Autumn anime songs: iconic tracks for the deepening fall

A waning moonShion Miyawaki

A waning moon

This song brings to mind a moon floating in a quiet, crystal-clear night sky.

Sung by singer-songwriter Shion Miyawaki, it served as the ending theme for season 2 of the TV anime Assassination Classroom.

The track was released in January 2016 and was also included on her mini-album Sora later that year.

Its introspective lyrics—expressing a desire to gather up imperfect and lost things to verify them—really resonate.

Her emotionally rich voice envelops the feelings of the anime’s characters.

It’s a perfect anime ballad for a long autumn night.

PrologueKazu Manabe (CV: Chinatsu Fujitō)

Prologue

On an autumn evening when the fragrance of osmanthus drifts softly and the sky is dyed crimson, this is the song by Chinatsu Fujitō that makes you want to overlay your heart onto that scene.

It’s a character image song from the TV anime K-On!, expressing the straightforward anticipation for the future hidden within Nodoka Manabe’s calm demeanor.

It’s as if you can see her viewing the present as the prologue to the story that’s about to begin and believing in the person she’ll become.

Released in October 2009 as the single “K-On! Image Song: Nodoka Manabe.” Give it a listen when you want to reflect on your own future.

Akane sky, you dance — a promenade of crimson maple leavesSakura (CV: Ai Kakuma) Kiri (CV: Manami Numakura)

Akane sky, you dance — a promenade of crimson maple leaves

The gentle, nostalgic melody woven by piano and strings resonates in the heart.

It conjures a warm scene, as if you’re walking with someone dear along a path of fluttering autumn leaves beneath a crimson sky.

This song is the ending theme of the anime “Konohana Kitan,” sung by Ai Kakuma as Sakura and Manami Numakura as Kiri.

It is included in the ending theme collection “Konohanatei no Shiki,” released in December 2017.

When you’re feeling a bit worn out by the busyness of daily life, why not listen to it while savoring the clear air of autumn?

moonlightRie fu

Rie fu “Moonlight”

A bittersweet yet beautiful mid-tempo ballad you’ll want to listen to as the night deepens.

It’s a song by singer-songwriter Rie fu, released as a single in May 2007, and it served as the ending theme for the anime DARKER THAN BLACK.

What makes this track so compelling is its world that captures a pure feeling: gazing up at the moon and thinking of a loved one far away.

Rie fu’s translucent voice and the gentle tone of the piano seem to seep straight into your heart.

It’s perfect for this cooler time of year.

AUTUMN DREAMReiko Omori

I gathered all of Fancy Lala/Lala’s songs!

It’s an image song from the anime “Magical Stage Fancy Lala.” It’s sung by Reiko Omori, who voiced the protagonist, and is included on the album “Lala’s Music Canvas page.

II ~ Autumn Dream,” released in September 1998.

The lyrics beautifully portray the sweet-and-sour feelings of love swaying amid autumn scenery.

The pop arrangement blends a light, breezy feel with a touch of sentimentality, which is wonderful as well.

Reiko Omori’s clear, translucent vocals further enhance the charm of the piece.

Give it a listen on a typically lonely autumn afternoon.

Love Autumn on a Moonlit NightChiaki Minami (CV: Minori Chihara)

Tsukiyo ni Aishu

I’m drawn to the nostalgic atmosphere of this song.

It’s a character song from the anime Minami-ke Okaeri, sung by Minori Chihara, who plays Chiaki Minami.

It’s one of the tracks included on the mini-album Haru Natsu Aki Tojo!!, released in December 2008.

Its gentle tone, perfect for long autumn nights, seeps into the heart.

Listening to it puts me in a relaxed mood.

If you want to soothe a tired heart after busy days, please give it a listen.

Even hell’s judgment depends on you.Hell’s Verdict All-Stars

Even hell’s judgment depends on you.

I think once you hear it, it’ll stick in your head.

It’s the opening theme of the anime “Hozuki’s Coolheadedness,” sung by the characters who appear in the story.

With a lively, festival-like vibe, it’s incredibly catchy and puts you in a cheerful mood as you listen.

What’s more, even though it’s set in hell, the lyrics cheekily suggest that things depend on your own attitude, which is sure to make you smile.

I think it’s the perfect anime song for autumn events like Halloween!