Spring songs that were hits in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
There are lots of songs about the seasons, but there are especially many that sing about spring.
Of course there are songs about cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring, and there are also many that reflect on the warm, comfortable season itself.
Spring is also a time when many people experience farewells and new encounters, and it marks the start of new chapters in life, so there are plenty of graduation and encouragement songs as well.
In this article, we’ll focus on songs with themes associated with spring that were hits in the 1990s.
It’s a collection packed with nostalgic spring tunes, and among them are timeless classics that people still hear often today.
Let’s listen together!
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Spring songs that were hits in the ’90s. Famous and popular Japanese tracks (1–10)
Come, spring.NEW!Matsutoya Yumi
A ballad that has long been cherished as a classic befitting graduation and season-of-departure moments.
Sung by Yumi Matsutoya, this song stirs the heart the instant the piano introduction begins to flow.
Its beautiful Japanese lyrics, imbued with a sense of “wa” (Japanese harmony), vividly capture the earnest longing for spring.
Released as a single in October 1994, it became widely known as the theme song for the NHK morning drama of the same name.
It was included on the subsequent album THE DANCING SUN and even appeared on the following year’s year-end charts, cementing its status as a cross-generational standard.
Interweaving the sorrow of parting with hope for the future, it’s perfect for occasions when you want to reminisce—like karaoke at a reunion after a long time apart.
KYOTOJUDY AND MARY
JUDY AND MARY is a rock band known for hit songs like “Over Drive” and “Sobakasu.” Their “KYOTO” is a hidden springtime gem included on their third album, MIRACLE DIVING, released in 1995.
Set in Kyoto, the hometown of guitarist TAKUYA, the song features an irresistibly beautiful intro of piano and arpeggiated guitar.
YUKI’s vocals, which evoke a touch of nostalgia, are also a must-hear!
Is spring here yet?Hamada Masatoshi
Produced by Tamio Okuda, this song centers on themes of travel and self-discovery, distinguished by a warm atmosphere that gently embraces the feelings of a solitary traveler.
With delicate lyrics, it portrays a man striving to find his true self within the vastness of the universe.
Released in December 1997, the track was featured as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR Ski Ski,” and became a hit, reaching No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Okuda’s signature simple, comfortable melody beautifully captures the longing for spring’s arrival, making it a song that resonates with those who look forward to a new season or are determined to walk their own path.
Spring songs that were hits in the ’90s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (11–20)
To the futureKiroro
“Mirai e” is a classic song for graduations and weddings.
Performed by Kiroro, a duo from Okinawa made up of Chiharu Tamashiro and Ayano Kinjo, it is one of their signature tracks, selling 580,000 copies.
It was originally released as an indie single, but after their major-label debut, the content was revised and it was re-released as a single.
This masterpiece conveys a mother’s gentle guidance on how to walk through life to a child about to set off on a new journey, along with my own bittersweet surge of gratitude for everything up to now.
That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19
A song that captures a vivid moment of youth was brought to life by 19.
Entrusting dreams scribbled on the back of a test to a paper airplane and letting it fly into the sky beautifully expresses the pure longing and anxiety of young people.
With delicate sensibility and a warm sound, it gently envelops the wavering emotions unique to adolescence.
Released in March 1999, the track was used as a TBS campaign song and reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts.
It was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Included on the albums “Ongaku” and “19 BEST●Ao,” it has been loved for many years.
It’s a song that will quietly stay by the side of anyone taking a new step forward with the arrival of spring.
GraduationWatanabe Misato
It’s a sentimental spring song that vividly conjures up scenes.
Tetsuya Komuro handled both the composition and arrangement.
The scattered onomatopoeia are exquisite and brimming with emotion.
Despite its wistful mood, it somehow leaves you feeling calm, so give it a listen when you want to unwind.
Hello, Again ~A place that has existed since long ago~My Little Lover
A music unit that the artist and renowned producer Takeshi Kobayashi belonged to—commonly known as My Little Lover (MyLover).
This is one of their big-hit songs.
The key change in the chorus feels so good it makes you want to listen over and over.
The lyrics have a slightly melancholic tone that can be read as being based on heartbreak.
Even so, it also includes hopeful, forward-looking lines like “our memories will never disappear,” so it’s perfect for a brand-new spring after all! It’s a signature track of the ’90s that has been covered by an impressive lineup of artists, including JUJU, Tomomi Kahala, and Ryuichi Kawamura.