Recommended autumn songs for people in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic fall tunes
There are all kinds of autumn-themed songs—tracks with “September” in the title or lyrics, songs centered on autumnal plants like cosmos and pampas grass, and pieces that tell various stories set in the fall.
In this article, I’ll introduce songs that are perfect for autumn, especially recommended for people in their 70s.
Focusing mainly on music from the 1970s, I’ve selected a range of songs that depict autumn in different ways, so please look for an autumn song that resonates with you.
I also recommend listening while reading the lyrics—you’ll be able to immerse yourself even more deeply in each song’s world.
Autumn songs recommended for people in their 70s. A roundup of nostalgic fall songs (1–10)
Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)Iwasaki Hiromi
This work is Iwasaki’s 11th single, released in 1977, and it skillfully captures the shifting emotions and youthful days of one’s late teens.
The lyrics reflect on the days of bygone youth, and many listeners have no doubt been moved by their fragility and beauty.
The world woven by the celebrated duo of Yu Aku and Takashi Miki—through verse and melody—has stirred the hearts of many listeners and continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a recommended song for times when you want to recall those nostalgic youthful days or pause at a turning point in life to look inward.
As you immerse yourself in memories of your younger years, you’ll likely feel the richness of life.
Before winter comeskami fuusen
A breakup between two people walking in the rain, searching for the right words.
This is a classic song by Kamifūsen that captures such a bittersweet memory.
Released in November 1977, it was a major hit that sold 450,000 copies and reached No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Set against the changing seasons from the end of summer to just before winter, it portrays the feelings of a woman who longs to be reunited with a former lover.
The lyrics are especially striking for their vivid autumn imagery, and if you listen to it at dusk in the fall, it might bring back nostalgic memories.
SeptemberTakeuchi Mariya
A masterpiece that delicately portrays parting and the subtle shifts of the heart against the backdrop of the transition from summer to autumn.
First included on the 1980 album “LOVE SONGS,” it has appeared on various releases and has been covered by many artists.
Takashi Matsumoto’s lyrics and Tetsuji Hayashi’s melody are a perfect match, and Mariya Takeuchi’s clear, translucent vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.
This moving track captures the ache of a love coming to an end as the seasons change—a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a long autumn night.
If you listen while recalling an old romance, it may let you bask in the warmth of cherished memories.
Please understand.Inaba Akira
Akinobu Inaba’s debut song delicately portrays the ache of unrequited love.
Released in February 1976, it became a massive hit, selling over 600,000 copies.
Sung from the perspective of a heartbroken woman, it captures her deep sorrow and lingering attachment, with the image of her writing a letter to her former lover leaving a strong impression.
Sparked by an award at the Yamaha Popular Song Contest, this work marked the beginning of Inaba’s musical career.
Blending elements of folk and new music, its melody and lyrics resonated with many and continue to be cherished across generations.
On a long autumn night, why not listen at a relaxed pace while reminiscing about days gone by?
Autumn Full StopArisu
Akishifu, a single cut from ALICE VII, is Alice’s 17th single with lyrics by Shinji Tanimura and music by Takao Horiuchi.
It’s a gem of a ballad that richly portrays the deepening emotions that arise when looking back on a past romance in the heart of autumn.
The lyrics are striking for their exploration of the blurred line between friendship and love, as well as their recollection of summer memories that became the turning point in the two people’s relationship.
Notably, despite Alice doing no promotional activities at the time of its release in December 1979, the song became a major hit, reaching No.
4 on the Oricon chart.
It’s a masterpiece that especially resonates with adults who have known the pain of love.
A deserted seaTo wa e mo wa
The folk duo Toward et Moi, formed by Emiko Shiratori and Sumio Akutagawa, released their sixth single, “Daremo Inai Umi” (An Empty Sea), in November 1970.
Set on a seaside deserted with the arrival of autumn, the song portrays the strength to keep looking forward even while facing loneliness and a sense of loss.
The world crafted by Yoko Yamaguchi’s beautiful lyrics and Noriyoshi Naitō’s lyrical melody is truly stunning.
It’s surely a classic that will resonate in the hearts of those who have experienced life’s joys and sorrows with the changing seasons.
In the Season of Cobaltsawada kenji
A classic ballad by Kenji Sawada, known as Julie, that evokes the wistfulness of autumn.
It’s a masterpiece portraying compassion and love for another person.
Kotani Natsu’s delicate lyrics pair perfectly with Sawada’s deep, resonant voice.
As the seasons change, so do people’s hearts—this universal theme is beautifully expressed.
Released as a single in September 1976, it was also included on the album Portrait in Charcoal Gray, released in December of the same year.
It’s a mellow, grown-up love song you’ll want to listen to on a clear autumn day.
Highly recommended not only for fans of Kenji Sawada but also for anyone who wants to revisit the great songs of the Showa era.