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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: Classic Tracks Perfect for the Deepening Season (11–20)

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?

SEPTEMBERTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – September [Live Version / 2000 @ Nippon Budokan]
SEPTEMBERTakeuchi Mariya

A single distinguished by its moving, beautiful melody and memorable lyrics.

Set against the seasonal shift from summer to autumn, it portrays parting and new encounters.

Released in 1979, it enjoyed enduring popularity, staying on the Oricon charts for an extended period.

Mariya Takeuchi’s clear, crystalline voice perfectly conveys the ache of bittersweet love.

The song appears on multiple releases, including the album “LOVE SONGS.” It’s also a classic that has been covered by many artists, such as Junichi Inagaki and Hiroji Miyamoto.

As the end of summer approaches, why not listen to it with someone special?

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?

Please understand.Inaba Akira

This is one of Akira Inaba’s signature songs, known for its touching lyrics and gentle melody.

Released in February 1976 as his debut single, it became a major hit, selling over 600,000 copies.

It reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and ranked No.

9 on the year-end chart for 1976, capturing the hearts of many.

The song delicately portrays the feelings of a woman suffering from heartbreak and lingering attachment, and many listeners may relate to the image of her pouring her emotions into a letter.

Its familiar, easy-to-listen-to melody also appeals to older audiences, making it a piece that can be enjoyed along with nostalgic memories.

It might be nice to sing it together in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

cosmos (flower)sadamasashi

A classic by Masashi Sada that begins with the image of delicate pale-pink blossoms swaying in the autumn sunlight.

Its lyrical portrayal of the bond between mother and daughter gently warms the hearts of listeners.

Included on the album “Watashihanashū,” released in March 1978, the song has since been covered by many artists and continues to be loved across generations.

Performed three times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it has become deeply rooted in the Japanese music scene.

When facing a farewell with someone dear or the start of a new chapter in life, why not listen to this song and let it be a companion to your heart?

Before winter comeskami fuusen

Before Winter Comes (’77) Paper Balloon KAMI FUSEN
Before winter comeskami fuusen

A signature song by Kamifusen that you’ll want to listen to when the autumn breeze begins to blow.

Released in November 1977, it became a major hit, selling 450,000 copies.

Set against the seasonal shift from late summer into autumn just before winter arrives, it poignantly portrays a woman’s longing to reunite with a former lover.

The melody, infused with a folkloric flavor, blends beautifully with the vividly descriptive lyrics.

It’s a song that older listeners will also find familiar, evoking warm memories.

Perfect for quiet moments—like watching the sea alone at dusk and thinking of someone dear.

[2026] Autumn songs for people in their 60s. Classic tracks perfect for the deepening autumn (21–30)

Sophia in NovemberOkamoto Maiko

Sophia in November (2017 Remastering)
Sophia in NovemberOkamoto Maiko

A timeless song whose autumn tones resonate in the heart, where tenderness and bittersweet sorrow live side by side.

With Maiko Okamoto’s clear, transparent voice, memories of youth come rushing back.

Released in November 1985, this work beautifully blends Yasushi Akimoto’s poetic lyrics with Kisaburō Suzuki’s lovely melody.

This ballad depicting a student-days romance perfectly captures the loneliness of November and a longing for days gone by.

Vivid scenes—like the student avenue at dusk and the tolling of a chapel bell—leave a strong impression.

A perfect song for those who’ve experienced parting from someone dear, or for anyone seeking to soothe their heart on a long autumn night.