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 Classic Hits That Colored the J-POP Scene (11–20)
In the Season of Cobaltsawada kenji
When it comes to Julie—Kenji Sawada’s—classic autumn songs, “In the Cobalt Season” comes to mind.
Released in 1976 as his 17th single, it stands out in his discography.
Sawada was the lead vocalist of The Tigers, a hugely popular band during the Group Sounds boom.
After going solo, he continued to produce numerous hits, armed with his sweet looks, charisma, and rich, superb vocal ability.
“In the Cobalt Season” was composed by Kenji Sawada, with lyrics by theater and TV director Mitsuhiko Kuzué, and it’s a beloved and highly popular single among fans.
Its gentle, slightly wistful lyrics and melody fit the autumn season perfectly.
Burning Autumnhaifaisetto
Here is a masterpiece that beautifully captures the emotions of autumn.
Released by Hi-Fi Set in 1978, this song exquisitely fuses Hiroyuki Itsuki’s poetic lyrics with Toru Takemitsu’s beautiful melody.
It was also used as a movie theme song and received high acclaim, including winning Best Music at the 2nd Japan Academy Prize.
Loved by many as a perfect song for long autumn nights, it has inspired numerous jazz covers, attesting to its timeless appeal.
As the season of autumn approaches, why not listen to it in a calm, reflective mood? It’s sure to be an experience that resonates deeply in your heart.
Signs of autumnofukōsu
When it comes to autumn songs by Off Course, the band fronted by Kazumasa Oda, this is the one that comes to mind! It was released in 1977, during the middle period of Off Course’s career.
The melody, woven by Oda’s gentle and soft vocals, is pleasant to the ear, and combined with the light, upbeat accompaniment, it’s very soothing to listen to.
At the same time, the lyrics depict a bittersweet breakup between a man and a woman.
It portrays the man leaving the woman, and Oda later looked back on the male character in the lyrics, calling him “a terrible man.”
Autumn has a pastel touchNakamori Akina
It might not be widely known, but this song was actually composed by none other than Masayoshi Takanaka, the renowned guitarist.
It’s an exciting collaboration between a fusion legend and the queen of pop.
The briskly played guitar riffs over the period’s programmed sound, as well as the tone and melody of the solo at the end, are quintessential Takanaka—naturally.
The lyrics were written by Etsuko Kisugi, which is another highlight you can’t overlook.
Perhaps to match the fusion vibe of the track, Akina delivers her vocals with a lighter touch than usual.
SeptemberTakeuchi Mariya
This song is etched deeply in many people’s hearts as a classic that colors the long nights of autumn.
Mariya Takeuchi’s clear, translucent voice delicately captures the shift from summer to fall.
Set in September—the month that symbolizes parting—the lyrics portray the end of a romance and the changes of the heart, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in 1979, this track has long been cherished as one of Takeuchi’s signature works.
It appears on multiple releases, including the album “LOVE SONGS,” attesting to its enduring popularity.
It’s a perfect listen when you begin to feel autumn’s arrival and find yourself in a contemplative mood.
This is a song that will let you feel the autumn breeze in your heart.
The Wind RisesMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda’s seventh single, released in October 1981 (Showa 56).
Composed by Eiichi Ohtaki, it was also used as the theme song for a Glico Pocky commercial in which Seiko herself appeared.
The bright timbre of her voice, rich in high overtones, the cheerful melody, and the luxuriously arranged string-backed track come together as one to evoke the refreshing breezes of autumn just by listening.
At the same time, the melody and lyrics that subtly convey autumn’s wistful melancholy are superb as well!
Songs of Autumn from the Showa Era: A Collection of Classic J-POP Gems (21–30)
Departing AutumnMatsutōya Yumi
Above all, it’s astonishing to think this song was written when she was just around twenty.
It’s an early work by Yumi Matsutoya, back when she performed as Yumi Arai, and it’s included on the classic album “MISSLIM,” released in October 1974.
The scene of autumn slipping through the trees and disappearing into the night seems to delicately depict farewells to cherished people and places, as well as the start of a new chapter.
You can picture the protagonist setting off with quiet resolve, even while steeped in sentimentality.
Set against the sophisticated sound crafted by Caramel Mama and others, this hidden gem evokes a gentle, lingering emotion through Yuming’s poetic world and expressive power.
It’s a perfect song for an autumn night when you find yourself at a crossroads in life, lost in thought.