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)
Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako
The song with which Takako Matsu, who had been active as a top actress, made her debut as a singer is “Ashita, Haru ga Kitara” (“Tomorrow, If Spring Comes”).
After its release, it entered the Top 10 in its third week, peaked at No.
8, and sold about 500,000 copies.
Matsu appeared in NHK’s 48th Kohaku Uta Gassen in 1997, and “Ashita, Haru ga Kitara” was also used as the commercial song for NTT’s exciting New Life campaign.
It’s a classic that captures the feelings of a baseball boy and girl wavering between winter and spring!
cherrysupittsu
“Cherry” is one of the songs by Spitz, a rock band with numerous hit tracks.
Released in 1996 as Spitz’s 13th single, this non tie-in song sold over 1.61 million copies and is considered a standout classic in the J-pop world.
Its enduring popularity is evident from the many artists who have covered it, including KAN and Masaharu Fukuyama.
Masamune Kusano’s fresh, buoyant vocals and the song’s forward-driving band sound make it a perfect pop tune for spring.
In spring, I think of you.Ozawa Kenji
“Spring, Thinking of You” is the single released at the end of the 1990s by Kenji Ozawa—known as Ozaken—who enjoyed great popularity during that decade.
Dubbed the prince of the Shibuya-kei scene, Ozawa stayed at the forefront of stylish sounds.
He eventually arrived at a new, more mature Ozaken sound, and “Spring, Thinking of You” feels like the culmination of that journey.
Set to a quiet, tango-like rhythm, this song speaks to the beauty of growing older, and it’s a wonderful piece that leaves you with a gentle, warm feeling.
April windElefanto Kashimashi
“April Wind” is a song by Elephant Kashimashi, a rock band formed in 1981, released as a double A-side single together with one of their signature songs, “At the End of Sorrow.” With a pop sound that marked a complete departure from their previous rock-oriented Elekashi style, the songwriter himself, Hiroji Miyamoto, is said to have agonized over whether this was the right direction due to the stark change in style.
However, once released, it gained popularity, receiving heavy rotation on FM802 and being used in commercials.
It’s a refreshing pop tune perfect for spring—give it a listen!
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
Released as Yumi Matsutoya’s 26th single, “Haru yo, Koi” is surely one of Japan’s quintessential spring songs.
It topped the Oricon charts and has sold a total of 1.164 million copies.
The song was used as the theme for an NHK morning drama series and featured in numerous commercials.
It now appears in music and language arts textbooks and is also popular as a graduation song in elementary and junior high schools.
With lyrics and a melody that evoke Japan’s beautiful spring scenery, it’s a timeless classic that resonates across generations.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
“Tooku Tooku” (Far, Far Away), a song about the resolve of a protagonist living far from their hometown, is a track by Noriyuki Makihara.
Given its recognition and popularity, it’s safe to say it’s one of his signature songs.
Released on the 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” (You Are My Treasure), Makihara wrote both the lyrics and music, pouring in his feelings for friends back in his hometown.
Although it was never released as a single, he has self-covered it twice.
It’s a classic that conveys both aching wistfulness and firm determination, filled with memories of one’s hometown and friends evoked by the sight of cherry blossoms.
cherry blossomKawamoto Makoto
A hit song by Makoto Kawamoto, who debuted under the production of Yasuyuki Okamura.
Kawamoto always looks so cute whenever you see her, doesn’t she? I feel she helped establish one lineage of J-pop guitar girls.
As its title suggests, the song “Sakura” sings about spring in the very midst of youth.
From fighting and making up, to catching each other’s gaze and brushing shoulders—the scenes in the lyrics evoke first love, and no matter where you look, it makes your heart flutter.
It’s a timeless favorite I still highly recommend!