[2025] Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 40s: Recommended J-Pop [Autumn Songs]

A bird that cannot flyyuzu

Yuzu “Tobenai Tori” MUSIC VIDEO

Yuzu is a folk duo that began their career with street performances and has continued to lead the J-pop scene.

Released in October 2000, this song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Namida o Fuite.” Set against the backdrop of a melancholy autumn day, it seems to portray the struggle of being unable to spread one’s wings as hoped and the weight of helpless feelings, while still desperately reaching for the light.

Koji Iwasawa’s emotional melody, delivered with his beautifully soaring high notes, and the duo’s exquisite harmonies strike straight at the heart.

It’s a poignant yet warm, classic medium-tempo ballad that gently stays by your side on a long autumn night when you’re feeling a touch sentimental.

After the FestivalKeisuke Kuwata

Keisuke Kuwata – After the Festival (Full ver.)

That sudden stillness and loneliness that arrives after a joyful time.

Keisuke Kuwata masterfully sings of that sentimental scene that everyone can relate to.

Released in October 1994, this song was also used as the theme for the drama “Shizukanaru Don,” and surely remains in many people’s memories.

The helpless lingering attachment and unbroken, pure feelings after a passionate love has ended are woven together by a weathered, Dylan-esque vocal timbre and a gently resonant acoustic sound.

The faint warmth and bittersweet ache that remain after the frenzy—portrayed so vividly in this work—are truly nothing short of breathtaking.

It’s a gem of a rock ballad, perfect for immersing yourself in quiet reflection on days gone by as summer ends and autumn begins.

The Reason We Set Out on a JourneyKenji Ozawa

Kenji Ozawa – The Reason We Set Out on a Journey (Single Edit)

A classic by Kenji Ozawa that blends freshness with wistfulness—perfect for listening as the signs of autumn deepen.

Originally included on the landmark 1994 album LIFE, it was released as a single in May 1996 and also used as the theme song for the TV drama Shota no Sushi.

The vibrant horn arrangement, reflecting the influence of Paul Simon, heightens the sense of a journey while infusing it with a quiet melancholy.

Its poetic world, depicting parting from a loved one and hope for the future, can stir a sentimental mood when heard on an autumn evening.

It’s a gentle, hope-filled number that seems to softly accompany the hearts of a generation that has faced many crossroads in life.

Loneliness is the color of autumn.WANDS

10 Loneliness is the color of autumn

WANDS, a leading group among the Being label artists who dominated the music scene of the 1990s.

Their debut single, released in December 1991 and essentially their starting point, is a classic ballad you can’t help but want to hear as autumn arrives.

Its lyrics overlay the colors of the season—streets turning hue and the chill in the air—with an unbroken longing for an unforgettable lover, stirring listeners’ emotions deeply.

The song was featured in the drama “Hotel Woman,” bringing it to many ears.

Sho Uesugi’s emotional vocals blend with the melancholy melody to create a unique world that can make even beautiful autumn scenery feel wistful.

It’s the perfect number for nights when you want to sink into a sentimental mood.

A Modest PrayerEvery Little Thing

"A Modest Prayer" MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

This is the 21st single by Every Little Thing, known by the abbreviation ELT, released in August 2002.

It was used as the theme song for TV Asahi’s “Yajiuma Plus,” so many of you may have heard it.

Set against an autumn backdrop, the song is imbued with a sincere, warm prayer for the happiness of someone dear.

Bright and poppy yet tinged with a touch of melancholy, its sound perfectly matches the autumn air.

Kaori Mochida’s clear, translucent vocals seem to gently wrap around your heart.

You can also listen to this track on the album “Many Pieces.” On long autumn nights when you feel a bit lonely, try listening to it with a warm drink—you may find your heart gradually filled.

Watarase BridgeChisato Moritaka

Chisato Moritaka 'Watarase Bridge' (Music Video)

Looking up at the sky at dusk, I suddenly find myself remembering an old love.

That distinctly autumnal, sentimental mood is perfectly captured by Chisato Moritaka’s classic song.

With lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays the aching feelings of someone thinking of a past love, set on a real bridge in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture.

The vivid depiction of the sunset as seen from that spot paints a scene you can almost see, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in January 1993 as her 17th single, the song is also included on the album “Lucky 7.” It became well-known as the ending theme for the TV program “Ii Tabi, Yume Kibo.” It’s the kind of track you’ll want to savor on a slightly chilly evening, a warm drink in hand.

cosmosSpitz

Cosmos

Among the songs by Spitz that colored the golden era of J-pop, this is the one you’ll want to listen to quietly on a long autumn night.

Its ethereal sound conjures up misty landscapes, and Masamune Kusano’s slightly husky voice makes the bittersweet melody stand out even more.

The piece portrays a protagonist parting forever from a loved one, moving forward while holding onto a promise.

It’s not just sad; there’s a sense of pure resolve in its worldview that really hits home.

Released to the world in November 1992 as the B-side to the single “Hinata no Mado ni Akogarete,” it was later included on the classic album “Kachoufuugetsu.” A perfect gem when you want to sink into a sentimental mood.