A cherry blossom song with great lyrics. A wonderful, heartwarming message.

Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t GraduateHanzaki Yoshiko

Yoshiko Hanzaki “Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t Graduate” (Official Live Video)

A song by Hokkaido-born singer-songwriter Yoshiko Hanzaki.

It’s a number in which she weaves her feelings for a late friend who should have graduated alongside her, delivered in a voice that feels like a heartfelt conversation.

It expresses the sense of loss felt during cherry blossom season, as well as deep affection for someone who continues to live on in the heart.

After 17 years of groundwork, she made her major debut, and the song was included on the mini-album “Utaben,” released in April 2017, before later being released as a single.

Performed when she won the New Artist Award at the 50th Japan Cable Radio Awards, the piece is also widely loved as a choral song.

The animated music video also drew attention.

It’s a song that gently stays with you when you want to quietly remember someone after cherry-blossom viewing, or for those who have experienced parting with someone dear.

the first strong spring windnishina

haruichiban

Nishina’s song portrays the emotions of people facing farewells and new departures with the arrival of spring.

Built on the warm tones of an acoustic guitar and a simple band sound, the track is marked by a gentle yet fleeting vocal performance.

Chosen as the theme song for radiko’s new commercial, it was released digitally in March 2023.

By depicting both sides of the spring season—“parting” and “beginning”—the piece is crafted so listeners can layer it onto their own experiences.

It’s a song that resonates with many, embracing memories with loved ones, the loneliness of growing distant, and the resolve to keep moving forward.

Sakura and Youyasashii hitotachi.

Gentle People. “Sakura and You” Official Video

A heartwarming number by Yasashii Hitotachi, a three-piece band that presents universal songs distilled from everyday life and gently accompanies listeners’ hearts.

Released as a single in March 2025, it’s known—following earlier works like “Hoshi no Arika”—for its careful depictions of seasonal scenes.

The lyrics capture springtime urban imagery, such as the crowds along the Meguro River and the rush of excitement as people hurry toward the ticket gates, while Rikan’s soft, embracing vocals are filled with a kindness that makes you feel the arrival of a new season.

It’s a spring song that blends seamlessly into daily life—sure to sound comfortable as background music on the way to a famous cherry-blossom spot or while waiting to meet someone special.

petalback number

back number – Hanabira (full)

A bittersweet rock number that makes past memories resurface in fleeting moments during the season when cherry blossoms flutter.

As a major-label debut single by the band back number—known for relatable, true-to-life lyrics—it was released in April 2011.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” and remains beloved by many as the band’s origin point.

This work delicately portrays the feeling of recalling someone precious who once stood by your side, in stark contrast to the beautiful scenery of spring.

The strings resonating within the band’s sound tighten your chest as you listen.

The words woven by vocalist Iyori Shimizu gently reach deep into the listener’s heart.

Perfect for when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood with the arrival of spring.

Cherry blossoms, cats, trainsSir Vanity

Cherry blossoms, cats, trains

This is a rock ballad that depicts fading memories and the earnest wish to hold on to them.

It’s a track by Sir Vanity with twin vocals by voice actors Yuichiro Umehara and Yoshiki Nakajima, included on the mini-album “midnight sun,” released in March 2023.

The three words in the title are also known as terms used in memory testing.

Written and composed by Yuichiro Umehara, the song blends cinematic scene-setting with band-driven sound for a work that truly resonates.

It also holds a key position connecting the narrative on the 2025 album “cinéma.” Why not listen to it under falling cherry blossoms when you want to look back on precious memories?

That’s not fair, Sakura.toku feat. Kanda Sayaka

[MV] toku “That’s Not Fair, Sakura” feat. Sayaka Kanda Full Ver. [bouquet]

A track born from the collaboration between toku—who also works as a composer for GARNiDELiA—and Sayaka Kanda, who was active as both an actress and voice actress.

The lyrics personify the complex emotions evoked by cherry blossoms, and the arrangement is striking for the way modern beats overlap with live-instrument melodies.

Every word penned by Kanda resonates deeply, carried by her transparent yet powerful and delicate voice—it’s a poignant and beautiful spring song.

It is included as the first track on toku’s solo album “bouquet,” released in June 2021, positioned as the very first flower in the album’s bouquet concept.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to quietly on the way home after cherry-blossom viewing, as you find your own memories reflected in the beauty and transience of the sakura.

The Last SakuraSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

The Last Sakura

An achingly sad R&B ballad that overlays the end of a romance onto falling petals, moving enough to bring tears.

Performed by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, this is a hidden gem that highlights the vocalists’ rich expressiveness.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Go my way,” released in March 2012, and can also be heard on the 2013 album “MIRACLE.” With lyrics by Masato Odake, the song portrays a piercing emotional state that, while sensing an impending farewell, quietly tries to accept the moment.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to softly after the splendor of a celebration, gazing up at the night cherry blossoms.