A cheerful song about cherry blossoms—a classic that captures the feeling of spring.

Fluttering Cherry BlossomSnow Man

Snow Man “Hirari to Sakura” (from “Takizawa Kabuki ZERO 2020 The Movie”)

A number originating from Snow Man’s stage production, the idol group that captivates audiences with high physical ability and perfectly synchronized formation dancing.

The song opened the February 2019 stage production “Takizawa Kabuki ZERO” and was also used as the theme song for the 2020 film “Takizawa Kabuki ZERO 2020 The Movie.” Its sound, which fuses Japanese-style melodies with a pulse-racing beat, conveys a power that goes beyond being just a spring song.

The lyrics portray cherry blossoms not as something that “falls,” but as something that vigorously “dances,” offering encouragement to those embarking on new challenges.

It’s a memorable masterpiece that brilliantly colors the cherry-blossom-viewing season, accompanied by a breathtaking performance of swirling cherry petals.

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.

We ate cherry blossoms together.HKT48

[MV full] Sakura, We All Ate It / HKT48 [Official]

This is a spring pop tune by HKT48, an idol group based in Hakata, that colors the season of parting.

It was released in March 2014 as their third single.

At the time, it sold about 270,000 copies in its first week and became a hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It was also used in a Tokyo Monorail commercial and as the ending theme for the TV show “HKT48 no Odekake!”, so many people likely remember its unique and catchy chorus.

Even slightly bittersweet situations like changing classes or graduation are turned into positive feelings by their lively vocals.

Give this song a listen for the courage to dive into a new environment.

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]

With the warmth of spring, this number gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Sung by Arashi, it’s a pop-rock tune brimming with a sense of speed.

While cherry blossoms often bring to mind many bittersweet ballads, this track overflows with positive energy—like sprinting under trees in full bloom.

Sho Sakurai’s powerful rap lyrics flip the switch that cuts through hesitation and helps you face forward.

Released as a single in March 2005, it’s also well known as the CM song for Jonan Prep School, in which Sakurai appeared.

It’s included on the classic album “One” as well as on best-of collections, and has been loved for years.

Perfect not only for exam season but also for mornings at the start of a new life or a new challenge—listen, and you’ll surely feel the power to dive into a bright future!

Hirari -SAKURA-Nakamori Akina

Hirari -Sakura-

Akina Nakamori’s songs—born from her overwhelming vocal prowess and expressive power—have produced numerous masterpieces and continued to lead the Japanese music scene for many years.

Her first “sakura” song, included on the single FIXER -WHILE THE WOMEN ARE SLEEPING- released in February 2016, also drew attention for having lyrics written by Haruichi Shindo of Porno Graffitti.

The lyrics, which portray delicate emotions swaying with the arrival of spring, together with her emotive vocals, evoke a feeling that is both heartrending and warm.

Its beautiful melody, which conjures scenes of fluttering cherry blossoms, is recommended as the perfect BGM to color the special spring event of hanami.

Sakuraarashi

ARASHI – Sakura [Official Music Video]

Among Arashi’s many songs that have been beloved for years as a national idol group, this is the quintessential cool and stylish spring track.

While cherry-blossom songs are generally gentle ballads, this single—released in February 2015—features an intense dance beat and a serious worldview.

It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Ouroboros: This Love Is, Indeed, Justice,” and it became a hot topic as the group’s first time providing a theme song for a serial drama in which none of the members appeared.

The lyrics, which convey a strong resolve for a new season, create a glamorous and mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of cherry blossoms at night.

It’s a recommended number for when you want to set a more mature mood, different from the usual cherry-blossom viewing vibe.

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Sakura

It’s one of the quintessential “sakura songs” you want to listen to when spring arrives.

Virtually synonymous with Naotaro Moriyama, this track was released as a single in March 2003 and sold over a million copies.

Its lyrics superimpose farewells to dear friends and moments of new beginnings onto the image of cherry blossoms that bloom beautifully and fall all too quickly, resonating deeply in the heart.

Beyond the sadness of parting, the song also conveys a warm, resilient strength, pledging to reunite in the future while holding onto unchanging feelings.

It was also beloved as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki.” It’s a classic you’ll want to play on the day of graduation, reminiscing about the days spent with your friends.