[2025] A roundup of autumn songs for people in their 50s. Showa-era classics that bring back those days
Autumn brings a touch of melancholy after a fun, lively summer.
Many of us may find ourselves recalling bittersweet romances from our youth or surrendering to a shapeless sense of loneliness.
In such a sentimental season, why not soothe your heart with music? In this article, we’re introducing recommended autumn songs for people currently in their 50s.
The selection focuses on tracks from the 1980s to the early 1990s—the era when today’s fifty-somethings spent their youth.
You might even come across songs you used to listen to all the time back then.
Enjoy them while feeling the refreshing autumn breeze, or as you gaze at the beautiful moon shining in the clear air.
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[2025] A collection of autumn songs we want people in their 50s to hear: Showa-era classics that bring back those days (21–30)
A Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)Keisuke Kuwata
A perfect song for autumn, released by Keisuke Kuwata in July 1988.
It features poignant lyrics and a moving melody, depicting lost love and the bittersweetness and melancholy people carry.
Also used in a Fujifilm commercial, the track is included on the album “Keisuke Kuwata.” The album won the Excellence Album Award at the 30th Japan Record Awards and topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks.
With its nostalgic vibe, this song is great for listening alone on a long autumn night—or humming along with friends from the same generation.
BELIEVEMisato Watanabe
Misato Watanabe’s song is an energetic track that fuses pop and rock.
Its distinctive synthesizer-driven arrangement captures the trends of the music scene at the time.
The upbeat message and hopeful lyrics, combined with Watanabe’s powerful vocals, truly resonate.
Released in October 1986, it was used the following year as the theme song for the TBS drama “Tsuukai! OL Street.” It’s a memorable tune for those who spent their youth in their 50s today.
On a long autumn night, why not listen while reminiscing about who you were back then? You’ll surely feel a wave of nostalgia—and a fresh sense of courage.
Wine Red HeartSafe zone
When it comes to classic songs that depict mature love, Anzenchitai’s “Wine Red no Kokoro” comes to mind.
Released in 1983, this song expresses a faint, bittersweet longing.
The lyrics by Yosui Inoue vividly portray the complexities of adult relationships.
It was also used in a commercial for Suntory’s Akadama Punch, resonating with many listeners.
For those in their 50s, it may be a song that brings back memories of their youth.
How about listening to it on an autumn evening with your favorite drink in hand? It’s sure to become a tender, heartwarming moment.
Photo Mail for OctoberYoshimi Iwasaki
It is a masterpiece that beautifully portrays autumn scenery and the bittersweetness of love.
The emotions of the protagonist, who receives a letter in October, are exquisitely expressed through Yoshimi Iwasaki’s delicate vocals.
Released in September 1984, this song carries the refined atmosphere of city pop and evokes an urban autumn landscape.
Included on the album “Cyclamen,” it has long been cherished as one of Iwasaki’s signature songs.
This work will deeply resonate with those who have experienced a breakup or are in a long-distance relationship.
It’s perfect for listening alone on a long autumn night, but it might also be lovely to listen to it with someone special and reaffirm each other’s feelings.
Autumn has a pastel touchAkina Nakamori
It might not be widely known, but this song was actually composed by none other than Masayoshi Takanaka, the renowned guitarist.
It’s an exciting collaboration between a fusion legend and the queen of pop.
The briskly played guitar riffs over the period’s programmed sound, as well as the tone and melody of the solo at the end, are quintessential Takanaka—naturally.
The lyrics were written by Etsuko Kisugi, which is another highlight you can’t overlook.
Perhaps to match the fusion vibe of the track, Akina delivers her vocals with a lighter touch than usual.
Autumn-colored townYuri Kunizane
A wistful and beautiful song inspired by an autumn cityscape.
Yuri Kunimi’s transparent vocals gently embrace the lyrics that layer the changing seasons with the end of a romance.
The sophisticated sound, a fusion of synth-pop and city pop, evokes Japan’s late-’80s music scene.
Released in March 1989, it reached No.
22 on the Oricon chart and ranked No.
19 on the popular music program “The Best Ten.” A track you’ll want to hear on an autumn evening, when you’re in a reflective mood.
Recommended both for those newly in love and for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak.
Crescendo of Fallen LeavesSonoko Kawai
A masterpiece that beautifully captures the wistfulness of autumn.
It flawlessly fuses the essence of 80s idols with synth-pop arrangements.
Gaining buzz as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Yuyake Nyan-Nyan,” it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly chart and No.
59 on the year-end chart following its November 1985 release.
Sonoko Kawai’s clear, transparent vocals vividly portray autumn scenery and the pain of heartbreak.
The track is also included on the albums “Dedication” and “sonnet,” and has continued to be loved across generations.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to during an autumn dusk, in a gently reflective mood.