[Songs to Listen to in March] Classic Spring Tracks and Moving Songs About Meetings and Partings

Sakura SongTakahashi Yuu

Sakura No Uta

With the warmth of spring, don’t you sometimes find yourself thinking of old friends? Marking the fifth anniversary of his major debut, the single Yu Takahashi released in March 2016 vividly captures the subtleties of that season.

Its lyrics affirm not only past glories, but even the stubborn realities that don’t go our way and the pain of parting, embracing them as “the beauty of a graceful farewell,” and gently giving listeners a push forward.

The music video, starring Mugi Kadowaki and supervised by film director Hirokazu Kore-eda, became a major talking point; its visuals, like a short film, deepened the song’s world even further.

Even if circumstances change and we grow apart, the message that someday we’ll laugh together again under the same tree will surely resonate deeply with anyone starting a new chapter, whether graduating or transferring to a new post.

Late-blooming cherry blossomsAKB48

Nagorizakura

A spring song with a poignant, nostalgic melody perfectly suited to the season of meetings and farewells.

The title track of AKB48’s 67th single, released in February 2026, portrays a bittersweet longing for the days of youth that have passed, along with a faint hope for the future.

Nineteenth-generation member Momoka Ito was chosen as center, making this an important song that heralds a new beginning in the group’s 21st year.

The coupling tracks include a unique concept song born from the TV program “Yasushi Akimoto vs AI Yasushi Akimoto,” offering a multifaceted appeal.

It carries a warmth that makes you want to stop and listen during that time when you take off your school uniform and step into a new world, filled with both anxiety and anticipation.

The Last SakuraSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

The Last Sakura

An achingly sad R&B ballad that overlays the end of a romance onto falling petals, moving enough to bring tears.

Performed by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, this is a hidden gem that highlights the vocalists’ rich expressiveness.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Go my way,” released in March 2012, and can also be heard on the 2013 album “MIRACLE.” With lyrics by Masato Odake, the song portrays a piercing emotional state that, while sensing an impending farewell, quietly tries to accept the moment.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to softly after the splendor of a celebration, gazing up at the night cherry blossoms.

Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Bye-Good-Bye -Music Video-

Set to an exhilarating beat, this uplifting dance number portrays springtime partings in a positive light.

Known as a signature song by the dance and vocal group BE:FIRST, it was released for streaming in March 2022.

It also drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the Nippon TV morning drama “Sayonara no Sono Mae ni: Fantastic 31 Days.” The lyrics treat “goodbye” not as an ending but as a starting line for what comes next, blending forward-looking strength with a touch of heartbreak.

Its immense popularity is evident from surpassing 200 million streams in 2024.

Honored with the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards, the track’s solid quality shines through.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to blow away anxieties about a new chapter and take a bright first step forward.

cherry blossom breezebotchiboromaru

Sakurakaze / Bocchi Boromaru (Music Video) | TV Anime “Class 3-Z Teacher Ginpachi” Opening Theme

Artist Bocchi Boromaru has been winning support mainly online with a unique lyrical world that affirms “being alone” and a free, genre-defying musicality.

The single Sakurakaze, released in November 2025, was written as the opening theme for the popular TV anime Class 3-Z Ginpachi-sensei and became a major talking point.

Its message—strongly pushing you forward while holding onto the sparkle and struggles of student days—seems to fit perfectly with the atmosphere of March, when graduations and new beginnings are near.

It’s a positive number with a refreshing sound filled with deep love and respect for the Gintama series, a song you’ll want to belt out at spring karaoke.

ponytailBikkeburanka

Vicke Blanka – Ponytail

Singer-songwriter Vickeblanka, acclaimed in Japan and abroad for his catchy melodies and versatile musicality.

This work, which portrays the delicate feelings of a budding springtime romance, is a mid-tempo ballad featuring arranger Akimitsu Homma, with a quintessential “J-pop” sound that highlights the lyrics and melody.

Released in March 2021 as his fifth single, it also drew attention for its music video featuring actress Hinako Sakurai.

With melodies that gently nudge you forward like a spring breeze and visuals that evoke the changing seasons, it feels perfect for this time when meetings and farewells intersect.

It’s an emotionally rich number you’ll want to sing with all your heart at karaoke in March.

Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB48

[MV full] Sakura no Shiori / AKB48 [Official]

This work by AKB48, a group that represents the idol scene since the 2000s, is a full-fledged choral piece themed around springtime farewells and new beginnings.

The lyrics liken hope for the future to a “bookmark,” and the beautiful harmonies arranged by Kenichi Mitsuda are captivating—it’s so well-crafted that it’s even sung at real graduation ceremonies.

Released as a single in February 2010, it was also used as the theme song for the TV drama Majisuka Gakuen.

In the music video directed by Shunji Iwai, every member wears a different hakama, with meticulous attention to detail in the staging.

Centered by Minami Takahashi and Atsuko Maeda, this moving song is a perfect fit for March, when people take their first steps into a new chapter.