Songs to Listen to in September: Popular J-POP Tracks That Capture the End of Summer and Early Autumn
The heat has eased, and it’s becoming a more comfortable season.
September is a somewhat contemplative time, where the lingering traces of summer intersect with the beginning of autumn.
I’d like to introduce some songs that are perfect for September.
From memories of summer and bittersweet love songs to tracks that capture the changing seasons, each one resonates deeply with the heart.
For an end-of-summer drive or a leisurely walk, you’re sure to find the perfect song for you.
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[Songs to listen to in September] Popular J-POP tracks that evoke the end of summer and early autumn (61–70)
SeptemberSakanakushon
As the title suggests, “September” is a song themed around the month of September.
It’s performed by the rock band Sakanaction, known for crafting irresistibly catchy tracks with high-caliber, stylish songwriting.
The song exudes a languid, melancholic mood perfect for the end of summer—September—thanks to spacious, effect-laden guitar tones and Ichiro Yamaguchi’s laid-back vocals.
The distinctive lyrics, which touch on views of life and death, are also noteworthy.
It’s a track you’ll want to sink into slowly while lost in thought.
osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)natori
As Natori’s first original song, this track is included on the album “Gekijō” (Theater).
Even before its digital release in August 2023, the demo had been drawing attention, and many fans were surely eagerly awaiting the finished version.
The sound—where a driving, jazzy arrangement intertwines with a finely honed whispery vocal—vividly evokes a scene where the stillness of night intersects with the scent of fragrant olive.
The emotions and narratives embedded in the lyrics invite each listener’s own interpretation, giving the song a depth that makes you want to revisit it again and again.
It’s a sophisticated pop tune, perfect for savoring on long autumn nights.
Finale.eill
A song that evokes the wistfulness of late summer and early autumn.
eill’s clear, crystalline voice beautifully paints the scenes of summer coming to an end.
From the two of them alone in a world without stardust to the moment the final fireworks rise, the story seeps into your heart.
Released in September 2022 as the theme song for the feature anime The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbye, the track perfectly captures the film’s worldview—just as the director noted, it serves as an answer to the work’s core theme.
It’s a song that makes you want to listen while looking back on summer memories with your loved one.
It’s also perfect as a sunset drive BGM.
fragrant oliveorenji supainikurabu
As the summer heat begins to settle and you feel the cool breeze, it makes you a bit sentimental, doesn’t it? That’s exactly the mood this song fits: Orange Spiny Club’s “Kinmokusei.” Just hearing the word “kinmokusei” brings to mind its gentle fragrance—an autumn flower known for its scent.
It’s a track overflowing with that bittersweet, end-of-summer emotion and ‘emo’ vibe, a song that makes anyone’s heart ache a little as it stirs up something nostalgic.
Listen once and you’ll be hooked—it’s the kind of song that sticks in your ears.
Harmony at Summer’s EndInoue Yosui & Anzen Chitai
A classic created by the collaboration between Yosui Inoue and Koji Tamaki’s band Anzen Chitai, “Harmony at Summer’s End.” Released in 1986, it’s the perfect song to wrap up the joyful moments of summer.
The lyrics were written by Yosui Inoue, and the music composed by Koji Tamaki.
True to its title, their two voices weave a beautiful harmony.
On top of that, the lyrics are very romantic, ensuring the end of a summer becomes a special memory.
KILIGKano
It’s a track included on Kano’s 2020 album “yuanfen.” The lyrics are by Kano, the composition by Hidekazu Tanaka, and the arrangement by Tomonori Hayashibe of Plus-Tech Squeeze Box.
It’s a cute song about a woman’s feelings for the person she likes, but beneath the cuteness there’s a calm, mellow quality that makes it a great love song to listen to in September.
The variety of sounds layered in the background also makes it fun to listen to.
planetariumOtsuka Ai
When it comes to songs you want to listen to at the end of summer, there are a lot of bittersweet ones, aren’t there? Among them, a great recommendation is Ai Otsuka’s “Planetarium.” Known as the image song for the hit TV drama “Boys Over Flowers,” and beloved as a love song, its poignant melody and lyrics are a perfect fit for the close of summer.
The sound of the traditional Japanese shakuhachi echoes throughout the track, adding a subtly melancholy atmosphere that beautifully heightens that end-of-summer wistfulness.
It also brings a gentle, reflective mood when you sing it at karaoke, so definitely give this song a listen to feel the end of summer.
