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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Iconic songs that colored the spring of the Heisei era. Popular cherry blossom songs, too (51–60)
STARTING LINEKobukuro
Kobukuro is a musical duo that continues to captivate fans with gentle melodies layered over distinctive harmonies.
“Starting Line,” included as the B-side to their 12th single “Sakura,” which became a major hit, was chosen as the support song for NTV’s 84th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Its message—that you’re not the only one walking toward your dreams and goals—may blow away the loneliness you feel when you’re down.
With beautiful choral work that gives you a push forward, it’s a perfect song for spring.
cherrysupittsu
A gem of a rock number with a refreshing melody that evokes the start of a new season and paints bittersweet memories of love.
Released by Spitz in April 1996, this song topped the Oricon chart in its fourth week and became a massive hit, selling a total of 1.613 million copies.
Its gentle, enveloping tune captures the sweet-and-sour memories of youth, while the members’ tight, cohesive performance weaves an exquisite harmony.
Masamune Kusano’s poetic lyrics portray a protagonist who accepts the end of a romance yet strives to move forward, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a song that quietly stays by your side as you carry the pain of heartbreak and still choose to step into the future.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
It’s a song characterized by a refreshing melody and poetic lyrics.
Released in April 1994 and included on the album “How to Fly in the Sky,” it is one of Spitz’s signature tracks.
The song was chosen as the theme for the TV drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” which aired from January 1996, drawing significant attention.
Masamune Kusano’s delicate sensibility shines through his songwriting, beautifully depicting the anxieties, conflicts, and hopes of youth.
The simple chord progression and clear, transparent vocals enhance the song’s refreshing feel.
It’s a perfect track for spring when people leap into new environments, and it’s popular as background music for graduation and school entrance ceremonies.
It’s also a recommended spring song for anyone feeling uneasy before starting a new chapter in life.
O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi
This is a celebrated enka masterpiece that beautifully sings of ardent longing against a backdrop of cherry blossoms.
From full bloom to the moment the petals fall, the subtle shifts in a woman’s heart are vividly portrayed through a delicate yet powerful melody and a lustrous vocal performance.
The story-like world it evokes is brought to life by Fuyumi Sakamoto’s assured expressiveness.
Released in September 1994, this elegant work features lyrics by Amari Hayashi and composition by Takashi Miki.
It’s a perfect song for the cherry blossom season—at times poignant, at times nostalgic—when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of days gone by.
Iconic songs that colored the spring of the Heisei era. Popular cherry blossom songs too (61–70)
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
Ai Otsuka is a singer-songwriter who creates a wide range of songs from pop to ballads.
Among her signature tracks loved by people of all ages is the classic “Sakuranbo,” released in 2003.
Her cute vocals shine over a passionate band performance.
The sweet-and-sour lines that evoke fun days with a lover are sure to lift your spirits.
It’s a love song that celebrates the joy of being with someone you love and reaffirming your feelings for each other.
Give this rock number a listen to enliven the spring season when new romances begin.
cherry blossomKawamoto Makoto
Makoto Kawamoto gently sings this classic, whose tender spring light and calm melody seep into the heart.
At the life milestone of graduation, it delicately portrays a schoolgirl’s complex feelings as she faces parting with friends, along with her uncertainty and hope for the future.
Accompanied by a melodious piano, it beautifully captures the fresh emotions of youth.
Released in April 1998, the song reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart and sold over 200,000 copies, despite having no tie-in at the time.
It’s a perfect track for a drive with the windows down in the soft spring sunshine.
Listen to it as you cruise through rows of cherry blossoms, and anyone will find it overlapping with their own memories.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
A gemlike ballad by Noriyuki Makihara that gently portrays the feelings of anyone living away from their hometown.
With a warm, tender voice, it envelops the delicate emotions where the struggle in a new place intersects with the desire to remain unchanged.
Included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” the song was released in June 1992.
In later years, it was featured in an NTT East Japan commercial, drawing a strong response.
It was also used in 2007 for the reunion special of the TV program “Marumaru Chibi Maruko-chan.” This classic quietly stays by the side of anyone who wishes to stay connected with their loved ones despite the distance.