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

MPRINCESS PRINCESS41rank/position

Princess Princess “M”

This gentle, bittersweet ballad of unrequited love resonates with people in their 50s.

The classic by PRINCESS PRINCESS was included on the 1988 album “LET’S GET CRAZY” and was later released as a single.

Its lyrics delicately portray the pain and lingering feelings of a broken heart, striking a chord with many and remaining beloved over the years.

The arrangement carries strong emotions within a calm atmosphere, making it perfect for long autumn nights.

Why not listen slowly while reminiscing about precious memories with someone special?

The Koshu Highway is already in autumn.RC sakuseshon42rank/position

RC Succession – Koshu Kaido Is Already Autumn (1976)

“Kōshū Kaidō wa Mō Aki Nanosā,” a song by RC Succession about the changing scenery along the Kōshū Highway as it runs from Tokyo through Yamanashi to Nagano, is included on their 1976 album Single Man.

Its melody, rich with a folk-like melancholy, also evokes the feeling of autumn.

The lyrics depict someone carrying a deep pain, driving along the Kōshū Highway and speaking reflectively about how autumn has already arrived.

If you’re feeling pent-up and want to blow off some steam, why not give it a listen?

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late autumnThe Back Horn43rank/position

late autumn

This is a masterpiece by THE BACK HORN that poignantly and beautifully captures the late-autumn scenery.

It’s included on their indie debut album “Dokoe Iku” (Where Are We Going), released in September 1999, and features rough-edged guitar riffs and powerful drums that embody their original sound.

Masashi Yamada’s emotional vocals sing of life’s fragility, a sense of loss, and hope for the future through images of sunsets and cosmos flowers swaying in the late-autumn breeze.

Best enjoyed alone on a slow walk at dusk in November, when autumn’s end can be felt, this song’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful sound are sure to stir your emotions.

That Autumn and School Daysoishikuru meronpan44rank/position

Oishikuru Melonpan “That Autumn and School Days” Music Video

A three-piece rock band, Oisicle Melonpan, delivers a song from the late Heisei era that vividly evokes autumn scenery.

It stirs a faint nostalgia for our school days gone by.

In the lyrics, the worries and conflicts of youth are likened to flowers that bloom fleetingly, and the delicate choice of words resonates deeply.

The progression from a languid mood to an outpouring of emotion in the chorus not only feels sweet and sour, but also brings back memories that are a touch bittersweet.

The track is included on the mini-album “indoor,” released in September 2017.

The visuals featuring the band performing on a school rooftop are striking and further enrich the song’s world.

Listen to it on an autumn evening when you’re feeling a bit sentimental, and it will gently seep into your heart.

It’s sure to offer comfort to anyone whose memories of youth weren’t entirely shining and bright.

late autumngagaga supi45rank/position

late autumn

A classic youth punk song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of autumn love.

It’s the title track of the single released by Gagaga SP in October 2002 and is also included on the album “Ora Ichinuketa.” Written and composed by Kozak Maeda, the song overlays the pain of heartbreak with late-autumn scenery.

The opening phrase of the chorus is striking, beautifully conveying the changing seasons and the turmoil of the heart.

A track that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced a broken heart.

Singing it at karaoke will let you feel the poignancy of autumn.

It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī46rank/position

Chatmonchy “I’ll Be Dyed” Music Video

If you’re looking to indulge in a slightly sentimental mood on a chilly autumn night, I recommend a wistful mid-tempo number from Chatmonchy.

Released in November 2008, this song poignantly conveys the loneliness of city nights and the tender ache of stretching yourself to do something unfamiliar.

The gradient of a heart that has lost something precious and is slowly dyed a different color seems to resonate in your chest, carried by Eriko Hashimoto’s aching vocals.

This was the band’s ninth single and marked their first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Tonsura” and included on the classic album “Kokuhaku” (Confession).

Sing it earnestly at karaoke, and memories of your youth might just come flooding back.

AutumnYabai T-shatsu Yasan47rank/position

Autumn

When it comes to autumn songs, wistful melodies and sentimental lyrics are the norm, right? But Yabai T-Shirts Yasan brings a fresh twist that overturns those autumn-song clichés.

This track sings about a feeling many of us have probably had at least once: compared to spring, summer, or winter, isn’t autumn a bit weak at making its case? What’s great is the playful spirit of setting that disarmingly honest message to a breakneck, melody-driven punk sound.

The song is included on the album “Tank-top Festival in JAPAN,” released in December 2018 toward the end of the Heisei era.

It’s the perfect pick when the typical ways of spending autumn don’t quite click, or when you want to amp up the energy on a drive with friends.

catDISH//48rank/position

DISH// – Cat [Official Live Video 2019]

Known as one of DISH//’s signature songs, this much-talked-about track was created by Aimyon, who was inspired by the film “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas.” Its lyrical world and memorable melody are so catchy you’ll find yourself humming it no matter what you’re doing.

Released in August 2017 as the B-side to their 10th single “We Did It,” the song is characterized by expressions that metaphorically portray the pain of heartbreak and separation.

With a gently loping shuffle beat that feels pleasant, it’s a sentimental number.

It’s a well-known tune that almost everyone has heard, so it’s sure to be a hit at autumn karaoke.

I wonder if I’d still say it’s too late.Saucy Dog49rank/position

Saucy Dog “Would I Say It’s Too Late Now?” Music Video <4th Mini Album “Take Me” Released on 2020.9.2>

A song that portrays a man’s aching heart, longing to express overflowing feelings.

Faint first love and the pain of heartbreak are woven into Saucy Dog’s soothing melodies.

Featured on the album “Take Me,” released in September 2020, this track showcases the band’s musical breadth while fully displaying their hallmark gift for delicate emotional expression.

It’s a song for those who went through a breakup at summer’s end or still can’t forget someone.

It might help you sort through the feelings that linger in your heart.

Tokyo Sunsetback number50rank/position

Tokyo No Yuuyake

For those who find themselves layering a sentimental mood over the cityscape on an autumn evening, this classic by back number is highly recommended.

It delicately portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they struggle with loneliness and inner conflict in an unfamiliar city, yet try to find hope in the beautiful sunset unfolding before their eyes.

The song is included on the album “Chandelier,” released in December 2015, which topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks.

If you listen to it on your slightly chilly walk home when a sudden pang of loneliness hits, its bittersweet yet warm melody will likely wrap gently around your heart.

It’s a tender cheery anthem that seems to give you a gentle push—“Let’s do our best again tomorrow.”