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

Even if we get married somedayMy Hair is Bad81rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Even If We Get Married Someday

It’s a classic by My Hair is Bad that makes your heart race, like opening a new door.

The lyrics, which portray the small happinesses of everyday life and the deep bond between lovers, strike a chord.

While avoiding the words “I love you,” the song still conveys how precious the relationship is, resonating with many listeners.

It’s a recommended track for couples beginning to think about marriage or those who’ve been together for a long time.

As the nights grow cooler in autumn, why not listen to it together with someone special?

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism82rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

This is the second single by Official HIGE DANDism, notable for its moving lyrics and deeply affecting melody.

It gained wide attention as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP: Episode of Romance, capturing the hearts of many.

Many listeners may still remember hearing the melody in theaters or commercials.

The song delicately portrays the protagonist’s complex emotions as they struggle with their relationship with a loved one.

The bittersweet feeling of having no choice but to accept a painful reality resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s a must-listen for anyone suffering from heartbreak or struggling with love.

Suzume feat. ToakaRADWIMPS83rank/position

RADWIMPS – Suzume feat. Toaka [Official Lyric Video]

This is the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s feature-length animated film “Suzume,” sung by Takaaki (a female singer who rose to prominence through her activity on TikTok).

The lyrics and composition were done by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS, who produced the film’s music.

Her translucent vocals and the mysterious sound became a hot topic as something you can’t get out of your head once you hear it.

The song captures the feelings of a girl facing hardships, paired with a grand sound that carries a touch of nostalgia—sure to move your heart.

The album “Suzume,” which includes this work released in September 2022, won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on long autumn nights while lost in thought.

Kanata HarukaRADWIMPS84rank/position

RADWIMPS – Kanata Haruka [Official Music Video]

Speaking of November, it’s the season when temperatures gradually drop as winter approaches, and our hearts also find a quiet calm.

This is a song by RADWIMPS that invites you to face your own heart and deepen the profound love you feel for someone important.

Alongside “Suzume feat.

Toaka,” it was chosen as a theme song for the film “Suzume.” Beginning with gentle, piano-centered sounds and gradually building in power, the arrangement strongly conveys a rising swell of emotion.

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kappamaki

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SparkleRADWIMPS85rank/position

Sparkle [original ver.] -Your Name. Music Video edition- Trailer from the new album “Ningen Kaika” First Press Limited Edition DVD

A song you’ll want to listen to after a vividly colorful summer, as you begin to sense autumn’s slightly toned-down presence.

Released in 2016 as one of the theme songs for the film “Your Name,” it became a huge hit.

The title “Sparkle” carries meanings like “glimmer” and “vitality.” Just as the title suggests, listening to it makes you feel that our seemingly ordinary days are actually filled with miracles and are truly precious.

It also seems to resonate with the fleeting, bittersweet nature of summer.

Drawing strength from dazzling sparkles and memories, it feels like a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

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hiyori

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RAGE OF DUSTSPYAIR86rank/position

SPYAIR 『RAGE OF DUST』(Short Ver.)

It’s the theme song for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

The heavy guitar riffs, the driving drum rhythms, and the piercing vocals are really cool.

It was released in 2016 as the 19th single by the rock band SPYAIR.

EnchantedSaucy Dog87rank/position

Saucy Dog “Enchanted” Music Video

This is a love song by Saucy Dog that portrays the growing anxiety and excitement during days when the couple can’t meet.

Their nightly talks over video calls are expressed through gentle lyrics.

You can glimpse a relationship where even small jabs and seemingly trivial conversations become precious communication.

The song was released as a digital single in March 2022 and was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s original romance show “Koisuru ♡ Shūmatsu Homestay 2022 Spring.” It’s perfect not only for those in long-distance relationships, but also for anyone who finds small happiness in everyday life.

Starrrrrrr[Alexandros]88rank/position

[Alexandros] / starrrrrrr feat. GEROCK

This vivid song portrays a journey of the heart in search of hope, beginning with a single beam of light in the darkness.

Set to an emotional rock sound crafted by [Alexandros], it powerfully sings of hesitation, suffering, and the will to face forward.

Included on a single released in January 2013 and produced as a tie-in with Sapporo Beverage’s natural sparkling water “GEROLSTEINER,” the track brims with passion born from summer festival experiences.

With its driving rhythm and melody that makes full use of a wide vocal range, it’s sure to energize any school festival or karaoke session.

If two people sing it, you can split the high and low parts, so it’s also great to try with a friend.

horizonback number89rank/position

back number – Horizon

A gem of a ballad delivered by back number, a band that captures listeners’ hearts with poignant lyrics.

Beginning with a gentle piano melody, this song weaves a story about the pain of dreams and hopes suddenly collapsing, and the will to look forward and begin anew.

Many will find their own experiences reflected in the raw, urgent feelings—like a cry for one’s existence—born from unnoticed loneliness.

Created for high school students whose Inter-High was canceled, the song was released on YouTube in August 2020.

It’s a classic that quietly stays by your side when summer fun has passed and a faint loneliness sets in.

bouquetback number90rank/position

back number – Bouquet (Short ver.)

A band so captivating at voicing the feelings of a lovesick boy that none can surpass them.

They make you realize how heavy and precious it is to care for just one person.

That’s why it’s wistful, that’s why it’s heartbreaking.

It’s a perfect coming-of-age song for autumn.