Autumn songs from the Showa era: A collection of classic masterpieces that colored the J-POP scene
On a somewhat wistful autumn evening, standing by the window and watching the sunset, it’s the season when you feel like listening to nostalgic Showa-era pop songs.
As the maples and ginkgoes turn color, a trove of gem-like autumn classics soothes the heart.
Songs of autumn we heard as children reveal a strangely different expression when we listen to them now as adults.
In this article, we’ll introduce beloved autumn-themed masterpieces from the Showa period, along with numbers that evoke an autumnal mood.
Whether you’re reminiscing about your youth or discovering them for the first time, please enjoy the wonderful world of song.
Autumn Songs of the Showa Era: A Collection of Classic J-POP Gems (1–10)
Septemberchūrippu
It’s a standout track that showcases Tulip’s unique blend of folk and rock.
The melody evokes the lingering traces of summer and a faintly melancholy autumn breeze that tugs at the heartstrings.
Crafted by the band’s leader, Kazuo Zaitsu, the song portrays the sudden beginning of a romance that arrives in a heart left quiet after summer’s bustle has faded, drawing you into a complex mix of excitement and wistfulness.
Released as a single in January 1974, it was also included on that year’s album TAKE OFF.
It’s the perfect number for a long autumn night, as you look back on summer memories and grow sentimental with the arrival of a new season.
Autumn Full StopArisu
This is a song by Alice, a group active since 1971, that portrays a bittersweet love story.
The title, Akishifu, is a play on the word shūshifu (period, or full stop), encapsulating in a single phrase the lyrics’ theme: a relationship that begins in summer and ends in autumn.
In the song, a certain trigger leads two people to become involved over the summer, but no love is born; they can be neither lovers nor return to being friends, creating a frustrating and complex relationship.
The somewhat wistful melody also perfectly suits the atmosphere of autumn.
I want to go back to that dayMatsutōya Yumi
This song is one of the signature pieces by Yumi Arai—better known as Yuming—who was a trailblazer among singer-songwriters.
When people think of Showa-era autumn songs, many may recall this very melody.
It portrays a woman’s heartrending longing as she cannot forget a bygone love and wishes to return to her youthful days.
The scenes of piecing together torn photographs and leaving a tear-blurred address tucked in the door convey emotions bordering on obsession.
Released in October 1975, the song was chosen as the theme for the TBS drama “Family Secrets” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a number you’ll want to listen to quietly on a melancholic autumn evening, reminiscing about the past.
Lavender LipsKawai Naoko
Idol singer Naoko Kawai, who skillfully played a variety of instruments such as piano, guitar, mandolin, and synthesizer, also released songs she wrote and composed herself.
Her 22nd single, “Lavender Lips,” pairs a floating, airy ensemble with her translucent vocals in a way that’s irresistibly pleasing.
The lyrics, brimming with feelings for a loved one, resonate with the beautiful scenery of autumn and draw you into their world.
With a hooky beat that mirrors complex emotions, it’s a cute autumn song.
Tales of Fallen LeavesZa Taigāsu
From a majestic, hymn-like introduction unfolds an elegant and mellifluous melody—an autumn masterpiece crafted by The Tigers.
The duet harmonies of Kenji Sawada and Katsumi Kahashi beckon you as if into a fairy-tale world.
The piece paints a vision that layers a fleeting yet beautiful love story onto the image of falling leaves.
Its bittersweet yet warm tones gently enfold the listener’s heart.
It was the B-side of the single “Kimi Dake ni Ai o,” released in January 1968, and was also included on the album “Sekai wa Bokura o Matteiru” released the same year.
On a long autumn night, if you listen while tracing the faint memories of days gone by, its tender timbre may seep deep into your heart.
AutumnAran Tomoko
Tomoko Aran, a singer who stood out in the city-pop scene and also penned hit songs for TUBE as a lyricist.
This piece centers on the faint loneliness brought by the arrival of autumn and memories of days gone by.
Its urbane, wistful ensemble and lyrics that trace delicate emotions align beautifully with the melancholic atmosphere of the season.
Released in December 1989, the song was also used as the commercial image song for Takeda’s “Sparier White ED,” in which Aran herself appeared.
The sound—where the poignant melody melds with her wistful vocals—can draw you into its nostalgic world when you listen on a quiet night alone, lost in memories.
It’s a classic that gently accompanies a melancholic mood.
A City Turning ColorsMinami Saori
It’s one of Saori Minami’s signature songs, capturing both the poignancy and the brilliance of autumn.
Released in August 1973 as her ninth single, it’s also included on the classic album “Before Twenty.” The lyrics are moving, intertwining the sight of a city beginning to change color with the delicate emotions of a girl who has discovered love and is growing more mature.
The poetic phrase “blue dead leaves,” penned by lyricist Mieko Arima, beautifully conveys the heroine’s sensitive state of mind.
With this song, Saori Minami also appeared in the 24th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The melody, tinged with a certain sadness yet somehow uplifting, makes you want to listen as you gaze at an autumn sunset.
It’s a number that stays close to your heart when you feel a touch sentimental during the changing seasons.