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: 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.
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.
Bye For NowT-BOLAN
A gem of a ballad etched in the hearts of many as a supportive anthem about a beautiful farewell.
Released by T-BOLAN in November 1992, this song was used as the theme for Woman Dream and went on to become a million-seller.
Its powerful message—singing of the courage and hope to move toward one’s dreams after overcoming the loneliness of parting—deeply resonates with listeners.
It remains a beloved choice for moments like parting from someone dear, graduation ceremonies, and new beginnings, retaining its luster more than 30 years after its debut.
Featured on the albums HEART OF STONE and SINGLES, it shines brightly as one of T-BOLAN’s signature songs.
Tears of MagnoliaSutādasuto☆Rebyū
A love ballad that sings of the profound sense of loss after losing the lover to whom eternal love was vowed.
Using the magnolia—the flower that symbolizes spring—as its motif, it beautifully depicts warm memories with a beloved person and the loneliness felt after their loss.
It was included as the first track on Stardust Revue’s album “SOLA,” released in March 1993, and was later released as a single, selling 150,000 copies.
In 2005, an acoustic version was produced for a Nikka Whisky commercial.
For those who have lost someone precious or who recall bittersweet memories in the spring season, this work will resonate deeply with your heart.
Come, spring.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.
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.
Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki
This is a coming-of-age ballad capturing a spring scene twenty days after graduation.
With a gentle melody and tender vocals, it expresses young people’s anxieties and hopes about change, as well as the fleeting time spent with dear friends.
Amid an unseasonal snowfall, the image of walking shoulder to shoulder with friends is portrayed in a way that resonates deeply.
Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s album “Kimi wa Dare to Shiawase na Akubi o Shimasu ka.” released in September 1991, this piece is captivating for its calm, warm poetic worldview.
It is a classic you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring, a song that offers solace to those facing life’s turning points and harboring feelings about the changing days.
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.
Spring ~spring~Hysteric Blue
“Haru ~spring~” is the hit song that led the rock band Hysteric Blue, formed in Osaka in 1997, to break through.
Released in 1999, the track reached No.
5 on the Oricon chart after its release and was selected as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s variety show “Mokugeki! Dokyun.” It’s a song that evokes a bittersweet feeling—remembering a springtime farewell that makes your heart ache a little, yet singing how that feeling makes you stronger.
Goodbye Busyuzu
A gem of a love song that gently wraps farewells and reunions in an acoustic sound.
It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to as spring arrives.
The protagonist’s hidden feelings and regrets are portrayed over a tender, bittersweet melody.
Yuzu’s refreshing vocals continue to resonate with those experiencing springtime goodbyes.
Released in March 1999 and included on the album “Yuzuen,” it was also featured as an insert song in the NHK morning drama series “Yanchakure,” capturing fans’ hearts.
It’s a song we hope those parting from someone dear, just before starting a new chapter in life, will listen to.
As a spring anthem that gives you the courage to take a step toward the future, it comes highly recommended.