Songs to listen to in autumn: Ranking of popular Japanese bands [2026]

OtonokeCreepy Nuts76rank/position

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

It’s a song that makes you feel a mysterious power, as if the music itself possesses your heart like a supernatural phenomenon.

Crafted by the hugely popular hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts, known for their exceptional skill, this piece portrays a deep connection between creator and listener that seems to resonate with pain and sorrow.

The driving beat and the occult-tinged, enigmatic lyrics create a world you can’t help but get hooked on.

Released in October 2024, it also drew major attention as the opening theme for the anime “Dandadan.” It’s perfect for heightening the mood when you want to create a slightly thrilling, mysterious short video for a long autumn night.

It’s a small worldKing Gnu77rank/position

King Gnu – It’s a small world

When it comes to a King Gnu song to listen to in early autumn, “It’s a small world” is the one.

Many of their tracks have a unique worldview, but this song especially leaves a strong impression.

Both the music and the lyrics evoke a sense of claustrophobia.

The repeated lines “You don’t have to become an adult” and “I want to live in your world” may be what connects to the song’s title.

The track is included on the 2019 album “Sympa.” It’s a song you’ll want to sit with alone on an autumn night.

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SPECIALZKing Gnu78rank/position

King Gnu – SPECIALZ

This is a provocative number by King Gnu, written as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident.

Its dark, weighty sound powerfully captures the chaotic worldview of the original story.

The song likens life to a labyrinth and belts out feelings for a special someone found within it.

Setting itself apart from run-of-the-mill love songs, its raw, headlong energy sparked such fervor that it became the band’s fastest track to surpass 100 million total streams on the Billboard JAPAN charts, doing so in just 12 weeks.

It’s the perfect song for a long autumn night when you don’t just want to wallow in sentimentality, but crave something that will shake you to your core.

walnutMr.Children79rank/position

Mr.Children 'Kurumi' Music Video

The title “Kurumi” personifies the “future that’s about to come.” The song is about life, with its meetings and farewells, and it’s a perfect fit for autumn, when you can’t help but feel a little melancholic.

If you listen to it when you feel like crying or when you’re tired, it will lift your spirits, so please give it a try.

Regarding “Kurumi,” Sakurai has said, “I didn’t think so at first, but this song feels like the origin of Mr.Children.”

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Shadows of SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE80rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Summer Shadow” Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, known for popular songs like “Lilac” and “Dancehall,” released a perfect end-of-summer track in August 2025.

It’s their first summer-themed song in about seven years since “Ao to Natsu.” The lyrics capture an indescribable, sentimental feeling that comes with the changing seasons.

There’s a bittersweetness in the way the protagonist blames their pounding heart and hesitation on the summer heat and the lengthening shadows.

Give it a listen as you savor the passing days of summer.