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

With the arrival of spring, you can’t help but find yourself humming a cherry blossom song.

The songs you listened to under trees in full bloom, the tracks that played on your way home from graduation—don’t the musical memories tied to sakura quietly nestle in everyone’s heart? J-pop boasts countless classics whose lyrics weave in cherry blossoms in striking ways, and new sakura songs continue to be born even now.

In this article, we introduce these sakura songs—something like a spiritual hometown for the Japanese—spotlighting many of the latest numbers in the first half as well as timeless favorites that have long been loved.

Whether for hanami background music or to accompany your commute to work or school, find the perfect song for you!

[2026] Sakura songs to listen to in spring. A collection of classic J-pop tracks about cherry blossoms (81–90)

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

A beautiful, heart-touching ballad that layers the transience of cherry blossoms with the changing course of life.

Naotaro Moriyama’s clear voice, together with the warm melodies woven by piano and strings, gently envelops the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2003, the song became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

It’s a perfect piece to listen to in spring—a season of graduations, farewells, and new beginnings.

Under the cherry blossoms, as you reflect on memories with someone dear, why not take a new step forward with this song?

Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara – Sakura Melody [Music Video]
Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki

Sakura Melody, included on Noriyuki Makihara’s 2020 self-cover album Bespoke.

This song was originally written by Makihara for a collaboration between Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.

When we think of partings in the cherry blossom season, is it graduation? Or leaving one’s hometown for a job? The lyrics portray the resolve of two people who will each walk their separate paths from now on.

Once again, Makihara’s characteristic gentle, airy warmth in the lyrics tightens the chest.

Gachi SakuraShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Gachi Zakura” MUSIC VIDEO
Gachi SakuraShonan no Kaze

Gachi Sakura, the 10th single by Shonan no Kaze released in 2010.

In any case, “Gachi Sakura” is an incredible title.

Once you hear it, you won’t forget it.

The lyrics are also thoroughly, deeply Shonan no Kaze—an energetic, climb-your-way-up success story!

I will die in the spring.Yuki Satoru

“In Spring, I Will Disappear” Yuuki Akira MV
I will die in the spring.Yuki Satoru

Singer-songwriter Kei Yuki, who began her career at 14 primarily on video-sharing platforms and has drawn attention as a “digital-native generation’s musical expressionist,” continues to captivate audiences.

Her 11th digital single, “In Spring, I Disappear,” is a moving piece featuring a delicate ensemble centered on piano and acoustic guitar.

The poignant message and melody evoke the bittersweetness of the spring season.

It’s a spring song that conveys a fleeting allure, marked by a beautiful yet powerful worldview.

periodIshizaki Hyuui

Woven with a gentle singing voice, this spring ballad is a gem that depicts the delicate emotions where hope and farewell intersect.

While carrying the loss of heartbreak, the wavering resolve to take a new step forward is expressed in delicate words.

Huwie Ishizaki’s tender vocals and skillful word choice resonate deeply with listeners.

The song is included on the album “Huwie Best,” released in March 2018, and its music video—featuring actor Masaki Suda—became a hot topic.

It’s a track that stays close to those who feel both excitement and anxiety during the season of change that comes with spring and the start of a new life.

It gently embraces the hearts of those striving to overcome the pain of a broken heart and move forward.

Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro

This work beautifully portrays graduation as a milestone in life.

Motohiro Hata’s clear, translucent voice captures both the sadness of parting and the hope of a new beginning in full.

Released in March 2019, it garnered attention as the theme song for a SoftBank TV commercial.

While cherishing past memories, this piece gives you the courage to take a step toward the future.

It’s a song I hope those embarking on a new chapter will listen to as spring arrives.

Its heartfelt melody and lyrics will surely give you a gentle push forward.

[2026] Cherry blossom songs to listen to in spring. A collection of classic J-POP tracks about sakura (91–100)

spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira

[Suite] KAFU × Kujira #97 “Spring Sunlight” [Original MV]
spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira

Wrapped in the spring sunlight that still carries the afterglow of graduation, the warm tones woven by Kaf and Kujira seep gently into the heart.

Their harmonized vocals—mingling wistfulness and hope—tenderly express the complex emotions of parting.

Released on March 23, 2022, this piece was created in celebration of Kaf’s high school graduation, with Kujira’s delicate sound production bringing out the clarity of her voice.

Its world, where refreshing melodies coexist with a pale, aching sadness, stays close to those about to take a new step forward, giving them a gentle push.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing at life’s turning points—graduation ceremonies, farewell gatherings, and spring welcome parties.