Lovely autumn song

[2026] Autumn Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic Tracks Perfect for the Deepening Fall

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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.

[2026] Autumn songs for people in their 60s. Classic tracks perfect for the deepening autumn (21–30)

Autumn has a pastel touchAkina Nakamori

Akina Nakamori – Autumn is a Pastel Touch (HQ)

Autumn is a pastel-touch Akina Nakamori

It might not be widely known, but this song was actually composed by none other than Masayoshi Takanaka, the renowned guitarist.

It’s an exciting collaboration between a fusion legend and the queen of pop.

The briskly played guitar riffs over the period’s programmed sound, as well as the tone and melody of the solo at the end, are quintessential Takanaka—naturally.

The lyrics were written by Etsuko Kisugi, which is another highlight you can’t overlook.

Perhaps to match the fusion vibe of the track, Akina delivers her vocals with a lighter touch than usual.

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Sophia in NovemberMaiko Okamoto

Sophia in November (2017 Remastering)

Maiko Okamoto Sofia in November

A timeless song whose autumn tones resonate in the heart, where tenderness and bittersweet sorrow live side by side.

With Maiko Okamoto’s clear, transparent voice, memories of youth come rushing back.

Released in November 1985, this work beautifully blends Yasushi Akimoto’s poetic lyrics with Kisaburō Suzuki’s lovely melody.

This ballad depicting a student-days romance perfectly captures the loneliness of November and a longing for days gone by.

Vivid scenes—like the student avenue at dusk and the tolling of a chapel bell—leave a strong impression.

A perfect song for those who’ve experienced parting from someone dear, or for anyone seeking to soothe their heart on a long autumn night.

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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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Autumn wind is you.Kaori Shimura

W0253 Kaori Shimura “The Autumn Wind Is You”

Autumn breeze is you, Shimura Kaori.

You can’t leave this song out when talking about classic autumn hits from the Showa era.

Kaori Shimura’s crystal-clear voice captures the atmosphere of fall beautifully.

The lyrics—melding vivid autumn scenery with the flutter of romance—are sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.

Released in October 1985, it was Shimura’s third single.

With its refreshing melody and sophisticated, European-style arrangement, the track stood out from other idol pop of the time and drew considerable attention.

It’s a perfect song for quiet autumn nights spent with a loved one, or for reminiscing about the gentle ache of unrequited love.

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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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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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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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