Autumn anime songs: iconic tracks for the deepening fall

Glow of FirefliesIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Hotaru no Hikari” Music Video

Ikimono-gakari’s works are the kind that make your chest tighten when you listen to them in autumn, as summer memories slowly fade.

This song was released in July 2009 as their 14th single and was used as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.

It was later included on the album Hajimari no Uta.

The lyrics sing of a bittersweet longing for days gone by and a strong resolve to move forward into the future while carrying those feelings.

Listening to this piece might be a nice way to immerse yourself in your summer memories.

Kokoro ShowtimeHeavenly Moon

"[MV] Kokoro Showtime / Amatsuki – Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun"

This lively number by Amatsuki is the perfect spark to make you want to take center stage at autumn events like sports festivals and school performances.

Released in July 2021, the song drew attention when it was featured as the ending theme for season 2 of the anime Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun.

Its funky, pop rhythm, with dancing guitar and bell sounds, will lift your spirits just by listening! The lyrics carry an encouraging message to bare your true self and enjoy the showtime.

Play it when you’re taking on something new, and it’ll surely give you a push.

Hide-and-Seek with the Moonyutori

yutori “Hide-and-Seek Between the Moon and Me” Official Music Video (TV Anime ‘WITCH WATCH’ Cour 2 Ending Theme)

I can’t help but let my thoughts drift to the moon floating in the autumn night sky.

This piece by the four-piece rock band yutori is perfect for such a sentimental night.

The song portrays a love that feels like a game of hide-and-seek, where you can’t help but grow timid in front of the person you like.

The frustration of not being able to be honest, and the pure wish to be noticed, ride on glossy vocals and a catchy rock sound that pierce straight to the heart.

Released in June 2025, the track was written as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime Witch Watch.

Its bittersweet yet somehow warm melody is sure to gently accompany anyone wrestling with the itchiness of unrequited love.

Moonlight FlowerJanne Da Arc

Moonlight Flower

It became very popular at the time as the opening theme for the anime Black Jack.

Part of the lyrics was newly written to evoke Black Jack’s past injuries and the death of his mother.

Vocalist yasu’s beautiful voice, the grand strings, and the distorted guitar all seem to express the serious theme of “saving lives.”

Moonlight's GuidepostStereopony

[Japanese-Chinese Lyrics] STEREOPONY – Tsukiakari no Michishirube (Live)

This is a classic song by the all-girl band Stereopony, used as the opening theme for BONES’ “Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor,” which aired from October 8 to December 24, 2009.

Its somewhat bluesy melody, along with lyrics that depict groping through the dark and pressing forward by following a shaft of moonlight, evokes the feeling of autumn.

glowing madder-redAimer

Aimer “Akane Sasu” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s the opening theme of the TV anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Go.

I’m captivated by the soft, distinctive vocals.

The touching lyrics match the anime’s story perfectly—it’s wonderful.

Be sure to give it a listen on an autumn evening.

The seasons die one after another.amazarashi

amazarashi “Seasons Die One After Another” — Tokyo Ghoul √A ending theme

This is the ending theme of the anime Tokyo Ghoul √A, which became a huge topic thanks to its music video featuring a woman continually eating song lyrics cut from raw meat with a laser cutter.

Despite the pessimistic lyrics, the strings and piano melody are beautiful and hint at an epic unfolding story, and it’s a fine track brimming with the distinctive sense of drive and worldview characteristic of amazarashi.