Only masterpieces that color the season of meetings and farewells! Spring songs recommended for Gen Z.

Cherry Blossom ForestHoshino Gen

Cherry Blossom Forest

This piece, included as the B-side of Gen Hoshino’s single “Crazy Crazy” released in June 2014, was also selected as J-WAVE’s spring campaign song.

Its charm lies in the beautiful world created by its ethereal lyrics and strings.

The lyrics gently observe nature and human life as they change with the arrival of spring.

It’s a perfect song for those who want to feel the fleetingness and beauty of life mirrored in the scattering spring cherry blossoms, or for anyone looking to soothe their heart in the gentle spring sunlight.

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

A tender, bittersweet portrayal of early spring, this gem by Yumi Matsutoya seeps into the heart.

Its lyrics, which beautifully harmonize nostalgia for days gone by, parting from a beloved, and hope for a new season, together with a universal melody infused with traditional Japanese elements, resonate deeply with listeners.

Featured on the album “THE DANCING SUN,” released in November 1994, and used as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series, this piece will gently stay by your side when you need courage to face hardships, when you long to reunite with someone dear, and when you await the arrival of spring.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

This song, themed around cherry blossoms that brighten the spring graduation season, gently sings of farewells, reunions, and the treasured memories that remain in our hearts.

Naotaro Moriyama’s clear, pure vocals and the majestic arrangement of piano and strings resonate deeply.

The beautiful story, intertwining life’s important moments with the fleeting nature of cherry blossoms, leaves a lasting impression on listeners.

Released in March 2003, the track was chosen as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” and was later included on the album “In Search of New Spices.” Embraced as a song that accompanies life’s milestones such as graduation and school entrance ceremonies, it has also become a gentle, comforting piece for elementary school children.

Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Sakuzuki'

How about listening to a song that captures the bittersweetness of youth, with pure emotions that really seep into your heart? Brought to you by Sakurazaka46, this piece delicately portrays the feelings of young people whose hearts are stirred during graduation season.

The imagery of emotions likened to cherry blossom petals and the aching inability to put one’s feelings into words for someone special resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in February 2023, it sold 349,000 copies in its first week on the Oricon Singles Chart, earning the number-one spot.

This is a song I especially recommend for spring—the season when expectations and anxieties about a new life, the loneliness of changing routines, and feelings for someone all intersect.

periodIshizaki Hyuui

Huwie Ishizaki – Period

A warm, tender ballad by Huwie Ishizaki whose gentle voice wraps the bittersweet end of a romance and gives you a push toward the future.

The song is included on the best-of album “Huwie Best,” released in March 2018, and beautifully portrays both a break with the past and the resolve for a new beginning, imbued with the feeling of spring.

Set to a calm melody, it carefully weaves the emotions of accepting the end of love, and the music video drew attention for Masaki Suda’s delicate performance.

It’s a song that stays close to those facing complex feelings before starting a new chapter in life, or those trying to move forward while confronting something important.

spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira

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

A song that harmonizes the warmth of a spring sunbeam with the bittersweetness of parting, included on the March 2022 album “Suite.” It marks the first collaboration between Kafu and Kujira.

Created to commemorate Kafu’s high school graduation, it delicately weaves the feelings that can’t be put into words at the moment of the ceremony, carried by a bright, spring-breeze melody.

Kafu’s translucent vocals and Kujira’s masterful sound production blend beautifully, permeating the heart with gentle hope and a soft, wistful ache.

It’s a track that gently nudges those about to take their first step forward in this season of departures.

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

When you’re feeling sad, you open an album and gaze at the photos, or you spot someone in town but can’t bring yourself to call out… It’s a classic by Yumi Arai filled with the bittersweetness of youth that everyone has felt at least once.

Released in February 1975 as a song provided to Hi-Fi Set, it was later included in Yumi Arai’s own album “COBALT HOUR” in June of the same year.

Since then, it has been used as the theme song for the film “Watch with Me” and in the drama “Sotsu Uta,” resonating across generations.

It’s a heartwarming song that gently stays by your side when you want to bask in nostalgia or when you’ve gone through a farewell with someone dear.