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 J-Pop tracks (21–30)
Sakura FuwariMatsu Takako
“Sakura Fuwari” is Takako Matsu’s fifth single, released in 1998.
The song was also used in a commercial for Takano Yuri Beauty Clinic, and it’s crafted to evoke an image of radiant beauty.
Incidentally, the lyrics—poetically expressing the gentle feelings of spring—were written by Matsu herself.
Her clear voice, which seems to cherish every single word as she sings, has a way of quietly sinking into your heart.
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.
my graduationSPEED
“my graduation” is a song released in 1998 as the sixth single by SPEED, a female vocal group that was hugely successful in the 1990s.
It topped the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks and sold a total of 1.75 million copies.
It became a staple encore number at concerts, with fans customarily singing along to the chorus.
Centered on the theme of lovers parting ways at graduation, it’s a heartrending classic that captured SPEED’s authentic teenage voices at the time.
Embrace the seasonsOfuji Fumi
“Embrace the Seasons,” sung by singer-songwriter Fumi Oto, is accompanied only by a simple piano, letting you fully savor her beautiful vocals.
As you listen, it’s the kind of soothing song that melts away your tension.
In fact, this was her debut single, released in 1998.
Her fresh, pure sensibility comes through completely in her voice, and you can’t help but feel warm inside.
At the same time, her soft, wistful singing can almost bring you to tears.
I MISS YOULINDBERG
LINDBERG is a rock band famous for songs like “Kiss Me Now” and “BELIEVE IN LOVE.” Their track “I MISS YOU,” released in 1991, has a buoyant rhythm that feels delightful.
The lyrics, set at the end of spring break, evoke a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of school life.
If you take a walk outside while listening to this song, you might find yourself skipping before you know it.
Plus, vocalist Maki Watase’s piercing high notes are seriously addictive!
If I could become a birdAikawa Nanase
Speaking of Nanase Aikawa, her hard rock numbers like “Yume Miru Shoujo ja Irarenai” and “Sweet Emotion” are famous, right? At the same time, she has plenty of great ballads as well.
Among them, “Tori ni Naretara” is a hidden gem included as the B-side to the hit single “Trouble Maker.” The lyrics are sprinkled with words that evoke an April sky, and together with a melody that recalls traditional Japanese music, it becomes a profoundly flavorful number!
Tokyo StorySha ran Q
When it comes to moving to Tokyo, isn’t spring the season for a fresh start? “Jō-Kyō Monogatari” is the fourth single by Sharam Q, the rock band led by Tsunku♂, and it became a hit after being used as a tie-in song for the TV Tokyo variety show Asakusabashi Young Yōhinten.
It was a make-or-break track released on the brink, with their contract on the line if it didn’t sell.
Their next release, “Single Bed,” became a massive hit, propelling Sharam Q’s name into explosive popularity and earning them a growing fanbase.
Where Smiles GoDREAMS COME TRUE
“Where the Smile Goes” is a song released as DREAMS COME TRUE’s fifth single, with “Mirai Yosouzu II” included as the B-side.
It was the first DCT track to break into the Oricon Top 10, and it was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Sotsugyo” (Graduation).
“Where the Smile Goes,” which conveys that things you couldn’t do at the time of graduation might be possible now, could be the uplifting track you need if you’re struggling before your own graduation.
Poem of SunlightLe Couple
Hidamari no Uta is a song by Le Couple, a husband-and-wife duo, released in 1997.
It was used as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama Under One Roof 2.
Although sales initially struggled, the song gradually climbed the charts, entering the top 10 in its sixth week and peaking at number two.
Thanks in part to its longevity, it sold over 1.5 million copies and became a million-seller.
A poignant classic, it portrays a woman’s perspective after a breakup, likening the love from her former partner to the warmth of sunlight.
HURRY GO ROUNDhide with Spread Beaver
This is the fourth single by the rock band hide with Spread Beaver, centered around hide, who enjoyed immense popularity as the guitarist of X JAPAN but passed away suddenly.
Based on demo recordings, the track features an unconventional structure—4/4 time in the first half and 3/4 time in the latter—yet it all comes together thanks to his outstanding pop sensibilities.
The lyrics can be heard as conveying both a positive message and a sense of farewell, evoking spring, a season that embodies the duality of encounters and partings.
It’s a spring song that symbolizes the end of the 1990s and reaffirms the talent of a brilliant artist who left us too soon.
