RAG MusicAutumn song
Lovely autumn song

[2026] Autumn Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic Tracks Perfect for the Deepening Fall

Autumn—the season that somehow leaves us feeling a little melancholy.

At this time of year, many of us tend to become sentimental and recall past heartbreaks or farewells with loved ones.

In this article, we introduce autumn songs we recommend for people in their 60s, selected from among many classics.

We’ve focused on tracks released mainly from the 1970s to the mid-1980s—the youth songs that today’s 60-somethings listened to—so they’re sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

They’re also great picks for autumn karaoke.

After sampling them, be sure to try singing them yourself.

[2026] Autumn songs for people in their 60s to listen to: classic tracks perfect for the deepening autumn (1–10)

A café in a student districtGaro

GARO – Gakuseigai no Kissaten (Official Audio)
A café in a student districtGaro

This is a classic hit by Garo that brings back nostalgic memories of student days.

Composed by Koichi Sugiyama with lyrics by Michio Yamagami, the song gently portrays memories of a former lover, set in a coffee shop in a student district.

Released in June 1972, it went on to top the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks the following year and won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

It was later used in a 1980 commercial for Gohan Desu Yo! and featured in the 2018 NHK morning drama Half, Blue., among other appearances, showing its enduring popularity.

This piece evokes a longing for youthful days.

Why not sing it together with seniors and enjoy reminiscing about those times?

The Koshu Highway is already in autumn.RC sakuseshon

RC Succession – Koshu Kaido Is Already Autumn (1976)
The Koshu Highway is already in autumn.RC sakuseshon

“Kōshū Kaidō wa Mō Aki Nanosā,” a song by RC Succession about the changing scenery along the Kōshū Highway as it runs from Tokyo through Yamanashi to Nagano, is included on their 1976 album Single Man.

Its melody, rich with a folk-like melancholy, also evokes the feeling of autumn.

The lyrics depict someone carrying a deep pain, driving along the Kōshū Highway and speaking reflectively about how autumn has already arrived.

If you’re feeling pent-up and want to blow off some steam, why not give it a listen?

cosmos (flower)Yamaguchi Momoe

This song is one of the signature works of Momoe Yamaguchi, a leading singer of Showa-era kayōkyoku who was active in the 1970s.

When people think of autumn songs from the Showa period, many might picture this one.

Titled after cosmos, a flower symbolic of autumn, the song weaves the feelings of a woman about to get married toward her mother, with imagery throughout the lyrics that evokes the season.

Although the melody carries a somewhat dark and lonely mood, you’ll likely find yourself moved as you listen while reading the lyrics.

[2026] Autumn Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic Tracks Perfect for the Deepening Season (11–20)

Autumn Full StopArisu

A quintessential autumn song by Alice that portrays the sweet, aching regret of love.

Released as a single in December 1979, it was featured in the popular drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B,” leaving a lasting impression on many.

Shinji Tanimura’s poetic lyrics and Takao Horiuchi’s melody blend beautifully to express the sorrow of parting and lingering attachment.

Why not listen quietly on a long autumn night? It’s sure to bring back nostalgic memories.

Burning Autumnhaifaisetto

A timeless classic that gracefully captures the lyricism of autumn was released in November 1978.

It is one of Hi-Fi Set’s signature works and was also used as the theme song for the film “Moeru Aki” (Burning Autumn).

Hiroyuki Itsuki’s poetic lyrics and Toru Takemitsu’s delicate melody blend beautifully, portraying an adult love affair interwoven with autumnal scenery.

The work received high acclaim, including winning Best Music at the 2nd Japan Academy Prize.

Showcasing Hi-Fi Set’s refined choral work, this piece is perfect for listening alone on a quiet night or humming together with someone special, as you reflect on the feelings you hold in your heart.

September RainŌta Hiromi

A masterpiece that brilliantly captures the bittersweet atmosphere of autumn.

Hiromi Ohta’s crystal-clear voice exudes a gentle warmth that seeps into the heart.

The pain of heartbreak and nostalgia for days gone by are layered over the falling rain, stirring the listener’s emotions.

Released in September 1977 as Ohta’s ninth single, the song reached the weekly Top 10 on the Oricon charts.

It was also performed at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen at the end of that year, leaving a deep impression on many.

It’s the perfect song for a quiet moment spent listening to the sound of rain while reflecting on memories with someone dear.

Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)Iwasaki Hiromi

A ballad that deftly captures the sentiments of autumn, with Hiromi Iwasaki’s clear, translucent voice resonating in the heart.

Woven from delicate melodies and lyrics, this work movingly portrays the fleeting nature of youth and the poignancy of first love.

Released in 1977, it has remained beloved by many as one of Iwasaki’s signature songs.

Its lyrical verses, depicting the emotional fluctuations of a girl between the ages of 18 and 19, may well evoke an unexpected sense of empathy.

When you feel like reflecting on the days of youth that change with the passing seasons, why not lend your ear to this piece?