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 (71–80)
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.
SeptemberSugawara Kei
Kei Sugawara’s song, which captures the wistful feeling at summer’s end, blends a beat-driven sound with a hip-hop-inspired approach.
The lyrics, delivered with an emotional vocal performance, portray both a resolve to live strongly despite an incomplete, unstable state of mind and the complexities of romantic feelings.
Released on September 4, 2024, the track was distributed as the lead single from the EP “sanagi,” scheduled for release on November 6 of the same year.
The music video dropped simultaneously, offering a visual experience of the song’s world.
It’s a track that resonates with listeners dealing with the pain and conflicts of love.
[Songs to Listen to in September] Popular J-Pop Tracks That Evoke the End of Summer and Early Autumn (81–90)
Summeringjin
A song that captures the end of summer, where transience and brilliance intersect.
Jin’s blend of electronic tones and rock elements is beautifully balanced, evoking freshness and melancholy at once.
Visual and auditory images—like towering summer clouds and a husky voice—vividly revive memories of summer.
The repeated farewell phrases are especially moving.
Released in October 2024, this work portrays the fleeting beauty of youth and a sense of regret, stirring universal feelings that anyone can relate to.
It’s perfect for listening at summer’s end or during the change of seasons.
morning moonFujita Maiko
Maiko Fujita’s new song, which evokes the arrival of autumn, beautifully depicts the scene of gazing up at the moon in the stillness of night while thinking of a loved one.
With lyrics that express emotion through autumn imagery—like the chirping of crickets—it reads almost like a short novel.
Included on the album “Color,” released in May 2023, this track is perfect for anyone feeling the ache of unrequited love.
Fujita has long been supported by many fans, drawing 8,000 attendees to a solo piano concert at the Nippon Budokan in 2013.
Listening to this song—filled with deep feelings for the one you love, along with the swirling anxieties and hopes in your heart—you might just feel an autumn breeze sweep through your own heart as well.
WeakendsDef Tech
Some of you may be feeling a little sad that summer is coming to an end.
If so, I recommend listening to “Weakends.” It’s a track released by the reggae duo Def Tech.
Set to the gentle sound of a ukulele, it portrays the end of summer and a longing to stay together even after summer is over.
The song has a warm overall feel, so it’s relaxing to listen to and may even blow away those blues.
By the way, the title is a coined word that combines “weekends” and “weak.”
Septemberaiko
If you’re looking for a love song that captures the feeling of early autumn, “September” is a great pick.
Beloved across generations, singer-songwriter aiko included it on her 2001 album Natsufuku.
Its jazzy piano tones evoke autumn scenery, and many will relate to the cute lyrics that make you keep thinking about someone you like.
It’s a song that stays close to the feeling of “I fell in love in summer and can’t forget them even as autumn comes.” Why not let her voice, which wraps your worries and loneliness in warmth, soothe you?
