Recommended autumn songs for people in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic fall tunes

Autumn Full StopArisu

Shuushifu

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.

Signs of autumnofukōsu

Aki No Kehai

A classic ballad by Off Course that gently shares the pain of parting.

With Kazumasa Oda’s delicate vocals and poetic lyrics, it beautifully captures the heartache of a farewell—the feeling that time has stopped and may never start again.

The wish to see a smile, even if it’s a lie, conveys both tender consideration for the other person and the sorrow of having to say goodbye.

Released in August 1977, this song was issued as an advance single from the album “JUNKTION” and has been cherished by many fans.

September RainŌta Hiromi

September Rain

One of Hiromi Ohta’s signature songs, known for her crystal-clear vocals.

“Kugatsu no Ame” (September Rain) is a classic ballad that expresses heartbreak and emotional pain with the arrival of autumn.

Many listeners will likely relate to the story in the lyrics, where the protagonist—having suffered an unjust breakup—musters the courage to take a new step forward.

Released in September 1977 as her ninth single, it was a noteworthy track also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Born from the collaboration of Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s beautiful melody and Takashi Matsumoto’s poetic lyrics, this song is perfect for listening to alone at night.

A deserted seaTo wa e mo wa

A deserted sea

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.

cosmos (flower)Yamaguchi Momoe

Cosmos (2016 Remaster)

A melancholy voice and sound that seep into the heart—this is a classic song for autumn.

Released on October 1, 1977 as the 19th single, it has been performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1992, 1997, and 2023 by Masashi Sada, who wrote both the lyrics and music.

The lyrics are told from the perspective of a woman who will be married tomorrow, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to her mother.

It’s said that Sada wrote the lyrics while imagining his own younger sister.

Often sung at important life milestones such as wedding receptions, this song may evoke memories of a child’s departure from the nest for those in their seventies.

Withered Pampas Grass of the Showa Erasakura to ichirō

Withered Pampas Grass of the Showa Era

This song, sung by Sakura and Ichiro, deeply portrays the feelings of a man and woman who support each other as they overcome the harshness and loneliness of the Showa era.

Even as they face poverty and solitude, their determination to move forward together is encapsulated in the phrase “kare susuki” (withered pampas grass).

Released in 197X, it gained popularity when it was used as an insert song for the TBS drama “It’s Time: Showa Year One.” Although sales were sluggish at first, it eventually became a million-seller, moving 1.5 million copies.

For those in their seventies, it’s a stirring track that recalls youthful struggles and the bonds with a loved one.

As you enter the autumn of life, it’s also a wonderful song to sing while reminiscing about the past.

I hope you can feel the strength to live without giving up, conveyed through lyrics that vividly evoke scenes of the Showa period.

My loverGorin Mayumi

Mayumi Itsuwa “My Lover” / Mayumi Itsuwa “My Only Love”

One of Mayumi Itsuwa’s signature songs, she is often called the “Japanese Carole King.” This classic depicts the feelings of someone who has experienced heartbreak.

Since its release in August 1980, it has sold over a million copies and was performed at the 31st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

It has continued to be loved over the years, covered by many artists such as Hibari Misora and Akira Fuse.

Listen closely, and you’ll feel the sting of heartbreak and the lingering attachment seep into your soul.