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

Late-blooming cherry blossomsAKB48

Nagorizakura

It’s a song that makes you want to pause for a moment in the season where meetings and farewells intersect.

Sung by AKB48, it captivates with a nostalgic atmosphere that evokes familiar images of school routes and classroom scenes.

Released in February 2026 as their 67th single, it also marks the opening of a new chapter in the group’s 21st year.

Momoka Ito from the 19th generation serves as center for the first time, and her fresh yet somehow wistful vocals resonate deeply.

The single also includes a track originating from the TV special “Yasushi Akimoto vs AI Yasushi Akimoto,” giving it plenty of buzz.

Depicting the wavering emotions of young people who look back on the past while striving to face forward, it’s perfect for those starting a new life this spring or for moments when you want to immerse yourself in memories of your youth.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A bittersweet love song that colors the cherry blossom season.

Released by Hinatazaka46 in January 2025 as their 13th single, with Nao Kosaka as center.

The music video was produced under the theme of a “parade that heralds spring.” The lyrics depict someone looking back at their graduation photos and reminiscing about the person they used to like, resulting in something highly relatable—especially for those who have just graduated from high school.

SWEET BLOOMNEW!SWEET STEADY

[1st Anniversary Tour Live Footage] SWEET STEADY / SWEET BLOOM (Live from SWEET STEADY 1st ANNIVERSARY TOUR “SWEET BLOOM”)

A dazzling sparkle like flowers in full bloom resonates in the heart—this is a glamorous pop tune.

It portrays a determination to keep shining in one’s own way, while holding close the bond with fans and hope for the future.

With an ear-catching melody and a festive sound, it’s a song that gently gives listeners a push forward.

Released in April 2025 to commemorate the first anniversary of their debut, it was selected as the opening theme for TV Asahi’s “music-ru TV” for June.

The experiences of the past year and the next step forward are tightly packed into this track.

It’s recommended for anyone looking back on the days so far and preparing to step onto a new stage.

Listen to this love-filled piece, and your heart is sure to feel refreshed.

Last chance, last dance≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 1st Album Lead Track 'Last Chance, Last Dance' [MV full]

It’s a heart-wrenching song where the brilliance of youth coexists with a touch of sadness.

Produced by Rino Sashihara for the idol group ≠ME, it was included as the lead track on their album “Springtime In You,” released in March 2024.

Nanaka Tomita serves as the center for this song.

The lyrics, written from the perspective of “me” gazing from afar at the school’s Madonna, evoke a scene of unrequited love that is beautiful yet tinged with pain.

Takahiro Furukawa’s exhilarating, classic pop sound is also striking.

You might even be moved to tears by the contrast between the bright melody and the heartrending lyrics.

The album, which includes this track, also reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Give it a listen when you want to sink into a sentimental mood in the springtime.

Blossom declaration!chou tokimeki sendenbu

Blossom declaration!

This work features a sparkling sound that seems to carry a hint of spring.

It’s a track released by Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu in January 2026, written as the theme song for the film “Secret Aipri: Full Bloom Buzzrium Live!” The lyrics depict buds transforming into flowers and convey a strong will to make dreams come true, offering a gentle warmth that gives listeners a supportive push.

Created as a key song to color the film released in March of the same year and the album “Tokimeki Egao,” it also plays a role in energizing the group’s 10th-anniversary year.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to take a step into a new season or spur yourself on.

An essential track for any spring playlist, it makes you want to listen under fully blooming cherry blossoms while envisioning a future full of hope.

First Love Cinderella≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 2nd Single Title Track 'First Love Cinderella' [MV full]

If you’re looking for a classic idol song brimming with the flutter of a faint first love, this might be just the one.

With lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara, this sparkling number portrays the down-to-earth feelings of a protagonist in love.

Released as the second single in October 2024, it also made waves by topping major charts like Oricon.

With Reon Esumi at center, the words sung over an exhilarating sound are sure to turn every listener into the heroine of the story.

It’s perfect not only for hyping up karaoke sessions with friends, but also as a powerful ally when you need the courage to take a step forward in love.

A Crescendo of Falling in LoveHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Falling in Love Crescendo” MUSIC VIDEO

I can’t stop these feelings of love! This Hinatazaka46 song portrays emotions for a childhood friend accelerating all at once.

Even though being just friends used to feel comfortable, in a fleeting moment you become aware of them and your heartbeat grows louder.

Those bittersweet yet precious feelings are sung over a bright, bouncy melody.

This track is a 5th-gen number included on the single “Cliffhanger,” released in January 2026.

The ice hockey–themed music video, featuring members racing across the ice in uniforms, became a hot topic.

It’s recommended for those who want to get hyped together at concerts or feel the sparkle of youth.

Be sure to check it out.