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 (51–60)
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
A signature song by Kazuyoshi Saito, beloved for years and covered by many artists.
The lyrics portray the story of a singer who can only convey his true feelings through song—beautiful and piercing straight to the heart.
The earnest desire to express simple, straightforward words of love—ones too embarrassing to say in everyday life—resonates deeply when carried by the music.
Released as a single in November 1997, the song was also chosen as the theme for the 2017 animated film Lu Over the Wall.
The acoustic guitar tones and unadorned vocals are both aching and warm.
That indescribable feeling that seeps into your chest seems perfect for the autumn air after the bustle of summer has faded.
It’s a gem of a ballad you’ll want to savor while thinking of someone dear.
Sigh CloverKOTOKO
A bittersweet love song for early autumn.
Her charming, mysterious voice only deepens the sense of longing.
The fast tempo captures a woman’s feelings she can no longer hold back.
If you’re still carrying a summer crush with the same feelings, this song might give you a push.
Rather than a tune for autumn introspection, it may be one that gives you the courage to chase the one you love.
Sea in SeptemberGushima Naoko
This song, September Sea, by singer-songwriter Naoko Gushima is themed around the month of September.
Its drowsy, gentle rhythm and her clear, expansive vocals create a uniquely atmospheric world.
Rather than depicting the lively, sparkling sea of midsummer, the choice to title it September Sea suggests an intention you can grasp by engaging with the lyrics and the music—try to understand what that choice conveys.
Autumn breezeOzaki Yutaka
It’s a song sung by singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki that seems to portray the transition of the seasons from summer to autumn.
Originally, there was an unreleased recording of a solo guitar-and-vocal performance; this version was created by extracting Ozaki’s vocals and adding an orchestral arrangement by Katsuhisa Hattori.
The grand yet warm sound resonates memorably, conveying both a tender affection for the passing summer days and a sense of hope for the new season ahead.
It depicts the changing scenes that come with the shift from summer to autumn, evoking an image of someone moving forward despite a feeling of loneliness.
[Songs to listen to in September] Popular J-POP tracks that evoke the end of summer and early autumn (61–70)
Ms. SeptemberAimer
Aimer’s husky, warm vocals gently accompany the loneliness of summer’s end in this cover song.
Delicately portraying the bittersweet feeling of “cherishing the passing seasons” along with sparkling memories of youth, the piece has drawn a big response on TikTok, where nostalgic videos praise it as “perfect for summer scenery.” The original song is by the rock band RADWIMPS.
It was included on the single “Chouchou Musubi,” released in August 2016, whose title track was also used as a theme song for an information program.
If you listen closely by yourself at summer’s end, precious memories you’d forgotten may suddenly resurface in your heart.
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.
