Spring songs to color the season of meetings and partings—recommended for the Yutori generation

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

“Sakuharu” Piano Ver. Yuuri × tuki.

This song is striking for its delicate piano tones and Yuri’s crystal-clear vocals.

It beautifully mirrors the complex feelings of those facing graduation with the springtime scene of cherry blossoms dancing in the air.

The lyrics interweave gratitude to family, memories with friends, and the resolve to take a new step forward, resonating with many listeners.

Released in February 2021 as a digital-only single, it was later included on the album “Ichi.” It is often used at graduation ceremonies and related events, and is cherished as a song that accompanies life’s milestones.

It’s a perfect track for anyone feeling anxious about a new environment or anticipating a farewell with someone important.

Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sakura Photograph” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Sakura Photograph)

It’s a moving ballad perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

Released in April 2025, this song is the theme for the season event “Sakura-Mau Start Line” in the game Gakuen Idolmaster.

The gentle harmonies of the trio—Liliya Katsuragi, Sayaka Shiun, and Saki Hanami—leave a lasting impression.

It’s as if the tender melody rides the spring breeze and soars into the sky.

The lyrics, which portray meetings, farewells, and irreplaceable friendship, will especially resonate with those graduating from school.

Be sure to give it a listen during cherry blossom season.

Song of BeginningsOhashi Takuya

Takuya Ohashi – “Hajimari no Uta” Music Video: TAKUYA OHASHI – Hajimari no Uta Music Video

Let us introduce a perfect springtime cheer-up song for starting a new chapter: a track released in February 2008 as the solo debut of Takuya Ohashi from Sukima Switch.

Its lyrics, brimming with hope for the future and encouraging you to move forward while valuing your true self, paired with warm acoustic sounds, strike a chord.

It’s truly a song that gently nudges you to take that new first step.

The track was used as the campaign song for major distance-learning company U-Can and reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The music video features actress Aoi Yoshikura, poignantly portraying a young person setting out on a new path.

It’s a must-listen for new employees and anyone facing changes such as entering a new school or switching careers.

GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.

One More Time,One More ChanceYamazaki Masayoshi

One More Time,One More Chance

This is a gem of a ballad that passionately sings of loss and a deep longing for reunion.

Feelings of wistfulness and regret seep into the heart through Masayoshi Yamazaki’s clear vocals and the timbre of his acoustic guitar.

Since its release in January 1997, it has remained a beloved classic as the theme song of the film “Moon and Cabbage.” In 2007, it was also chosen as the theme for Makoto Shinkai’s animated film “5 Centimeters per Second,” capturing the hearts of a new generation.

The lyrics, which trace the lingering image of a cherished person glimpsed within everyday scenes, and the simple yet richly expressive melody gently embrace the bittersweet love that everyone has experienced.

It is a song that quietly stays by the side of those who continue to think of someone dear, and those who hold memories of a precious person close to their hearts.

Sakuraarashi

ARASHI – Sakura [Official Music Video]

A powerful Arashi classic with a driving rock sound and an uplifting message was released in March 2005.

Chosen as the theme song for Jonan Prep School’s TV commercial as an anthem for those determined to move forward, the track—featuring rap lyrics by Sho Sakurai—resonated widely as a song that gives a strong push to young people.

Included on the albums “5×10 All the BEST! 1999-2009” and “5×20 All the BEST!! 1999-2019,” it achieved strong sales, selling about 115,000 copies in its first week on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Long beloved as a support song that encourages people taking their first steps—especially during the spring graduation and school entrance season—it continues to inspire listeners.

Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)

A heartwarming song that fits perfectly with the cherry blossom season has arrived.

Carried by Dai Hirai’s gentle vocals, it weaves together the complex emotions of parting and new beginnings.

Set against the backdrop of March’s scenery, it carefully portrays a blend of loneliness and dignity, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released digitally in February 2022, the track is also included on the best-of album “LOVE＋PEACE.” Its piano and strings arrangement makes for a moving listen.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those entering graduation season or anyone standing at a turning point in life.