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

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 first strong spring windkyandīzu

Spring Storm - Candies

It’s a classic that heralds the arrival of spring, distinguished by its guitar tone and refreshing melody.

The harmonies of the three members of Candies, along with their powerful yet light vocals, beautifully capture the atmosphere of spring.

Released in March 1976, it sold about 490,000 copies and was also performed at the 27th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

Although it was originally included on the album “Toshishita no Otokonoko,” the response was so strong that it was quickly released as a single.

It’s a song that makes your heart feel light when you listen to it as winter’s chill eases and the breath of spring begins to be felt.

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.

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.

A Shortcut to SummerSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Short Cut to Summer'

Its sweet-and-sour, refreshing melody is striking, as if capturing the tender feelings of first love that blossom with the arrival of summer and the casual yet sparkling moments with friends.

This track is included on the fifth single, “Sakurazuki,” released in February 2023.

A love song perfect for summer, coloring a page of youth.

Be sure to listen to it in your favorite scene!

orchestraBiSH

BiSH / Orchestra [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

This is a ballad with a heartwarming melody that stands out as it looks back on days gone by while gazing up at the night sky.

It’s a classic track included on BiSH’s album “KiLLER BiSH,” released in October 2016, and has been loved as one of their signature songs.

The lyrics gently portray parting with someone dear, a sense of loss, and memories that live on forever in the heart, resonating as if softly nestling close to your chest.

The grand, orchestral-like sound and the members’ vocals blend exquisitely, tenderly enveloping the listener’s heart.

Soda pop!4Chord

[MV] 4CHORD / Soda Pop!

It’s a pop tune that makes your heart fizz and flutter like sparkling soda! 4Chord is an idol girl group formed in 2024, and in this track, the world they create—overlaying the explosive thrill of a budding romance with the effervescence of soda—is irresistibly charming.

The concept by Tetsuya Gekkou, who wrote and composed the song, of “likening a fleeting moment of youth to bubbles,” also comes through in the glittering sound.

This song was released in April 2025 as the second single in their 12-month consecutive release project.

If you listen to it at the start of summer, when you’re getting closer to someone you like, it might amplify that heart-pounding feeling many times over.