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)
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.
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!
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.
Spring songs that were hits in the ’90s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (11–20)
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.
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.
It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink
Yamada Katsutenai Wink wraps this classic spring song—one you want to hear around graduation season—in warm, gentle vocals.
Its melody, which sings of the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion, nestles close to the heart and gives you courage to face a new future.
Released in February 1991, the song was used as an insert track on Fuji TV’s “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Terebi” and became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
With lyrics by Kuniko Yamada and music by KAN in beautiful harmony, it’s a gem of a message song that teaches us that parting is not an end but a beginning.
Listened to in the season of departures, it’s a wonderful, heartwarming cheer song that continues to be loved by many.
I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE
It was in October 1992 that a heartwarming masterpiece was born—one that depicts childhood experiences in nature, filled with nostalgic memories and love for family.
Richly emotional lyrics trace memories of time spent with family in early childhood and the evolving parent-child relationship that comes with growing up.
Through this classic, DREAMS COME TRUE beautifully captures the scenery of a nature-rich hometown and the bonds between parents and children.
Selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hirari and included on the album The Swinging Star, the work achieved phenomenal sales in Japan at the time.
The exquisite melody—where Miwa Yoshida’s vocals and Masato Nakamura’s arrangement blend perfectly—has continued to be cherished as a springtime anthem, a song that comforts those longing for the arrival of spring.