[2026] Cherry Blossom Songs to Hear in Spring: A roundup of classic J‑Pop hits about sakura

Sakura KomachiNaoto Intiraimi (feat. Kankan)

Naoto Inti Raymi “Sakura Komachi (feat. Kankan)” Lyric Video

Singer-songwriter Naoto Inti Raymi, whose artist name comes from the Quechua words meaning “Festival of the Sun.” His song Sakura Komachi—originally released as his second single under the name NAOTO INTI RAYMI and later remade as a duet with vocalist Kankan—opens with melodies and sounds that evoke traditional Japanese aesthetics.

The ensemble has been reborn with a modern, fast-paced synth sound that instantly lifts your spirits just by listening.

It’s an emotional pop tune you’ll want to compare with the original version.

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Hoshino Takashi

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to chew the windYorushika

Yorushika – Eating the Wind (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A Yorushika song marked by a melody that seeps into the heart and delicate lyrics.

It’s a track that carries a gentle warmth, as if tenderly embracing a soul weary from consumer society, while leaving a faint, wistful aftertaste.

n-buna’s poetic lyrics and suis’s translucent vocals blend beautifully, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in October 2020, it was also used as the ending theme for TBS’s NEWS23.

When you’re overwhelmed by everyday life and your heart grows tired, listening to this song will bring quiet comfort and courage.

Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sakura Photograph” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Sakura Photograph)

It’s a moving ballad perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

Released in April 2025, this song is the theme for the season event “Sakura-Mau Start Line” in the game Gakuen Idolmaster.

The gentle harmonies of the trio—Liliya Katsuragi, Sayaka Shiun, and Saki Hanami—leave a lasting impression.

It’s as if the tender melody rides the spring breeze and soars into the sky.

The lyrics, which portray meetings, farewells, and irreplaceable friendship, will especially resonate with those graduating from school.

Be sure to give it a listen during cherry blossom season.

Under the cherry treeMACO

MACO - Under the Cherry Tree [Music Video], insert song for 'In a World Where Only I Am 17'

This is an insert song from the drama “Boku Dake ga 17-sai no Sekai de,” which was broadcast on AbemaTV.

It’s included on MACO’s 2020 album “Sakura no Ki no Shita.” The song expresses the feelings of Mei Konno, a character in the drama, and it’s a very heartrending cherry blossom song.

The story is about miraculously reuniting with the person you loved—who passed away before you could confess your feelings—only to learn the reunion is time-limited, leading to inner conflict.

Your heart aches for Mei, who has to say goodbye to someone precious to her not just once, but twice…

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sasashina

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After the cherry blossoms (all quartets lead to the?)UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN 'After the Cherry Blossoms (all quartets lead to the?)' MV

It’s a song by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN that conveys a positive image, almost as if it’s capturing the exhilaration of cherry blossom season.

It was also used as the opening theme for the anime Yozakura Quartet ~Hana no Uta~, where cherry blossoms are a key motif—another noteworthy point.

The bustling, almost rampaging interplay of each instrument is striking, and the sense of fun comes across directly.

It’s a track that strongly expresses feelings of taking a step forward on a wave of elation, as well as emotions like release and freedom.

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kappamaki

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cherry blossom colorAnjura Aki

Angela Aki “Sakura-iro” Music Video

Angela Aki’s fifth single.

It carries the message, “What is your dream?” and during her hiatus tour in 2014 ahead of studying abroad, she performed a solo piano-and-vocal rendition as the very last song of the final encore.

She says the use of “Sakura” in katakana reflects her time in Washington when “nothing was going right,” and keeping that background in mind makes the lyrics sink in even deeper.

It’s a song that gently and tenderly embraces those who are walking toward their dreams.

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hiyori

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At dusk, mistaken for a dreamAfter the Rain

[MV] At Dusk, Mistaken for a Dream / After the Rain [Soraru × Mafumafu]

A signature work by After the Rain, where delicate piano melodies blend seamlessly with crystalline vocals.

Against the backdrop of fleeting cherry blossoms at dusk, a poignant farewell and beautiful memories are woven together.

The harmony of Soraru’s calm low register and Mafumafu’s soaring high notes gently enfolds the feelings of someone standing at a springtime crossroads.

This track is included on the August 2020 album “7×2 Deadly Sins.” It’s a song we especially recommend for those who want to reflect on treasured memories beneath the night sakura, or for anyone ready to take a new step forward with the arrival of spring.