Lovely autumn song

[2025] Autumn songs for people in their 60s: timeless classics perfect for the deepening season

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

Autumn—the season that somehow leaves us feeling a little melancholy.

At this time of year, many of us tend to become sentimental and recall past heartbreaks or farewells with loved ones.

In this article, we introduce autumn songs we recommend for people in their 60s, selected from among many classics.

We’ve focused on tracks released mainly from the 1970s to the mid-1980s—the youth songs that today’s 60-somethings listened to—so they’re sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

They’re also great picks for autumn karaoke.

After sampling them, be sure to try singing them yourself.

[2025] Autumn songs for people in their 60s. Classic tracks perfect for the deepening fall (1–10)

Burning AutumnHi-Fi set

Moeru Aki

Burning Autumn Hi-Fi Set

A timeless classic that gracefully captures the lyricism of autumn was released in November 1978.

It is one of Hi-Fi Set’s signature works and was also used as the theme song for the film “Moeru Aki” (Burning Autumn).

Hiroyuki Itsuki’s poetic lyrics and Toru Takemitsu’s delicate melody blend beautifully, portraying an adult love affair interwoven with autumnal scenery.

The work received high acclaim, including winning Best Music at the 2nd Japan Academy Prize.

Showcasing Hi-Fi Set’s refined choral work, this piece is perfect for listening alone on a quiet night or humming together with someone special, as you reflect on the feelings you hold in your heart.

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The Wind RisesSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda - The Wind Rises

Seiko Matsuda, The Wind Rises

Among Seiko Matsuda’s songs, this one is especially popular, noted for a melody that evokes the autumn breeze and lyrics full of lyricism.

It beautifully portrays the feelings of a woman after heartbreak, overlapping them with autumn scenery.

Also used in a Glico Pocky commercial, the song was released in October 1981 and reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It has continued to be loved as one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs.

On a quiet autumn night, if you find yourself alone by the window lost in thought, be sure to listen to this piece.

Its heartfelt vocals will surely bring you comfort.

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Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)Hiromi Iwasaki

Adolescence (shishūki)

Adolescence by Hiromi Iwasaki

A ballad that deftly captures the sentiments of autumn, with Hiromi Iwasaki’s clear, translucent voice resonating in the heart.

Woven from delicate melodies and lyrics, this work movingly portrays the fleeting nature of youth and the poignancy of first love.

Released in 1977, it has remained beloved by many as one of Iwasaki’s signature songs.

Its lyrical verses, depicting the emotional fluctuations of a girl between the ages of 18 and 19, may well evoke an unexpected sense of empathy.

When you feel like reflecting on the days of youth that change with the passing seasons, why not lend your ear to this piece?

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[2025] Autumn songs for people in their 60s. Timeless classics perfect for the deepening autumn (11–20)

The Koshu Highway is already in autumn.RC Succession

RC Succession – Koshu Kaido Is Already Autumn (1976)

Kōshū Kaidō, it’s already autumn — RC Succession

“Kōshū Kaidō wa Mō Aki Nanosā,” a song by RC Succession about the changing scenery along the Kōshū Highway as it runs from Tokyo through Yamanashi to Nagano, is included on their 1976 album Single Man.

Its melody, rich with a folk-like melancholy, also evokes the feeling of autumn.

The lyrics depict someone carrying a deep pain, driving along the Kōshū Highway and speaking reflectively about how autumn has already arrived.

If you’re feeling pent-up and want to blow off some steam, why not give it a listen?

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Autumn Full StopAlice

Shuushifu

Autumn Period Alice

A quintessential autumn song by Alice that portrays the sweet, aching regret of love.

Released as a single in December 1979, it was featured in the popular drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B,” leaving a lasting impression on many.

Shinji Tanimura’s poetic lyrics and Takao Horiuchi’s melody blend beautifully to express the sorrow of parting and lingering attachment.

Why not listen quietly on a long autumn night? It’s sure to bring back nostalgic memories.

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SEPTEMBERMariya Takeuchi

Mariya Takeuchi – September [Live Version / 2000 @ Nippon Budokan]

SEPTEMBER Mariya Takeuchi

A single distinguished by its moving, beautiful melody and memorable lyrics.

Set against the seasonal shift from summer to autumn, it portrays parting and new encounters.

Released in 1979, it enjoyed enduring popularity, staying on the Oricon charts for an extended period.

Mariya Takeuchi’s clear, crystalline voice perfectly conveys the ache of bittersweet love.

The song appears on multiple releases, including the album “LOVE SONGS.” It’s also a classic that has been covered by many artists, such as Junichi Inagaki and Hiroji Miyamoto.

As the end of summer approaches, why not listen to it with someone special?

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Please understand.Akira Inaba

Please understand.

Please understand, Akira Inaba.

This is one of Akira Inaba’s signature songs, known for its touching lyrics and gentle melody.

Released in February 1976 as his debut single, it became a major hit, selling over 600,000 copies.

It reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and ranked No.

9 on the year-end chart for 1976, capturing the hearts of many.

The song delicately portrays the feelings of a woman suffering from heartbreak and lingering attachment, and many listeners may relate to the image of her pouring her emotions into a letter.

Its familiar, easy-to-listen-to melody also appeals to older audiences, making it a piece that can be enjoyed along with nostalgic memories.

It might be nice to sing it together in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

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