[2026] Spring songs sung by idols: A roundup of cherry blossom and graduation songs

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda “Red Sweet Pea” (from Seikoland: Budokan Live ’83)

This masterpiece, which poignantly and beautifully portrays the spring season when cherry blossoms bloom, was released in January 1982 as a single by Seiko Matsuda.

With Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate word choices and an unforgettable melody penned by Yumi Matsutoya under her pseudonym Kureta Keiko, the song superbly captures the changing seasons and the freshness of young love.

The vibrant voice of a 19-year-old delivers subtle psychological nuances and the fleeting scenes of romance with exquisite finesse, resonating deeply with listeners.

In 2009, it was also used as the CM song for Fujifilm’s skincare brand “ASTALIFT,” drawing attention when its memorable melody played in commercials featuring Miyuki Nakajima.

Its sweet-and-sour melody, evoking nostalgic memories and the arrival of spring, is a track you’ll want to hear when cherry blossoms are in the air.

Seishu WatchNGT48

NGT48 “Seishun Dokei” Music Video / NGT48 [Official]

This song portrays the pure first crush of a male student from afar, set along a school route bathed in the warmth of spring.

Throughout, a refreshing pop feel blends beautifully with a nostalgic kayōkyoku style, with soft, airy rap adding a memorable touch.

It gently captures the bittersweet emotion of watching from a distance and a fleeting moment of youth marked by the passage of time, resulting in a heartwarming piece.

Released in April 2017 as NGT48’s major-label debut, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles chart.

It was also selected as the opening theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV” in April and May and used in the Ichimasa Kamaboko “Una Jirō” commercial.

The music video was filmed at well-known spots in their hometown of Niigata City and created together with about 1,000 fans.

Highly recommended for those who cherish tender first-love feelings and memories of their youth, this is a wonderful, unforgettable track.

Slow motionNakamori Akina

[Official] Akina Nakamori 'Slow Motion (from “Hajimemashite”)' [1st Single (Released May 1, 1982)] Akina Nakamori / Slow Motion

A debut work distinguished by its mellow melody and crystalline vocals that gently embrace a budding crush on someone met by the seaside.

With an expressiveness hard to believe for a 16-year-old, Akina Nakamori beautifully captures the fateful moment of encounter.

Released in May 1982 and included on the album “Prologue [Jomaku],” it debuted at No.

58 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, quietly winning listeners’ hearts.

The pure feelings of a girl captivated by the sight of a man walking along the sandy beach are sung with the freshness of a sea breeze.

Evoking the premonition of love that everyone experiences as if it were a scene from a film, this piece is one to enjoy on a tranquil spring afternoon.

An Unexpected ConfessionAKB48

Unexpected Confession Music Video / AKB48 65th Single [Official]

A refreshing coming-of-age story that begins with a sudden confession.

Set for release in April 2025 as AKB48’s first single of their 20th anniversary year, the track is crafted by Yasushi Akimoto, Masahiro Mizoguchi, and Yuichi Nonaka.

With a lively, springlike melody, the lyrics depict the feelings of a shy protagonist in love who, though flustered by an unexpected turn of events, takes a brave step forward.

The choreography features the adorable “Vegetable Pulling Pose,” expressing the joy of being chosen and confessed to from among many—a music video that’s sure to make you smile just by watching the dance.

It’s a perfect song for anyone starting a new chapter this spring.

Spring SwallowHey! Say! JUMP

Hey! Say! JUMP – Spring Swallow [Official Music Video]

A heartwarming song that expresses the feelings of a refreshing new start through music has been delivered by Hey! Say! JUMP.

Created by members of sumika, the piece warmly encourages those striving in new environments, using the image of swallows returning in spring.

Also chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Love All Play, it was included as one of the tracks on the triple A-side single released in May 2022.

It’s a song we hope will be heard by those feeling anxious about a new setting this spring, as well as by anyone who wants to cherish their bonds with friends.

One-room DiscoPerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume “One-Room Disco”

This is Perfume’s ninth single, which melodiously portrays the feelings of a young person starting to live alone in a studio apartment.

The lyrics, interweaving the mixed emotions of hope and anxiety with light and shadow symbolizing the beginning of a new life, leave a strong impression.

The arrangement, colored by refreshing electronic sounds, is wonderful as well, gently embracing the feelings everyone experiences at least once when embarking on a new chapter.

Released in March 2009, it was an ambitious work that earned Perfume their first No.

1 on the singles chart.

It was also included on the album “⊿” and performed at the 60th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a springtime anthem that resonates as a supportive song for those starting to live on their own or feeling the butterflies of a new life.

Doki itnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – Doki it [Official Music Video]

It’s a heartwarming song that wraps you in a refreshing spring breeze and cheers on everyone taking a new step forward.

While valuing your true self, this piece sings of the strength and courage to overcome hardships and inner conflicts, delivering a message that supports a hopeful new beginning.

Released in 2025, the song was also featured in AOKI’s Freshers Fair commercial.

It’s a track brimming with positive energy that gently nudges new graduates, incoming students, and anyone leaping into a new environment this spring.