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

Cherry blossoms are a quintessential symbol of spring in Japan.

In the world of music, too, there have long been many songs about cherry blossoms, and we hear lots of “sakura songs” every year.

Some lyrics portray the beauty of the blossoms, some announce the arrival of spring, and others overlay emotions like graduation and romance onto the image of sakura—there’s a wide variety.

The musical styles are equally diverse.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of cheerful sakura songs from among the many out there.

We’ve focused on up-tempo tracks and pop-leaning tunes, so enjoy listening while soaking up the spring vibes.

A bright, cherry blossom-themed song. A classic that captures the feeling of spring (51–60)

A single petal of cherry blossomMISIA

It’s a perfect song for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

Centered on sakura—the symbol of the Japanese heart—it sings of partings and reunions, and of hope for the future.

MISIA’s overwhelming vocal prowess soaks into the soul like a spring breeze.

Released in February 2015, it also drew attention as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s drama special “The Eternal Zero.” The fact that MISIA herself wrote the lyrics, infusing them with a wish for peace, is especially striking.

It’s a must-listen for anyone starting a new chapter in life or seeking new encounters.

CHE.R.RYYUI

YUI 『CHE.R.RY-short ver.-』
CHE.R.RYYUI

This is the eighth single by singer-songwriter YUI, who performs as the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band FLOWER FLOWER and has also released many hit songs as a solo artist.

With lyrics that capture the feelings of a woman in love and contemporary expressions and phrases that many can relate to, it’s a perfect track to color the season of spring—the season of new beginnings.

YUI’s voice—once praised at her debut as an “angelic koto tone”—is cute yet delicately fragile, resonating beautifully with the bittersweet emotions of love.

It’s a modern spring song that’s sure to liven up any lively cherry-blossom viewing party or a karaoke session with friends afterward.

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

Cherry Blossom, You, Me – SAKURA KIMI WATASHI
Sakura, You, and Ituki.

A bittersweet cherry blossom song by tuki.

that echoes in the season when the spring breeze dances.

It overlays the fleeting, beautiful feelings of love onto scenes like a lonely classroom after graduation and the lingering regret of wishing you’d talked more.

The transparent vocals and warm acoustic guitar tones sink deep into the heart.

Released in January 2024, this piece will gently stay by the side of anyone feeling anxious about a new chapter, like a soft spring breeze.

Listen to it while enjoying the cherry blossoms, and it will resonate even more.

It’s easy to sing at karaoke and is sure to become a springtime staple!

Sakura peek℃-ute

℃-ute “Sakura Chirari” (MV)
Sakura peek℃-ute

A major-label debut single by the idol group °C-ute, formed by members of Hello! Project Kids and praised by their producer Tsunku♂ as having “the best performance in Hello! Project.” Despite being their debut, the song achieved the unprecedented feat for a female idol group of entering the Top 5 on the charts.

It’s a cute number with a light, off-beat rhythm that feels great.

The melodies and timbres that evoke folk music create a curious affinity with sakura—an age-old, special presence in Japan.

It’s a spring karaoke song that boosts the mood and gets everyone excited, perfect for keeping the energy high at karaoke after cherry blossom viewing.

A bright, cherry blossom-themed song. A classic that evokes the spirit of spring (61–70)

SAKURAikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “SAKURA” Music Video
SAKURAikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari’s “SAKURA” is the song that most evokes the elegant yet bittersweet impression of Japan’s cherry blossoms.

As the group’s debut work, its heartrending melodic lines have won broad support and have been loved for many years.

The lyrics mention spots in Kanagawa Prefecture, where the three members are from, and the music video was filmed at Tomizu Station on the Odakyu Line.

The scattering sakura petals are layered with various feelings—dreams, hopes, and more—conveying a quiet yet burning resolve to do one’s best from here on.

It’s a well-known song, making it perfect for cherry-blossom-viewing karaoke!

The flowers are cherry blossoms; you are beautiful.ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Flowers Are Cherry Blossoms, You Are Beautiful” Music Video
The flowers are cherry blossoms; you are beautiful.ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari is popular not only among young people but across a wide range of generations.

Released in 2008 as the lead single from their second album, this song begins with a gentle, soothing melody.

It also showcases the impressive vocal ability of Kiyoe Yoshioka.

As the snow melts, winter ends, flower buds emerge, and spring arrives.

It’s a “sakura song” with a moving message that spring—warm and hopeful—will surely come after overcoming difficult times.

Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku – Before the Cherry Blossoms Bloom
Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku’s cherry blossom song, featuring enchanting, translucent vocals, has a gentle melody that softly pushes along those who harbor big dreams.

It makes you want to sit by the riverside and listen to it endlessly, carried by the warm, pleasant spring breeze.

Many songs themed around cherry blossoms are, after all, anthems that cheer on people moving toward the future.