Also great for karaoke! Classic autumn songs recommended for people in their 30s
For those in their 30s born in the fiscal years from 1985 to 1994, many of the hit songs they likely listened to during their youth are from after the turn of the 21st century.
For the generation that experienced in real time the evolution of the J-POP scene beyond the hit-filled 1990s, what songs come to mind when you hear “autumn songs”?
This time, we’re introducing hit songs that evoke the feeling of autumn, recommended for people in their 30s.
Each track is one that will bring back memories of your youth, so be sure to check them out!
Also great for karaoke selections! Classic autumn songs recommended for people in their 30s (1–10)
Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai
This song features beautiful lyrics that evoke the scenery of Kyoto and Mai Kuraki’s clear, transparent vocals that leave a strong impression.
It portrays a bittersweet longing for someone far away, interwoven with traditional Japanese imagery.
Released in April 2017, the track was written as the theme song for the Detective Conan feature film “The Crimson Love Letter.” It marked the 21st time Kuraki has performed a theme song for the series, a feat recognized by Guinness World Records.
With its gently melancholic mood, it’s the kind of piece you’ll want to listen to at dusk in autumn while thinking of someone dear—and it’s also perfect for those who want to sing something tender and subdued at karaoke.
Twilight SurroundRIP SLYME
A medium-tempo tune that wraps you in the autumn night breeze right from the intro.
The acoustic guitar’s sound—somehow wistful yet warm—really seeps into your heart, perfect for twilight.
It offers a mellow, calm charm that’s different from RIP SLYME’s typically upbeat image.
The lyrics trace the flow of time from dusk to dawn, inviting a sentimental mood as you listen.
Released in October 2004 as their 10th single, this track is also included on the classic album “MASTERPIECE.” It’s perfect for long autumn night drives, and it’s great to sing gently at karaoke, too.
Keep a smooth, flowing delivery in mind, and enjoy it cool and mellow!
Maplesupittsu
It’s a classic song about parting with someone dear, and it’s also famous for having been covered by many artists.
It’s a single released by the rock band Spitz in July 1998 from the album “Fake Fur.” The somewhat nostalgic tones of piano and guitar resonate in the heart, and Masamune Kusano’s vocals, which beautifully express longing and loneliness, seem to convey a sense of helplessness.
The piece portrays not only the sorrow of farewell but also a forward-looking resolve to hold those memories close and keep moving on, revealing something new with every listen.
It’s no wonder it has colored so many works across generations, such as the drama “silent.” It’s also a great choice to sing slowly and thoughtfully at karaoke while soaking in the autumn mood.
It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī
If you’re looking to indulge in a slightly sentimental mood on a chilly autumn night, I recommend a wistful mid-tempo number from Chatmonchy.
Released in November 2008, this song poignantly conveys the loneliness of city nights and the tender ache of stretching yourself to do something unfamiliar.
The gradient of a heart that has lost something precious and is slowly dyed a different color seems to resonate in your chest, carried by Eriko Hashimoto’s aching vocals.
This was the band’s ninth single and marked their first entry into the Oricon Top 10.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Tonsura” and included on the classic album “Kokuhaku” (Confession).
Sing it earnestly at karaoke, and memories of your youth might just come flooding back.
nape (of the neck)aiko
This is the 14th major single by singer-songwriter aiko, known for her sharp perspective and distinctive lyrical expressions.
Released in November 2003, the song is also well-known for marking her second appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics depict youthful innocence and the difficulty of being honest with one’s feelings, poignantly capturing the heartache of those who struggle to express love.
Conveying the regret realized after a breakup and the persistence of love that remains, the song likely resonates deeply with many women in their thirties who find parallels with their own experiences.
It’s an easy-to-sing karaoke number, distinguished by universally relatable imagery and her charming, cute vocals.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
With its blend of classic band sound and trendsetting arrangements, Kenshi Yonezu’s music has taken the J-pop scene by storm.
Written as the theme song for the TV drama “Unnatural,” it drew widespread attention immediately upon release and went on to become a historic long-running hit.
Its melancholic melody, distinctive chord progression, and other arrangement choices that seize listeners’ hearts are elements that surely resonated with anyone in Japan.
As a signature track of 2018–2019, it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
It’s a song that makes you want to sing while thinking of someone special on those long autumn nights when you somehow crave human warmth.
It’s one of singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito’s signature tracks, depicting the love of a clumsy protagonist who can only convey his true feelings through song.
The lyrics, which carry straightforward emotions that are hard to say in everyday life, are beautiful and hit you right in the heart.
Released in November 1997 as his 15th single, the song is well-known for being covered by many artists and for being chosen as the theme song for the 2017 animated film Lu Over the Wall.
With the warm tones of the acoustic guitar and Saito’s gentle vocals resonating deeply, it’s also a great choice to sing with all your heart at karaoke.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
When you think of autumn, many people immediately think of moon viewing! The song I want to introduce for this season is Elephant Kashimashi’s signature track, “Like the Moon Tonight.” Sung in a blunt, masculine voice, the lyrics are so beautiful that they really hit you in the heart.
Even if things aren’t going well now, you’ll shine someday—don’t you think many people have found courage in those words that give you a push forward?
glowing madder-redAimer
A gem of a ballad by singer Aimer, known for her distinctive husky voice and wide-ranging musicality.
Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Go, the song has been highly praised for blending both poignancy and warmth.
Released as a single in November 2016, it also includes the double A-side track “everlasting snow.” The lyrics, which begin with a lonely autumn scene, poetically capture the transience of encounters and farewells.
For those in their 30s, it may be a song that brings back memories of their youth.
Sung at karaoke, its heartfelt vocals are sure to soothe the listeners’ hearts.
Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS
A song by the four-piece rock band RADWIMPS that vividly captures the seasonal shift from the end of summer to the start of autumn.
It’s included on their major-label first album, “RADWIMPS 3 ~Mujintō ni Motte Ikiwasureta Ichimai~,” released in February 2006.
Framed as an address to an imaginary person named September, it conveys both the magical, summery memories and the melancholy that comes with autumn’s arrival.
The track perfectly captures the lonely atmosphere of the time when summer vacation ends and the air turns chilly.
It’s an ideal, sure-fire karaoke crowd-pleaser for those in their 30s who feel nostalgic about their youth.