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

red-yellow fragrant olive (Osmanthus fragrans)Fujifaburikku1rank/position

Fujifabric – Red-Yellow Osmanthus

That flutter in the chest at dusk in autumn, stirred by the elusive scent of fragrant olive drifting from who knows where.

Released in September 2004 as the autumn installment of Fuji Fabric’s Four Seasons series, this song delicately captures the moment when an invisible thing like a scent awakens memory.

From the opening guitar arpeggios, a lyrical mood wafts in as if the very air of autumn had been turned into sound, unfolding a lyrical world where impatience with the passage of time intersects with resignation toward fading memories.

Masahiko Shimura’s expressive power in portraying the subtle wavering of a heart that can’t fully give in to sentimentality is breathtaking.

Also included on their major-label debut album “Fujifabric,” it’s cherished as a staple that gets airplay on the radio every fall.

It’s a track you’ll want to savor on a long autumn night, recalling your walk home from school days.

Maplesupittsu2rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

It’s a classic song about parting with someone dear, and it’s also famous for having been covered by many artists.

It’s a single released by the rock band Spitz in July 1998 from the album “Fake Fur.” The somewhat nostalgic tones of piano and guitar resonate in the heart, and Masamune Kusano’s vocals, which beautifully express longing and loneliness, seem to convey a sense of helplessness.

The piece portrays not only the sorrow of farewell but also a forward-looking resolve to hold those memories close and keep moving on, revealing something new with every listen.

It’s no wonder it has colored so many works across generations, such as the drama “silent.” It’s also a great choice to sing slowly and thoughtfully at karaoke while soaking in the autumn mood.

Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS3rank/position

September San

This song is included on RADWIMPS’s major-label debut album, “RADWIMPS 3 – The one we forgot to bring to the desert island –,” released in 2006.

The date indicated in the title, September 3, is the anniversary of their first-ever one-man live show.

The lyrics capture the bittersweet feelings that arise in the quiet fade-out of summer as it gives way to autumn, along with the resolve to take a step forward from there.

Yojiro Noda’s poetic and abstract choice of words evokes each listener’s own memories and emotions.

The gentle melancholy woven into the simple band sound is soothing, making it a track you’ll want to sink into on a long autumn night.

Hum it along with memories of your school days, and the feelings from back then will come rushing back.

Starlight ParadeSEKAI NO OWARI4rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Starlight Parade” Music Video

An early masterpiece packed with the charm of SEKAI NO OWARI, whose enchanting fantasy world is so appealing.

Released as a single in July 2012, it was featured in a Toyota “Ractis” commercial.

The sound feels like stardust raining from the night sky, and the romantic lyrics make you feel as if you’re being whisked away to a wonderful world.

The words that prompt awareness of the precious things lost to the march of civilization are also deeply moving and resonant.

For a fleeting moment, it might be nice to gaze at the stars and let your thoughts drift.

Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari5rank/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.

Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long AgoMy Little Lover6rank/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.

gentianWANIMA7rank/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.