Masterpieces that colored the spring of the Heisei era, including popular cherry blossom songs.
Spring, when cherry blossoms and a rainbow of other flowers are in full bloom.
In this season, there are many songs that capture different feelings—excitement and anxiety about new beginnings, the wish to cheer someone on, and the bittersweet sadness of graduation.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic spring songs released during the Heisei era! The Heisei years gave rise to many sakura-themed songs, even sparking a boom for a time.
We’ve gathered tracks that perfectly evoke spring—ideal for karaoke at welcome parties or cherry-blossom viewing—so listen, sing along, and enjoy a delightful springtime moment!
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Masterpieces that colored the springs of the Heisei era. Popular cherry blossom songs too (1–10)
Sakura GirlNEWS
A bittersweet yet beautiful love song by NEWS that you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring.
Released as a single in March 2010, it exquisitely intertwines delicate piano melodies with a driving beat.
Layered over the image of falling cherry blossoms are the end of a romance and the indelible memories left in the heart.
The phrase repeated in the chorus vividly evokes scenes of parting in the listener’s mind.
Upon release, it topped the Oricon Weekly Chart and earned Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan, marking solid achievements.
In this season where meetings and farewells intersect, this song will gently nudge you forward as you take a new step.
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
It’s one of Masaharu Fukuyama’s signature songs, expressing feelings that remain unchanged as time passes and a love that grows stronger.
It also drew attention for being used as the theme song for the popular segment “Mirai Nikki V” on the variety show “UHNAN no Hontoko!” The episode in which Masaharu Fukuyama appeared as a police officer in the segment’s final story is also well known.
With a sound centered on piano and acoustic guitar, it evokes the image of facing one’s heart and nurturing precious feelings.
It feels like speaking of love toward a place that can’t be reached, conveying the pain that comes precisely from the depth of that love.
CHE.R.RYYUI
It’s a song that could be called one of YUI’s signature tracks, capturing the clear, refreshing air of spring and the bittersweet scenery of youth.
As the CM song for au by KDDI’s “LISMO,” it became known across generations and took root as both a spring song and a love song.
The sound progresses with a gentle atmosphere that incorporates acoustic elements, while the sharp tone of the electric guitar adds a sense of strength—like a resolve for a new season.
The lyrics, depicting someone trying to convey their feelings via email, are memorable and charming, filled with a sweet-and-sour first-love sentiment.
It’s a song that evokes an image of facing one’s feelings of love positively, and it brims with a strong sense of hope.
Timeless hits that colored the springs of the Heisei era: Popular cherry blossom songs too (11–20)
S.A.K.U.R.A.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
While incorporating a delicate sense of Japanese aesthetics, this song also carries a powerful energy.
Released in March 2014 as a single by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS, it overlays the transience of cherry blossoms with the brilliance of life.
The innovative sound blends traditional Japanese instruments with dance beats, and its melody vividly paints beautiful scenes.
The track was also selected as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Onegai! Ranking” in March and is included on the album PLANET SEVEN.
It’s a perfect song for the spring season when new beginnings start, as well as for graduation and farewell moments—be sure to give it a listen when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
It’s one of Yumi Matsutoya’s signature songs, released as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Haru yo, Koi.” It’s widely known across generations—featured in music and language arts textbooks and often performed as a choral piece.
The arrangement builds from piano at the core, with strings gradually added, evoking a strong resolve to move toward the future and the image of sending one’s thoughts far away.
As the title suggests, the lyrics express a longing for spring to arrive, conveying a grand vision of the world coming into color.
Often chosen as a charity song for its hope for a brighter era, it’s a piece that radiates energy to propel us forward into the future.
Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro
This is the song that sparked Naotaro Moriyama’s breakthrough and is loved as a staple for graduation ceremonies.
The single features a simple arrangement with vocals accompanied by piano, giving the impression that the lyrics and his voice are highlighted even more.
It’s also noteworthy how the impression changes depending on the arrangement—such as the album version with a band added, or the choral version with layered vocals.
The song expresses, in a straightforward way, the wishes and hopes felt at a moment of moving forward into the future—celebrating a departure and pledging to meet again.
The imagery of cherry blossom petals swirling in the season of farewells also seems to heighten the emotional impact.
When spring comesmiwa
This is a song by miwa that expresses the anticipation for the warm season to come and the value of time spent with friends.
With a refreshing band sound featuring acoustic guitar, it strongly evokes the spirit of youth.
Miwa’s bright vocals, which conjure a clear image of her singing with a smile, are striking and convey positive emotions.
The lyrics also feature words that evoke student life, making it a song that straightforwardly portrays the fun of youth spent with friends.