A Guide to Classic Autumn Songs to Sing at Karaoke in October

October’s (2025 mix)Harukamirai

October’s (2025 mix)

How about a slightly bittersweet song that conjures up scenes of a crimson sunset sky and a flowing river? This work by Harukamirai, a rock band from Hachioji, portrays the determination to live powerfully “here and now,” even while carrying uncertainty and frustration about the future.

The contradictory emotions of youth—feeling more constrained the more you seek freedom—surge into your chest atop a melody that makes you want to hum along.

The track was included on the November 2017 mini-album “Hoshikuzu no Uta” and was later rebuilt with a new sound.

On a contemplative walk home, or on a night when you wish someone would sing just for you, listening to it might gently stay by your side.

When the magic wears offSaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “When the Magic Wears Off” Music Video

On those increasingly chilly, long autumn nights, Saucy Dog’s love songs gently nestle up to your heart.

It’s a slightly bittersweet mid-tempo number that makes you look back on days spent with a beloved partner.

Everyday scenes—like songs sung in the car or late-night conversations—link with the listener’s own memories and may just make your chest tighten unexpectedly.

This track is included on the mini-album “But Really,” released in July 2023.

It’s a self-cover of a song originally provided in October 2021 to voice actor Gakuto Kajiwara, now imbued with the warmth unique to a full band sound.

It’s a perfect song to sing tenderly and with feeling when you want to sink into a sentimental mood.

Reflected at duskKiro Akiyama

Akiyama Kiro - Reflected in the Dusk

Autumn evenings have a certain wistfulness that makes you long for company, don’t they? This track, released by Kiro Akiyama in August 2019, is the perfect companion for that sentimental mood.

The irresistible, top-tier pop tune woven from buoyant piano and shimmering strings is simply delightful.

In contrast to its dazzling sound, the lyrics sing of lingering feelings for someone unforgettable and the aching struggle not to lose one’s true self.

The song came out when he was gaining attention after being selected for Spotify’s “Early Noise 2019,” and it was later included on the acclaimed album From DROPOUT.

It’s a piece with a curious charm that’s both bittersweet and uplifting—why not take your time singing it on a long autumn night?

cosmos (flower)Momoe Yamaguchi

Cosmos / Momoe Yamaguchi with lyrics [4K] High-quality CD audio

Autumn is the season when cosmos flowers sway beautifully in the wind, isn’t it? Momoe Yamaguchi’s “Akizakura” (Cosmos), written and composed by Masashi Sada, is a timeless classic that never fades with the years.

Its gentle lyrics about feelings toward one’s mother are sure to resonate especially with adult women.

Momoe Yamaguchi is famous for her beautiful high notes, so be sure to sing the high parts with plenty of emotion!

Embraced by the wintry windKyoko Koizumi

"Embraced by the Wintry Wind" Kyoko Koizumi (VINYL)

A single released in 1986.

Toshihiko Takamizawa wrote both the lyrics and the music.

It was the theme song for the film “Don’t Lay a Finger on My Woman,” in which he also starred.

The melody is striking yet very easy to sing—a perfect number for karaoke.

It transcends generations and gender, and I especially recommend it to those who aren’t confident singers: practice this one and add it to your repertoire.

Like the shining moonSuperfly

Superfly “Like the Shining Moon” Music Video

How about a pure love song that sings, “I am who I am today because of you”? It’s a track by Superfly, the artist behind numerous classics like “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” and “Tamashii Revolution.” Released as a single in 2012, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Summer Rescue: Tenkuu no Shinryojo.” It’s a ballad distinguished by its bright, clear vocals, and listening to it fills you with happiness.

Be sure to try singing it while picturing the autumn moon floating in the night sky.

Serenade, if anythingYosui Inoue

“Issho Serenade” — Yosui Inoue Special, 4 minutes 10 seconds

A popular song by Yosui Inoue released in 1984.

It features a melancholy melody that evokes autumn.

The song was used in a Suntory Kakubin commercial in which Inoue himself appeared.

There’s also a behind-the-scenes story: the chord progression is almost the same as the jazz standard Autumn Leaves, and when Tamori pointed this out on TV, Inoue implicitly acknowledged it as an homage.