[Spring Songs] Masterpieces to Listen to in April: Classic Tracks that Color the Month

YELLNEW!ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

This is a song that became a standard graduation tune at schools nationwide after it was chosen as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high division.

It was included on the single released in September 2009 and also appears on the album “Hajimari no Uta.” The lyrics, which reframe farewells—often seen as something sad—as something necessary to move toward the future, have encouraged many graduating students.

Written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno, who reflected the worries he had at age 15, the song carries a strength that urges you to start walking on your own feet despite loneliness and anxiety—making it perfect to hear in April, when many set off into new environments.

Its warm message of independence will resonate deeply with those striving in new places.

When you feel a sudden pang of loneliness in the gentle spring air, it will quietly give you courage.

Winter and SpringNEW!back number

back number – Winter and Spring

Set against the changing season from winter’s chill to spring’s warmth, back number’s latest work delicately portrays wavering feelings of love and emotion.

Released as a digital single in January 2024, it has captured many hearts, surpassing 100 million streams.

It also drew attention as the first music video directed by vocalist Iyori Shimizu, featuring Anna Ishii and Tomoki Mizuno.

Produced by Masanori Shimada—reuniting the team behind the classic “Suiheisen”—the band’s sound and emotionally rich arrangement resonate deeply.

The way the bittersweet thoughts layered over winter begin to change seems to overlap with the gentle, balmy air of April.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to as you welcome a new season—when you pause to face your feelings, or on nights when you wish to linger in a tender afterglow.

Love so sweetNEW!arashi

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]

The moment the intro starts, your heart flutters with the promise of love—it’s such a pop masterpiece, isn’t it? The lyrics paint a bright hope, like the sky after the rain, and a strong bond of trust no matter the distance, making it a perfect match for the thrills of spring.

Released as a single in February 2007, this song is well known as the theme for the smash-hit drama “Boys Over Flowers 2 (Returns)” starring Jun Matsumoto.

The melody carries a certain wistful touch beneath its bright tone, giving it a timeless sparkle whenever you listen.

It’s said to be one of GLAY’s TERU’s favorite songs as well.

It’s a track I’d love for you to listen to when you’re ready to give love your all in a new environment, or when you want to wrap yourself in warm feelings for someone special.

to clear up (weather)NEW!Yorushika

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

In the gentle, pleasant sunshine of April, many of us are probably diving into new environments.

Under that spring sky, the song to listen to is Yorushika’s “Haru.” Released as a digital single in January 2024, it was written as the opening theme for cour 2 of the TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.” Its melodies gleam like the air after rain, and vocalist suis’s soaring voice truly resonates.

The lyrics are sprinkled with words about weather and seasons, and while they look back on days gone by, they also convey the strength to face forward and overcome hardship.

The track also collaborated with Suntory’s gin “Sui.” It’s a song that will gently yet powerfully give you a push as you take a step forward, even while carrying your anxieties.

Sing of springNEW!back number

Sing of spring

Back Number’s “Turning Spring into a Song” has been beloved by many fans since their indie days.

Contrary to spring’s gentle atmosphere, the helpless feelings and lingering attachment after a farewell are penned in Iyori Shimizu’s real, down-to-earth words.

The song is included on the mini-album “Nogashita Sakana,” released in February 2009, and was later selected for their 2016 best-of album “Encore”—a number that can truly be called one of their origins.

The unadorned guitar sound, rather than being flashy, only heightens the urgency and poignancy.

In April, when meetings and partings intersect, if you listen on a night when you want to pause and sink into nostalgia, it’s a track that will quietly stay close to your heart—a song perfect for a spring night.

lilacNEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Despite the gentle warmth of spring, there are times when your chest feels tight with anxiety about a new chapter in life.

In moments like that, what gently yet powerfully pushes you forward is the digital single Mrs.

GREEN APPLE released in April 2024.

Written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery,” this track is a guitar-driven rock number brimming with speed that recalls the band’s roots.

It carries a message that makes not only the brilliance of youth but even bittersweet experiences and the scars on your heart feel precious, and it’s truly stirring.

It tells you it’s okay not to be perfect—that you can keep moving forward just as you are—and gives you courage.

Why not give it a listen on those heavy-footed mornings on your way to school or work, or whenever you need to fire yourself up?

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

This song, included on the 2018 release “Nakitakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” was written and composed by vocalist Seikan Ozaki and originated from a project by the Osaka radio station FM802.

In that version, it was performed by six star musicians.

It’s also a very popular track among CreepHyp fans.

Though it’s a springtime song about farewells and new departures, it’s incredibly bright and pop.

Ozaki Seikan’s unique ‘worldview’ is on full display.

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