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

Before winter comeskami fuusen

Paper Balloon — Before Winter Comes

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.

Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)Iwasaki Hiromi

Adolescence (shishūki)

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.

Please understand.Inaba Akira

Please understand.

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?

SeptemberTakeuchi Mariya

SEPTEMBER

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.

In the Season of Cobaltsawada kenji

In the Season of Cobalt — Kenji Sawada

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.

A City Turning ColorsMinami Saori

Saori Minami - The Colorful City

Saori Minami’s “Irozuku Machi” is a quintessential Showa-era hit that sings of a heart wounded by a broken romance and the growth that follows.

Its lyrics empathize with the many who have experienced heartbreak, portraying a woman who continues to live with the sorrow of parting, which resonates deeply with listeners.

The image of a city turning to color while his figure is nowhere to be seen evokes a poignant, almost painful sense of longing.

Since its release in August 1973, it has been widely cherished as one of Minami’s signature songs and has been covered by many artists.

Featured on the album “20-sai Mae” and various other works, it continues to shine with an undimmed allure even today.

I found a hint of autumnbonījakkusu

I found a little sign of autumn.

This is a children’s song that delicately depicts the arrival of autumn.

Inspired by the autumn leaves he saw in his home garden, Hachiro Sato wrote a poem themed around discovering small signs of autumn.

It was broadcast on Minna no Uta in 1962, and together with shadow art by Seiji Fujishiro, it left a lasting impression on many people.

With its relaxed tempo and simple melody, it evokes the quiet air of autumn in the listener.

Listening to the Bonny Jacks’ vocals while imagining the autumn leaves seen through a window and the call of a shrike carried on a gentle breeze will help you savor the atmosphere of the season even more.