Autumn Is for Karaoke!? J‑Pop Autumn Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke [2025]

rendezvousShy Taupe

rendezvous

Sheitoupe’s songs are perfect for sinking into a sentimental mood while listening to the cold sounds of autumn rain.

Memories of a lost love and the longed-for reunion—wished for even while knowing it can never come true—are portrayed with a painfully vivid realism.

Vocalist So Sasaki’s languid, honeyed voice entwines with the protagonist’s helpless feelings, tightening your chest.

Released in April 2023, the track resonated so widely that by November of the same year it had surpassed 100 million streams.

It was later included on the album Hors d’œuvre.

A bittersweet and beautiful piece, it gently stays by your side on long autumn nights as you reflect on days gone by.

a balmy autumn dayTsukuyomi

Tsukuyomi “Akiharara” Music Video

How about this song for when you want to sink into a sentimental mood on an autumn evening? It’s a track from Tsukuyomi, a narrative music project led by composer Yuri Cannon.

The piece is set against the story of a girl living with illness and the boy who stays by her side, and it sings of fragile feelings that accept a fading fate while striving to live fully in the present, like autumn leaves turning color.

As you listen, you’re drawn into its heartrending world.

The song was released in August 2024 and later included on the concept mini-album “We Call That God.” Its melody is striking—somehow refreshing yet deeply moving.

Savor it as you cherish time with someone precious.

That day, I told a lie on the spur of the moment.Nogizaka46

That day, I told a lie on impulse.

If you’re looking for a karaoke song to sing with a touch of melancholy on a long autumn night, why not try this track by Nogizaka46? Its lyrics portray the bittersweet regret of youth—how a casual lie lingers in the heart—and they perfectly match the somber atmosphere of autumn.

The driving track and wistful piano seem to express the protagonist’s complex emotions.

This song was included on the single “Nandome no Aozora ka?” released in October 2014, and, by popular request from fans, it was also featured on the acclaimed album “Tōmei na Iro.” With its strong narrative quality, it’s ideal when you want to sing softly and with feeling.

The music video, which depicts friendship and heartache, is also memorable, and listening with friends can really bring out the emo vibes.

I jumped into the pool in October.Keyakizaka46

I jumped into the pool in October.

Keyakizaka46, who gained popularity with message-driven songs that set them apart from conventional idol groups.

This track portrays impulsive actions that seem to signal the end of summer and the arrival of autumn.

Its lyrics about young people dashing out of the classroom in search of freedom resonate with the slightly wistful, contemplative atmosphere of autumn, don’t they? The song was also used in a commercial for AEON Card.

Originally planned as a single, it finally received a long-awaited official release on the October 2020 best-of album “A Moment Longer Than Eternity: We, Who Certainly Existed Back Then,” giving it a dramatic backstory.

If you pour your emotions into it at karaoke, this number will sweep away those autumn blues in exhilarating fashion.

A Ticket Given by AutumnMr.Children

A Ticket Given by Autumn

When it comes to autumn songs by the beloved national rock band Mr.

Children, this heartwarming number surely comes to mind.

It delicately portrays a small, unexpected miracle that slips into everyday life and the tender feelings for someone special, all carried on the crisp air of fall.

The gentle tones of piano and clarinet are soothing, leaving you with the lingering afterglow of finishing a short story.

This track is included on the album “Juuryoku to Kokyuu” (Gravity and Breath), released in October 2018.

At karaoke, you’ll want to sing it softly, pouring your emotions into its beautiful melody.

As the weather turns chilly, it’s sure to gently warm the listener’s heart.

YELLIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

A heartwarming and moving ballad that portrays parting with friends and setting off toward the future.

Its grand, slightly nostalgic melody seeps into the heart, perfectly matching the faintly lonely air of autumn.

The song was included on Ikimono-gakari’s single released in September 2009, and was sung by many students as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Contest’s junior high division.

It carries the message that “goodbye” is not a sad word, but a cheer to help you pursue your dreams.

When singing it at karaoke, try to keep the bonds with your friends in mind and enunciate each word carefully.

If you build toward a powerful delivery in the latter half, that warm sense of emotion will likely spread to everyone who listens.

A bird that cannot flyyuzu

Yuzu “Tobenai Tori” MUSIC VIDEO

Yuzu is often associated with a bright and refreshing image, but this song carries a certain wistfulness that suits the autumn air.

With its acoustic tones that resonate deeply, it’s a warm work characteristic of a folk duo.

Released in October 2000, it colored the story as the theme song for the drama “Wipe Your Tears.” The lyrics depict a protagonist who had once forgotten how to fly, setting off again with the support of words received from someone dear.

This uplifting message, paired with a soaring chorus melody, brings a sense of exhilaration that can clear away a heavy heart.

While it’s challenging to replicate Atsuro Iwasawa’s clear, expansive high-tone vocals, those confident in their upper range should definitely give it a try.