Popular Autumn Songs Ranking [2026]

Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari8rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Akane-iro no Yakusoku' Music Video

Written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno, this song deliberately uses the word “farewell” to express the vow “until death do us part,” carefully weaving feelings that we want to cherish precisely because our time is limited.

Kiyoe Yoshioka’s translucent vocals intertwined with warm strings evoke the poignancy of an autumn dusk.

Released in October 2007 as their seventh single, it was featured in au’s “LISMO!” commercial and served as the ending theme for tvk’s “saku saku.” It’s a perfect track for long autumn nights, one that makes you want to listen while reminiscing about your school days.

nape (of the neck)aiko9rank/position

aiko - “Eriashi” music video

This is the 14th major single by singer-songwriter aiko, known for her sharp perspective and distinctive lyrical expressions.

Released in November 2003, the song is also well-known for marking her second appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics depict youthful innocence and the difficulty of being honest with one’s feelings, poignantly capturing the heartache of those who struggle to express love.

Conveying the regret realized after a breakup and the persistence of love that remains, the song likely resonates deeply with many women in their thirties who find parallels with their own experiences.

It’s an easy-to-sing karaoke number, distinguished by universally relatable imagery and her charming, cute vocals.

Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long AgoMy Little Lover10rank/position

My Little Lover "Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long Ago~

Just hearing the lyrical guitar riff in the intro is enough to vividly bring back memories of those days for many listeners.

This was My Little Lover’s third single, released in August 1995, and it was used as the opening theme for the Nippon TV drama “Owaranai Natsu.” With total sales exceeding 1.8 million copies, it’s truly a classic that represents the ’90s.

Akko’s clear, luminous vocals delicately capture that bittersweet mix of sadness at leaving a familiar place and hope for the future.

Every element of this track is superb, and its dramatic key changes seize the listener’s heart and never let go.

Many regard it as a song that evokes the feel of autumn, and its poignant nostalgia makes it perfect for listening alone on an autumn day.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi11rank/position

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.

Like the shining moonSuperfly12rank/position

Superfly “Like the Shining Moon” Music Video

How about a warm ballad that gently nestles into the clear autumn night sky? The soothing, heartfelt voice of Shiho Ochi, the vocalist of Superfly, resonates deep in the chest.

This work portrays a story of gratitude: that we can truly shine only because of someone precious to us.

Like the relationship between the sun and the moon, a meeting with someone opens a once-lonely heart, and the wish to become a light that protects them in return conveys the strength of an inseparable bond.

Released in August 2012, it was also chosen as the theme song for the drama “Summer Rescue: The Sky’s Clinic.” It’s a hopeful number you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone dear.

gentianWANIMA13rank/position

WANIMA "Rindou" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Here is a standout song by the wildly popular rock band WANIMA.

With powerful vocals and a catchy melody, it’s a striking track that beautifully colors a page of youth.

Included on the album “COMINATCHA!!,” it was released in October 2019.

Named after the prefectural flower of Kumamoto, the members’ hometown, this piece sings of the strength to overcome any hardship and keep moving forward.

Since it had only been performed live, many fans had been requesting an official recording.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a youthful anthem to enjoy on a long autumn night.

The Autumn SongELLEGARDEN14rank/position

ELLEGARDEN – The Autumn Song LIVE 2007 (4/26)

This song, which expresses the loneliness and poignancy of autumn through a rock sound, was included in the compilation album “Figureheads Compilation” in July 2007 and later selected for the best-of album “Ellegarden Best (1999–2008),” making it a popular track.

While its energetic sound and exhilarating, fast-paced melodies are quintessential ELLEGARDEN, a closer look at the English lyrics reveals a delicate portrayal of the solitude and sense of loss that the autumn season brings.

It’s a curious song that vividly revives memories of school days spent with friends when you listen to it.

Give it a spin on a long autumn night when you want to immerse yourself in music alone.