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)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

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.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

Autumn songs that have been loved across eras are deeply etched into Japan’s music history from the Showa period to today.

From nostalgic Showa-era autumn tunes to timeless classics that still shine, these songs continue to resonate across generations.

Music that evokes the atmosphere of autumn will keep adding richness and color to our lives.

Please use the songs featured here as inspiration to create your own playlist!