Autumn Classics: Carefully Selected Exquisite Ballads to Listen to in September
September marks the shift from the dazzling heat of summer to the calm of autumn.
Although the lingering summer heat can still be intense, don’t you find yourself wanting to listen to more relaxed music as the days gradually cool down? Some of you might also be feeling a bit lonely now that the fun of summer has come to an end.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of ballad songs that perfectly capture the mood of autumn.
Many of them feature lyrics that evoke the season, making this a list that will let you fully savor the autumn vibe.
These are all wonderful songs that will stay close to your heart, so be sure to give them a listen!
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[Autumn Classics] Carefully Selected Gem-Like Ballads to Hear in September (41–50)
On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z
Released in 2000, this is B’z’s 27th single.
It became a hit as the theme song for the TV drama “Beautiful Life: Futari de Ita Hibi.” This love ballad portrays a man’s confusion in love—the more he loves his partner, the less he can understand her feelings.
It’s a perfect song for September, when the moon is especially beautiful during the mid-autumn full moon.
The mandolin’s tone adds a distinctive accent that’s one of the listening highlights.
[Autumn Masterpieces] Carefully Selected Exquisite Ballads to Hear in September (51–60)
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
This song, released in 1997, is Elefant Kashimashi’s “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni.” It vividly captures that uniquely youthful feeling of having too much time and aimlessly wandering around.
Amid that, it portrays walking toward the future while carrying both sadness and kindness.
It’s a track that conveys that kind of strength and a sense of hope for what’s ahead—brimming with romance!
Footsteps of TimeKobukuro
Released as Kobukuro’s 16th single, this song was also used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Oh! My Girl!!”.
The piece was conceived with the short hand representing Kobuchi and the long hand representing Kuroda.
It carries the concept that “even if the pace at which we tick is different, our dreams and goals are the same,” poignantly portraying partings, encounters, and the passage of time.
It gently sings of how each season of life brings different experiences, each a light that helps us grow.
Released in October 2008, the track holds special meaning as it centers on the 10th anniversary of Kobukuro’s formation.
It’s a perfect song for a long autumn night, reminding listeners of the importance of overcoming failures and setbacks.
Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai
A gem-like ballad by Mai Kuraki set on Kyoto’s Togetsukyo Bridge, portraying the aching feelings for someone far away.
The lyrics, evoking the scenery of the ancient capital and the changing seasons, beautifully express unwavering love.
The song was written as the theme for the 21st feature film in the popular anime series Detective Conan.
For Kuraki, this marked her 21st theme song for the series, a feat recognized by Guinness World Records.
A perfect track for a long autumn night, to listen to while thinking of someone dear.
Its soul-stirring vocals and emotive melody will stay close to your heart.
cosmos (flower)Yamaguchi Momoe
This is the song “Cosmos” (Akizakura) by the legendary idol Momoe Yamaguchi, released in 1977.
The lyrics and music were written by Masashi Sada, well known for the theme song of “From the North Country.” Until releasing this song, Momoe Yamaguchi had pursued a tough, rebellious image.
By deliberately showcasing her demure side with this song, she underwent an image change.
Either way, with her beautiful, alluring voice, Momoe Yamaguchi remains a legendary idol Japan is proud of to this day!
glowing madder-redAimer
Aimer, a popular female singer known for her distinctive voice, sings “Akane Sasu,” a perfect song for autumn that portrays nostalgia, affection, and parting.
The lyrics don’t pin down specific scenes, allowing for various interpretations, which is why I feel it resonates with many people’s memories.
The music video is also striking and moving, showing a man and woman who once spent time together, until one day the man becomes someone the woman can no longer see.
This song was also used as the ending theme for the anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Go (Season 5).
SORA ~Until This Voice Reaches You~DEEP
DEEP has so many great ballads that it’s hard to choose, but if you’re looking for a song to listen to in autumn, this one is my recommendation.
Released in 2010, it’s a standout track that could be called one of DEEP’s signature songs.
It’s the kind of song that makes you feel warm and gentle, as if its tender vocals wrap up all the unbidden loneliness and bittersweetness that autumn brings.
It also drew attention when their juniors, GENERATIONS, covered it.