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 to listen to. Classic tracks perfect for the deepening autumn (21–30)

Embraced by the wintry windKyoko Koizumi

Embraced by the Wintry Wind (Another Version) (2024 Mastering)

Embraced by the cold winter wind — Kyoko Koizumi

A ballad that portrays a poignant, aching love, with Kyoko Koizumi’s voice resonating deep in the heart.

This work is her 20th single, released in November 1986.

Written and composed by Toshihiko Takamizawa, it is also known as the theme song for the film “Don’t Lay a Hand on My Woman.” The lyrics delicately depict the inner feelings of those in love.

Expressing a flame of love that burns in the cold season, this song may offer a sense of warmth to older listeners struggling with matters of the heart as well.

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The wind is autumn-colored.Seiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda - The Wind Is Autumn-Colored

Seiko Matsuda - Wind Is the Color of Autumn

This song marked the beginning of the “Seiko legend” that Seiko Matsuda would go on to build.

Starting with this track, she achieved 24 consecutive No.

1 singles on the Oricon charts! It was also her first double A-side single and even featured in a Shiseido commercial, making it a constant topic of conversation.

The lyrics recall a love that ended with summer, remembered in autumn.

Although the romance has ended, Seiko expresses the feelings with her trademark brightness so they don’t turn somber.

It’s a wonderful early-autumn song that supported Seiko in her early years—one that makes you want to listen while reminiscing about the past.

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Photo Mail for OctoberYoshimi Iwasaki

Photo Mail for October

October Photo Mail Yoshimi 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.

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Twilight BlueNaoko Kawai

Twilight Blue

Tasogare Blue Naoko Kawai

This song, which poignantly and beautifully portrays an autumn twilight, is known as one of Naoko Kawai’s signature works.

Released on September 1, 1982, it was included as the B-side to the single “Kenka o Yamete.” With lyrics by Machiko Ryu and music by Koji Makaino, the song’s lyrics—where a bittersweet love and autumn scenery blend seamlessly—paired with Kawai’s clear, translucent vocals, resonate deeply with listeners.

While fully showcasing the charm of an idol kayōkyoku number, it also offers a glimpse into a more mature love story.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to sink into a gentle, reflective mood on a long autumn night.

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late autumnYasuko Kuwata

Yasuko Kuwata - Late Autumn

Yasuko Kuwata in Late Autumn

A richly emotional song that evokes the arrival of autumn is sung by Yasuko Kuwata.

The lyrics, which intertwine the beauty of the autumn leaves with the end of a romance, are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

The phrase “my heart dyed crimson” is particularly striking, beautifully overlapping the autumn scenery with the sorrow of heartbreak.

This work is Kuwata’s ninth single, released in November 1985.

At the time, she was 17, and her voice, imbued with a mature expressiveness, captivated listeners.

It remains a beloved piece that many choose to enjoy quietly on long autumn nights.

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Autumn is burningHitomi Ishikawa

Hitomi Ishikawa - Autumn Is Burning

Autumn Burns, Hitomi Ishikawa

“Aki ga Moeru” (Autumn Ablaze) is Hitomi Ishikawa’s ninth single, a song that evokes the atmosphere of the Showa era.

Released in 1980, it portrays the poignancy of autumn as it shifts toward a winter that creeps up from your feet, along with the end of a summer romance.

The lyrics brim with heated emotion, revealing the depth of a woman’s passion.

It was also used as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo program “Obake no Samba,” and was loved by a wide audience.

This track became an important stepping stone leading to her later hit, “Machibuse.” I hope you’ll feel the beauty of this song on a long autumn night.

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In September,Tsukasa Ito

In September,

In September, Tsukasa Itō

An autumn classic by Tsukasa Ito, whose pure, translucent voice and melodic style resonate deeply with the heart.

Included on the album “Crescendo,” released in May 1984, this work remains beloved as a representative song of 1980s city pop.

Produced by Akira Inoue and featuring contributions from renowned musicians such as Tetsuji Hayashi and Tsugutoshi Goto, it is also well known for its stellar lineup.

The lyrics evoke tender memories of youth and the changing seasons, making it a perfect listen for long autumn nights.

Highly recommended for those who want to indulge in a nostalgic mood.

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