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

Good Luck!SixTONES

SixTONES – Good Luck! [YouTube ver.]

The title track of SixTONES’ eighth single, released in November 2022.

Created as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Hajime wa Paa,” starring group member Jesse, this piece is a cheer song for everyone chasing their dreams.

Its message—laugh off your failures and keep moving forward—is delivered over a bright, exuberant sound.

Just listening gives you a boost, making it the perfect source of courage during the anxiety- and tension-filled season of new beginnings.

The song was widely embraced, debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking.

As we head into this time of year, why not add it to the playlist for your next challenge?

Smiling Backkyandīzu

Smiling Back (Single Version)

Candies, an idol group that defined the Showa era.

The last single they released in February 1978, just before their breakup, is an eternal classic themed around springtime farewells and new beginnings.

While vividly depicting the real-life scene of tidying up a room for a move, the lyrics cleverly weave in the titles of their past hit songs—a stylish touch.

Filled with gratitude and a farewell message to their fans, the song moved the entire nation, even reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Despite its bright, lighthearted melody, it carries a bittersweetness that warms the heart—perfect for graduation season.

Brimming with the poise and kindness of waving goodbye with a smile at the end, this work gently supports those setting out on a new path.

my graduationSPEED

SPEED / my graduation -Music Video-

This song by SPEED, the dance and vocal group that blazed through the late ’90s, is a gem of a ballad that colors the season of spring farewells and new departures.

Although the word “graduation” never appears in the lyrics, it portrays the journey into adulthood through the time spent together and the end of a romance, stirring the hearts of listeners.

Released as a single in February 1998, it was also beloved as the commercial song for Nissin Foods’ “Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O.” Featured on the album RISE, it has remained a staple of the graduation season over the years.

While it embraces the anxiety and loneliness of stepping onto a new path, it also stays close to those seeking hope for the future.

How about immersing yourself in its melody, filled with the brilliance of youth, and reflecting on your precious memories?

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]

Released in March 2005 as Arashi’s 14th single, it was used as the TV commercial song for Jonan Prep School.

It’s a powerful rock tune that gently pushes forward those striving toward their dreams.

The track is included on the album “One,” and also appears on the best album “5×10 All the BEST! 1999-2009.” It sold 115,000 copies to top the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart at No.

1.

Carried on the spring breeze, the voices of the five members will surely give you the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

This song portrays the hope that awaits beyond a heartrending farewell, carried by warm piano melodies.

Released by Nogizaka46 in November 2016, it is a memorable track in which Nanami Hashimoto served as center for the first time.

It was performed at the 67th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, moving the hearts of many.

It is a gentle, comforting piece that quietly supports those who have experienced parting from someone dear, or who are about to take a new step forward.

Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Until Graduation” Music Video

“Until Graduation,” the January 2024 track by Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora, depicts the season of partings while carrying a bittersweet love.

It delicately expresses the wavering emotions between the fear that confessing might even break the relationship they have now and the feelings that overflow despite that.

This single is the group’s first to adopt a selection system, and it was also used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV variety show “Sorette!? Jissai Dōnano-ka.” It has resonated with many, debuting at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

If you’ve ever had that sweet-and-sour experience of arriving at graduation with unspoken words still hidden in your heart, this song will surely tug at your chest.

Give it a listen when you need the courage to take a new step forward.

Go, Sakura! / Cheer up, Sakura!THE SUPER FRUIT

THE SUPER FRUIT – Sakura Fure Fure [Official Music Video]

THE SUPER FRUIT is a boys’ group that champions a clean-cut, pure image.

Their second single, released in March 2023, is a springtime anthem that captures both the excitement and anxiety of the cherry blossom season.

In the rush of starting a new chapter, its gentle lyrics affirm that stumbling is okay, warmly wrapping listeners in comfort.

The song was also beloved as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02.” With driving band sounds and a festive melody, this track gives you the courage to step into the future.

It’s a song brimming with positive energy—perfect to listen to as a cheer for yourself when your environment changes, like entering a new school or starting a job.