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 Late Summer and Early Autumn (11–20)
Late Summer (A Season for One)Arai Yumi
This is a song by Yumi Arai that overlays the changing seasonal scenery with the end of a romance and the beginning of time alone.
The sight of leaves blazing with color and delicate flowers swaying in the wind seems to reflect the protagonist’s loneliness.
The song was included on the album “The 14th Moon,” released under the name Yumi Arai in November 1976, and it also served as the theme song for the NHK dramas “Natsu no Furusato” and “Maboroshi no Budōen.” Its poignant melody—mingling a lingering affection for the summer that has passed with a quiet resolve for the seasons to come—resonates deeply with listeners.
Whether you play it on a drive while reminiscing about summer or during a slightly chilly evening stroll, it will gently keep you company.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
It’s still hot in September with high temperatures, but according to the calendar, it’s already autumn.
This is the season when you gradually start to feel the end of summer, and the perfect recommendation for this time is this song! It regained popularity as the theme song for a hugely popular anime, right? The gentle, subdued intro is incredibly moving and really resonates in your heart, and I think a song like this is perfect for the slightly lonely feeling that comes with the end of summer.
summer hazeatarayo
A song by Atarayo that portrays memories of a summer that has slipped away and the shifting emotions tied to them.
True to the group’s tagline, “a band that grows by eating sorrow,” this track conveys a powerful sense of sadness.
It begins with a gentle, piano-centered atmosphere and builds momentum toward the chorus, evoking a scene where layered emotions erupt.
Perhaps it’s precisely because those summer memories were so happy that the pain of losing them feels all the more intense.
SparkleIkuta Rira
Sparkle is a solo number by Lila Ikuta—who is also the vocalist of YOASOBI—that depicts a heartrending, unrequited love.
Released in 2022, the song was chosen as the theme for ABEMA’s “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita: Mikan-hen, Sotsugyou-hen 2022.” The lyrics portray a love sparked by a small moment, only to end without the feelings ever being conveyed, because the other person loves someone else—a story steeped in bittersweet sorrow.
As the days grow shorter and a touch of melancholy sets in with September, give it a listen while reflecting on a painful love, or one that has ended.
September RainMiyamoto Hiroji
Released in 1996, Hiroji Miyamoto’s song “Kugatsu no Ame” (“September Rain”) is included on the album I Want to Be Beautiful.
From the title, many might imagine a gentle ballad, but in fact it’s an upbeat, fast-paced number.
That said, the lyrics depict a couple on the verge of breaking up, with many poignant touches.
It’s a perfect song for early autumn, when the chilly breeze can bring on a touch of loneliness.
By the way, this Hiroji Miyamoto is a different person from Hiroji Miyamoto of Elephant Kashimashi.
KoiAndrop
A song by the rock band androp that became the theme for the film “My Dad Is a Heel Wrestler” (Until I Meet September’s Love).
Its warm lyrics and straightforward message make it a reassuring track.
The vocal’s conversational singing style is moving, and the band’s arrangement—featuring beautiful backing vocals—adds a sense of loneliness.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to carefully to take in the lyrics.
[Songs to Listen to in September] Popular J‑Pop Tracks That Evoke Late Summer and Early Autumn (21–30)
It’s a small worldKing Gnu
When it comes to a King Gnu song to listen to in early autumn, “It’s a small world” is the one.
Many of their tracks have a unique worldview, but this song especially leaves a strong impression.
Both the music and the lyrics evoke a sense of claustrophobia.
The repeated lines “You don’t have to become an adult” and “I want to live in your world” may be what connects to the song’s title.
The track is included on the 2019 album “Sympa.” It’s a song you’ll want to sit with alone on an autumn night.