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

Thanks, Sakuraaidoringu!!!

Idoling!!! / Sakura Thank You

This is the 19th single released in February 2013 by Idoling!!!, a group born from a Fuji TV program that drew attention for its uniquely individual members.

Featuring the bright, sprightly sound of acoustic guitar, the song is a fast-paced pop tune that adds a cheerful touch to the season of farewells.

Created as the group’s first graduation song, its forward-looking lyrics focus less on sadness and more on expressing gratitude with a heartfelt “thank you.” Written and composed by Shinya Tada, it garnered strong support at the time, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

A unique highlight of the music video is the members portraying a girls’ rugby team.

It’s a track you’ll want to play when you need a gentle push as you head into a new life in spring.

Spring La! La! La!Ishino Mako

Spring La! La! La!

This is Masako Ishino’s eighth single, released on New Year’s Day in 1980.

Its lively melody evokes the arrival of spring, and her bright, carefree vocals bring to mind her unguarded smile—truly charming.

Interestingly, the lyrics are known for depicting a slightly shocking love triangle, and the contrast with the pop sound is addictive.

There’s also a cute anecdote from her first appearance with this song on the popular music show “The Best Ten,” where she brought handmade cookies.

The track is included on the album “Koi no Disc Jockey MAKO IV,” and it’s a classic packed with the joy of Showa-era idol pop.

It’s a perfect song when you want to feel the buoyant mood of spring or immerse yourself in nostalgic kayōkyoku.

Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe

Beyond the Goodbye

Momoe Yamaguchi, the legendary songstress who blazed through the idol scene of the 1970s.

Released in August 1980 as her 31st single, this work is an eternal ballad that mirrors her feelings just before retirement.

The beautiful melody by the golden duo of Yoko Aki and Ryudo Uzaki, along with lyrics that convey gratitude and a resolve for the future, truly move the heart.

Her final act at the Budokan concert in October 1980—singing this song last and laying down the microphone—is famously iconic.

Also included on the album “Legend of the Phoenix,” it seems to reflect her stance of saying farewell while continuing to live on as a legend.

Listening to it during spring farewells or when taking a new step forward can inspire a quiet courage.

It is an unfading masterpiece, passed down and sung by many artists.

We ate cherry blossoms together.HKT48

[MV full] Sakura, We All Ate It / HKT48 [Official]

HKT48, the group based in Hakata, released their third single in March 2014—a pop number themed around springtime farewells.

Despite its bright, bouncy melody, it poignantly captures the bittersweet feelings that come with graduation and changing classes, giving it a mysterious charm that tightens your chest as you listen.

With the unique expression of “eating” a farewell, the song turns loneliness into a forward-looking strength.

Many people may recognize it as the ending theme for TBS’s “HKT48 no Odekake!” and as a Tokyo Monorail commercial song.

It was also a hit that made HKT48 the first female artist to debut with three consecutive Oricon Weekly No.

1 singles.

Perfect for the season of partings, it’s recommended for anyone who wants to take the next step with a smile.

Fluttering Cherry BlossomSnow Man

Snow Man “Hirari to Sakura” (from “Takizawa Kabuki ZERO 2020 The Movie”)

In this song, which serves as the theme for the stage production “Takizawa Kabuki ZERO,” Snow Man delivers a dazzling performance accompanied by elegant, classical Japanese lyrics.

The show is renowned for its dreamlike staging and refined costumes, and the performance of dancing amid a flurry of cherry blossoms drew significant attention on social media.

It’s a powerful track for moments when you want to feel the arrival of spring or are about to take a new step forward.

Your third button＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 16th single B-side “Your Third Button” [MV full]

When it’s graduation season, the sight of cherry blossoms brings back bittersweet memories, doesn’t it? At times like these, I find myself wanting to listen to songs by the idol group =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara.

They delicately portray that uniquely youthful, complex feeling of choosing to swallow the words “I like you” precisely because you want to remain friends.

Kiara Saito, who takes center position, delivers a fresh, expressive vocal that seems to gently embrace those unspoken feelings of love.

This track is included as a B-side to the single “Norotte Norotte,” released in March 2024.

It’s a warm song that quietly stays by the side of anyone facing graduation without the courage to confess, or those taking a new step forward while holding their precious memories close.

Absolute ProtagonistChou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

Absolute Protagonist

An emotional, heart-stirring cheer song! Released in March 2026 by the idol group Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu, known for their euphoric, joy-filled performances.

It was selected as the official MBS theme song for the 98th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Their signature shimmering, youthfulness-tinged vocals carry a powerful message.

If you’re giving your all to something and need a push on your back, give it a listen.