Songs to listen to in autumn: Ranking of popular Japanese bands [2026]
Since it’s the season of autumn music, how about lending an ear this year to artists you don’t usually listen to?
We’ve selected songs from Japanese bands that are perfect for fall, so you’re sure to find one or two that strike a chord.
Let’s make it a season full of diverse interests!
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Songs to Listen to in Autumn: Popular Japanese Band Tracks Ranking [2026] (11–20)
KoiAndrop11rank/position
androp is a four-piece rock band acclaimed for their meticulous sonic approach.
This song was written as the theme for the film “Until I Meet September’s Love” and released in February 2019 as their 11th single.
Even when fate stands in the way and meeting becomes impossible, an unwavering resolve to keep thinking of the other person is conveyed through delicate piano tones and a crystal-clear vocal.
Its pure, unadorned lyrics quietly stir the listener’s heart.
It’s a perfect classic for moments when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, wrapped in the slightly wistful air of autumn.
Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku12rank/position
This song by Kinoko Teikoku delicately portrays the sentimental feelings that arrive in fleeting moments on autumn nights.
Carried by a beautiful, slightly ephemeral guitar tone, it quietly speaks of longing for someone unforgettable.
With the scent of fragrant olive stirring old memories, the lyrics—steeped in the ache of time that can never return—perfectly accompany the uniquely melancholic mood of autumn.
It was included on the album Time Lapse, released in September 2018.
An emotional yet gentle track, ideal for listening to at night when you’re spending time alone.
Crimson-colored sunsetFujifaburikku13rank/position
The autumn-tinted evening sky has a way of stirring a certain wistful sadness, doesn’t it? A perfect match for such a scene is a classic ballad by the rock band Fujifabric.
It captures the loneliness of being far from home, and yet the glimmers of hope one still manages to find, resonating with a lyrical melody.
It’s not merely sorrowful—there’s a curious strength to it that lets you look forward just a little, even as you reflect on the past.
After first appearing as a demo on their indie-era mini album “a la mold,” the song was released as a single in September 2005.
It was also used as the ending theme for the TV Kanagawa program “saku saku.” It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you want to bask in summer memories, or when you wish to quietly sink into your thoughts alone.
SeptemberSakanakushon14rank/position
This is a song by Sakanaction that fuses a melancholic band sound with elements of electronica.
Centered on themes of life’s meaning and life and death, it voices complex emotions and a quiet acceptance.
It was included on the album “834.194,” released in June 2019.
There are two versions, the Tokyo version and the Sapporo version, expressing a contrast between the city and the provinces.
Emotions such as resignation and acceptance are depicted, conveying an attitude of embracing life’s doubts and compromises.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to alone on a long autumn night.
A contemplative work packed with reflection that prompts thoughts about a deep understanding and acceptance of life.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN15rank/position
BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” became a major hit as an insert song for a drama of the same name.
The intro that starts with a guitar said to depict a shooting star is unforgettable, isn’t it? Vocalist and lyricist Motoo Fujiwara said, “It’s not a love song, it’s a song about rain,” but the lyrics are like a constellation that changes shape depending on how you look at it, with the story shifting based on the listener.
As the weather gets colder and the night sky grows clearer, stargazing might be a nice way to feel the approach of winter.
A Colorful WorldJUDY AND MARY16rank/position
A quintessential autumn ballad by JUDY AND MARY, a rock band that defined the ’90s.
Released as a single from the acclaimed 1998 album “POP LIFE” in September of that year, it peaked at No.
11 on the Oricon charts.
Its heartrending, tear-jerking melody and YUKI’s expressive vocals perfectly mirror the autumn scenery of turning leaves and swirling foliage.
When you’re in a sentimental mood, this song is sure to keep you company.
Happy Endingback number17rank/position
The season has arrived when you feel like listening to love songs that seep with heartache.
This track by back number delicately portrays the pain of long-distance relationships and the sorrow of parting.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” it perfectly matches the poignant love story starring Sota Fukushi.
Released in November 2016, the song is memorable for Iyori Shimizu’s delicate lyrics and beautiful melody.
It’s a piece I especially want those to hear who can’t forget someone yet had no choice but to say goodbye—people carrying that complex mix of feelings.
Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children18rank/position
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this Mr.
Children’s greatest masterpiece—a timeless classic that will go down in history.
The lyrics capture the precarious, delicate emotions of youth and the true feelings of young people burdened with hopes and anxieties.
The melody pierces the heart.
It’s truly a wonderful song.
It’s also famous as the theme song for the drama “All About Youth” (Wakamono no Subete), which starred a young Takuya Kimura.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI19rank/position
The theme song for NHK’s 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.
The camellia (sazanka) is a flower whose meanings include “overcoming hardship” and “single-minded devotion.” Wherever there is someone chasing a dream, there is always someone watching over them.
Around a single moment of glory, there are countless smiles and tears, and feelings that can’t be put into words.
If you shift your perspective, you realize that everyone is both a protagonist and, at the same time, a supporting character.
“Sazanka” is a cheer for all people who walk their own paths.
balladKetsumeishi20rank/position
A gem of a ballad from Ketsumeishi that portrays the heartrending feelings of a man tormented by unrequited love.
This work is their first full-fledged ballad, with rap kept to a minimum, and its poignant melody and lyrics depicting the complex romances of adults create a gentle, subdued atmosphere.
It was also used as the theme song for the TV program “Sukkiri!!,” becoming a beloved classic that resonated with many.
If you’re dealing with heartbreak or struggling with unrequited love, this is a song that will be by your side—why not give it a listen?