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

YOAKENiziU

NiziU(니쥬) 「YOAKE」 M/V

This is an ambitious NiziU work that beautifully captures the brilliance of daybreak and the resolve to take a step toward one’s potential.

Carried by a natural, approachable melody line, it powerfully sings of overcoming past anxieties and struggles and embracing hope for the future.

The sound crafted by lyricist Mayu Wakisaka and composers Julie Yu and Erik Lidbom feels nostalgic yet refreshingly new.

Released as a pre-distribution single from the mini-album “AWAKE,” out in February 2025, it stands as a track that underscores the group’s growth and evolution.

It’s a perfect encouragement song for those who, at the start of spring, face a mix of hopes and worries as they begin a new chapter in life.

When the fleabanes bloomNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 – When Spring Asters Bloom (Chinese Subtitles Version) 2nd ALBUM “Our Place”

A warm song by Nogizaka46 that gently embraces the farewells and encounters of spring.

Like the white-blossoming fleabane (Harujion), it serves as a symbol of departures and new beginnings, expressing the bittersweet feelings of parting through a beautiful melody.

Released in March 2016, the track was featured in commercials for sizebook and the smartphone game Nogikoi, and became a major hit, debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart with first-week sales of 740,000 copies.

It’s a heartwarming piece that offers comfort to those experiencing graduation or farewells, as well as to those welcoming new connections with loved ones.

The limits of languageHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Limits of Words” Music Video

This is a track included as a coupling on the single “Onegai Bach!” released in September 2025.

Hina Kawata, who was about to graduate, served as the center.

The song contemplates the vastness of the universe while expressing the limits of putting precious feelings into words and celebrates the bonds of the heart that transcend language.

Its acoustic sound is warm and wonderful.

It’s a message song you’ll want to dedicate to someone setting off on a new journey.

Sakura GirlNEWS

NEWS – Sakura Girl [Official Music Video]

Sung by NEWS, this song portrays a fleeting love that begins with the arrival of spring and ends like falling cherry blossoms.

The lyrics weave a beautiful story filled with a range of emotions, using cherry blossoms—an emblem of spring—as a motif to exquisitely express the poignancy of meeting and parting.

Released in March 2010, the track debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a song that stays close to the heart during springtime scenes of new encounters and farewells.

Everyday, KachushaAKB48

[MV full] Everyday, Kachusha / AKB48 [Official]

If you want to instantly liven up a karaoke session and get into a summer mood, how about picking the song that AKB48 turned into a massive hit in 2011? It’s a quintessential idol tune with a pleasant melody and straightforward lyrics that evoke a sunlit seaside.

The song depicts a bittersweet crush—being drawn to the innocent moment of taking off a headband and wishing to spend time together again next year.

Released in May 2011 as their 21st single, it also became familiar through its tie-in with Asahi Soft Drinks’ “WONDA.” One of the great things about AKB48’s songs is how they energize any party when sung.

Why not try this easy-to-sing, refreshing, summer-memory companion of a number?

The happiest treasuresutopuri

[MV] The Most Wonderful Treasure / Strawberry Prince

As a heartwarming song that adds color to graduation season, the voices of Strawberry Prince ring out.

It vividly paints the March scene of dancing cherry blossoms and gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.

Released in March 2023, the song was given a surprise live debut during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.

Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, its refreshing melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but anyone taking a new step forward.

If you are experiencing farewells with loved ones or new encounters, please give it a listen as a song that sends heartfelt support.

Beyond nostalgiaNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Beyond Nostalgia”

An emotional atmosphere flows from this bittersweet mid-tempo ballad themed around graduation.

As a center song for Yuki Yoda, it features a grand arrangement built on piano and strings.

In the multiverse-themed music video, an idol’s life intersects with worlds of alternative possibilities, narratively tracing her path as an artist.

Released as a digital single on February 3, 2025, and followed by the music video on February 11 of the same year, this piece has carved a new chapter in Nogizaka46’s history.

Directed by Seita Yamagishi, the MV also drew attention for its innovative use of Yoda’s first-person perspective.

As an empowering song that resonates with anyone standing at a crossroads in life, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.