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.
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Autumn Songs of the Showa Era: A Collection of J-POP Masterpieces (51–60)
Traveler of OctoberTakai Mamiko
A ballad by Mamiko Takai that sings of autumn’s loneliness and the longing for human connection.
It richly paints scenes of streets where dead leaves dance and memories of the summer now gone, while its heart-piercing melody and delicate lyrics vividly bring the season’s imagery to life.
Released in January 1988 as the B-side to the single “Usotsuki,” this piece emerged during her solo career following her graduation from Onyanko Club and has maintained enduring popularity among fans.
A song to savor on long autumn nights—why not give it a listen as you dwell on your thoughts or look back on memories with someone dear?
September RainŌta Hiromi
Often regarded as an iconic song symbolizing autumn in the Showa era, this track is Hiromi Ohta’s ninth single, released in September 1977.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi, its wistful melody beautifully captures the poignant scenes of autumn.
Following “Momen no Handkerchief” and “Akai High Heels,” it became another major hit for Ohta, breaking into the weekly top 10 on the Oricon charts.
She performed it at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen at the end of the same year, leaving a deep impression on many listeners.
It is a gem that resonates with a mature sensibility—perfect for listening alone on a long autumn night.
October StormNakamori Akina
A masterpiece that vividly captures an October storm.
Within this ballad, which fuses pop and synth-pop, threads of romantic misunderstandings and the premonition of parting are woven together, blending poignancy with strength.
Akina Nakamori’s richly expressive vocals further elevate the song’s world.
Included on the album “POSSIBILITY,” released on October 10, 1984, the track had no official tie-in, yet it has remained a steadfast favorite among fans.
It’s recommended not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone standing at a crossroads in life.
Listen on a long autumn night, and it’s sure to resonate in your heart.
Savor this gem of a song, brimming with Nakamori’s allure.
Autumn breeze in a puzzle gameKojima Misan
It’s a classic that evokes the wistfulness of autumn and the end of a romance.
Included on the album “MICHILLE,” released in September 1986, this track showcases Mishio Kojima’s delicate vocals.
Against the backdrop of autumn winds, the protagonist’s emotions—complex like a puzzle—are portrayed alongside a melancholic melody.
Chiro Ru Tanio’s poignant lyrics and Masaki Matsubara’s urbane composition blend beautifully, resonating deeply with listeners.
This work continues to be loved by many as a song best enjoyed quietly on long autumn nights.
Stay by my side even after autumnMinamino Yoko
A hit song by Nanno, Yoko Minamino, from 1988—the era when single cassette tapes and slim long-jacket single CDs were being released.
It also made headlines for being Japan’s first “color CD,” with a tinted disc.
The straightforward expressions of affection—saying “I like you” and “I love you”—feel like a scene unique to autumn, and they suit the slightly more mature Yoko Minamino perfectly.
The “autumn = romance” formula is a classic in idol music, but this is still a wonderful Showa-era autumn song you’ll want to hear.