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

Search for Diamond Lily＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 5th Single “Sagase Diamond Lily” [MV full]

Cherry blossoms, an old school building, a uniform button—packed with such scenes of spring, this =LOVE song is the group’s fifth single, released in April 2019.

With lyrics written by Rino Sashihara and a fresh melody crafted by multiple composers, it pairs a bright tempo with lyrics that gently ache with the passage of time.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

The track was also featured in Mr.

Fusion’s programming school “Prosta Kids” commercial.

In its story-driven music video, the turmoil of parting with friends is portrayed with care.

It’s recommended not only for those approaching graduation, but also for anyone who struggles to put their gratitude for friends into words.

Listen as spring arrives, and you’ll feel moved to cherish the time you have with the people who matter most.

Color contacts winkAKB48

Color Contacts Wink Music Video / AKB48 63rd Single [Official]

This dazzling number was created as the culmination of Yuki Kashiwagi’s idol career, with Kashiwagi—who has long led the group—serving as center for the first time on her own.

You can practically picture the bittersweet scene of unrequited love, where feelings are conveyed not through words, but through glances and gestures.

Released as a single in March 2024, it was composed by Yoshimasa Inoue, the hitmaker behind numerous chart-toppers.

The melody, blending nostalgia and freshness, is sure to set listeners’ hearts dancing.

In the music video, a world surrounded by colorful flowers beautifully portrays the “life of an idol.” Perfect for the spring season, this work gently encourages those embarking on a new chapter.

It’s an ideal track when you want to immerse yourself in a classic idol song.

Spring Lover≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 1st album track 'Spring Lover' [MV full]

When spring’s warmth beckons and you feel like falling in love, I recommend this song! Produced by Rino Sashihara, the idol group ≠ME included this track on their album “Springtime In You,” released in March 2024.

Its melody line, reminiscent of ’80s and ’90s pop, has a gently nostalgic warmth.

Centered on Moeko Kanisawa, the unit members deliver an emotive performance that captures the bittersweet feelings of love woven into everyday scenes—like meeting on a station platform.

Even among the masterpieces on this album, which debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking, this is a pop number that especially evokes a pleasant spring breeze.

Why not listen to it on your commute, gazing out at the passing scenery from the train?

Bashful Short≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 5th Single “Hanikami Short” [MV full]

An exceptionally cute winter song packed with the sparkle of the season and the flutter of first love.

It’s a track by the idol group ≠ME, produced by Rino Sashihara, released as their 5th single in November 2022.

First, we should note the earnest story of changing one’s hairstyle for someone they like.

The lyrics capture the bashfulness of that makeover moment and the heart-pounding anticipation of waiting for their reaction.

It also drew major attention that Nanaka Tomita, who serves as center, actually chops her long hair into a short cut in the music video.

Try playing it as BGM on your way to a winter date, or when you want the courage to change.

The brilliance of this song will give you a gentle push forward.

GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48, who built an era as “idols you can go to meet” and hold numerous glittering records.

Released in February 2012, this song drew major attention for featuring the members taking on instrumental performance as the band “Baby Blossom.” Although the title doesn’t include the word “sakura,” it centers on springtime farewells and new departures, delivering an uplifting message that resonates: wipe your tears and share a high-five with a smile.

Its 34-minute, drama-style music video and use in various advertising campaigns also became hot topics.

Graduation season can feel somber, but this is a go-to cheer song that gives a push toward a new world—perfect for getting everyone fired up with friends at a reunion karaoke session.

Goodbye, Secret Baseshiritsu ebisu chūgaku

Goodbye, Secret Base

A song that uses a childhood hideout as its motif to portray parting and the preservation of memories.

It’s included on Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku’s seventh full-length album, “Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku,” released in March 2022.

Kenta Aloha handled the lyrics, composition, and arrangement, imbuing the song with a distinctive feel in the density of its words and the flow of its melody.

The lyrics are sprinkled with expressions tied to physical sensations—like embracing and checking answers—that convey the urgency of time that can’t be reclaimed, while also holding a determination to move forward.

It’s been performed live and has grown into a song that fosters a strong sense of unity in the venue.

A gently resonant number that’s perfect for graduation season, as you look back on days with friends and take your next step forward.

You are the melody.AKB48

[MV full] Kimi wa Melody / AKB48 [Official]

An anniversary song that can truly be called monumental, created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of AKB48’s formation.

Amid a dazzling sound that evokes the arrival of spring, a bittersweet melody tinged with nostalgia intertwines—doesn’t it make your heart flutter every time you listen? Released in March 2016 as their 43rd single, this track drew major attention for featuring legendary graduates like Atsuko Maeda and Yuko Oshima.

The vividly colored music video, directed by Mika Ninagawa and inspired by “Ōoku,” is striking, and the song was also widely known as the theme for GYAO! commercials.

Why not pick it for karaoke with friends reuniting after a while, or when you want to bask in fond memories?