel!” Released in October 2021, the track features literary lyrics inspired by Sakutarō Hagiwara’s poetry collection.
The words liken the struggle to face oneself and release one’s emotions to a beast howling at the moon, resonating deeply with listeners.
On a long autumn night, listening while lost in thought might give you a chance to reexamine yourself.
TsukuyomiKing&Prince
King & Prince is the idol group also known for being the last act debuted by Johnny Kitagawa, the founder of Johnny & Associates.
Their 11th single Tsukiyomi, written as the theme song for the TV drama Kurosagi, was released as a double A-side with Irodori.
Its sexy lyrics and melody, set against a Latin-flavored ensemble, evoke a mysterious mood reminiscent of long autumn nights.
With its dramatic dynamics, it’s a mysterious dance number that’s fun to sing as well.
Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari
A gentle ballad whose warm melody seems to melt into the crimson autumn sky.
While the theme is marriage, songwriter/composer Yoshiki Mizuno has said he chose to include the word “farewell” in the lyrics—not only to bless a new beginning, but to look ahead to the eventual parting of death that may come someday.
With the encounter of an irreplaceable person held close to the heart, the deep love of walking through life together is richly expressed through Kiyoe Yoshioka’s crystal-clear vocals.
Released in October 2007 as Ikimono-gakari’s seventh single, the song likely remains in many people’s memories as the CM song for au’s “LISMO!”.
It is also included on the album “Life Album,” a gem of a track you’ll want to listen to on a long autumn night while reminiscing about precious memories with someone dear.