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)
Chasing summer againaratayo
Atrayor’s summer ballad that stays close to the feeling of longing for the passing summer.
The nostalgic piano melody and Hitomi’s delicate, emotional vocals leave a strong impression.
The entire song exudes a sweet yet bittersweet atmosphere, portraying joyful summer memories with an unforgettable person and the loneliness of their end.
Rather than wishing “let’s meet again next year,” some may relate to the aching desire to chase after the summer that’s already gone.
Released as a single in August 2022, this work follows the album “In the Polar Night, the Moon Remains Silent.” It’s a song that gently wraps you in your sentimental mood—perfect for an end-of-summer drive or a quiet night alone lost in thought.
Autumn Thoughts NotebookTeshima Aoi
With the sound of the accordion and Aoi Teshima’s vocals, this song evokes the atmosphere of a European streetscape or a modern Showa-era seaside.
Though it has a traditional feel to its world, I’m in awe of how she can express a piece like this.
It’s an irresistibly refreshing track, graced by her clear, translucent voice—she who once performed a theme song for a Studio Ghibli film.
glowing madder-redAimer
A crimson sunset sky is one of the quintessential images that represents autumn.
As the title “Akane Sasu” suggests, this song portrays encounters and farewells between people set against the backdrop of a vivid red evening sky.
The relaxed, ballad-style accompaniment pairs beautifully with Aimer’s smoky vocals, bringing out the poignancy woven into the lyrics.
Seasonal transitions are always accompanied by meetings and partings.
With its sound and lyrical content evoking both the end of summer and the start of autumn, this song is a perfect fit for September.
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.
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.
SUMMER ENDiri
If you want to savor that unique late-summer wistfulness with a mellow sound, iri’s tracks are just right.
They weave together the frustrating feelings of a summer romance nearing its end and the changing seasons, portraying a heart swaying between the lingering desire not to wake from a sweet dream and the pull of reality.
iri’s signature husky vocals and comfortable groove gently embrace those fleeting emotions.
Released in September 2019 following the album “Shade,” this song also drew attention as the theme for a romance reality show.
On nights when you find yourself reminiscing about summers past, why not immerse yourself in the bittersweet beauty of this piece’s world?