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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 roundup of classic J-POP masterpieces about cherry blossoms (111–120)

Cherry blossoms, along the path where petals swirl upElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – “The Road Where Cherry Blossoms Dance Up”
Cherry blossoms, along the path where petals swirl upElefanto Kashimashi

The 36th single by Elephant Kashimashi, released in 2009.

While many cherry blossom songs typically express the sorrow of petals scattering, this one is a positive song about walking forward with petals that “soar” into the air.

Among cherry blossom songs, it’s a rare, gutsy track that’s very characteristic of Elephant Kashimashi.

[2026] Sakura Songs to Listen to in Spring: A Compilation of Classic J-POP Tracks About Cherry Blossoms (121–130)

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

This is a graduation song by Yuuri, a popular singer-songwriter known for numerous hits including his signature track Dry Flower.

The accompaniment is a simple arrangement of just piano and strings, which really brings out Yuuri’s distinctive husky vocals.

The lyrics express heartfelt gratitude to one’s parents that wells up at graduation, and reading them gives you a warm, gentle feeling.

It’s also perfect as a choral piece for a graduation ceremony.

cherry blossomShimizu Shota

This song, with its memorable, sentimental lyrics about seeing cherry blossoms in spring and being reminded of a former lover, is by Shota Shimizu.

One of Shimizu’s greatest charms is his beautifully clear, translucent voice, and you can feel that appeal in abundance here.

In particular, the chorus—where he switches between chest voice and falsetto—paired with the pure feelings depicted in the lyrics, is moving enough to bring you to tears.

It’s a recommended track when you’re in the mood for a calm, beautiful song.

petalback number

back number – Hanabira (Short ver.)
petalback number

This is a song by back number that portrays memories resurfacing in the cherry blossom season and the regret tied to those memories.

Along with conveying the warmth of spring, the layered sound also carries feelings of remorse and wistfulness.

It expresses how not only cherry blossoms but various scenes can revive past memories, and how the heart aches each time they return.

Alongside the cherished feelings one cannot let go of, it also depicts a wish that, if time could be turned back, one would choose without regret next time.

It’s a song packed with anguish.

cherry blossom colorKaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [Sakura-iro] Music Video
cherry blossom colorKaneyori Masaru

Sakura-iro by Kaneyori Masaru depicts the sweet-and-sour feeling of unrequited love.

It’s included on the 2023 album Watashi no Nocturne.

The idea that just hiding behind a cherry tree and simply watching the person you love can make you happy—that’s a feeling only someone who’s been in unrequited love can truly understand.

Even if, deep down, you want to spend more time together, these cute lyrics say it’s enough for now just to be by their side, and it makes your heart flutter.

Enhancing those heart-fluttering lyrics even more are the refreshing sound and the adorable voice of vocalist Chitose Mina!

CHE.R.RYYUI

CHE.R.RY – YUI (Full)
CHE.R.RYYUI

This pop tune, packed with sweet-and-sour feelings of first love, vividly paints a timeless page of youth.

Expressing the emotions of unrequited love through delicate exchanges via cell phone messages, the song captivates with YUI’s clear, translucent vocals and acoustic sound.

Released in March 2007, it became a memorable track as a commercial jingle.

It was also included on the album CAN’T BUY MY LOVE and selected as the ending theme for the TV anime ReLIFE: Final Arc.

It’s a refreshing, encouraging song perfect for the season when spring arrives—one that anyone harboring feelings of love can relate to.

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai

This very cute pure-love song, inspired by the image of the cherry as something “pure,” captured girls’ hearts.

It’s an energetic and adorable track that declares, “In the past and from now on, we’ll keep going happily with the power of love!”