Japanese Pop Sakura Song Rankings [2026]

cherry blossomDA PUMP8rank/position

DA PUMP / Sakura MV+SPOT (short ver.)

DA PUMP became a household name nationwide thanks to the massive 2018 hit single “U.S.A.” The song released after “U.S.A.” was this track, “Sakura.” In sharp contrast to its predecessor, it’s a heartfelt number with a gentle, mellow melody that showcases vocalist ISSA’s impressive voice, resonating deeply.

Beyond the melody, the lyrics are richly infused with traditional Japanese elements, evoking a distinctly Japanese spring.

The word “fabulous,” which serves as a key motif in the song, also became a talking point.

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SAKURA DropsUtada Hikaru9rank/position

Hikaru Utada – SAKURA Drops

A song by Hikaru Utada that depicts a fragile, beautiful love like cherry blossom petals swaying in the wind.

As the pain of heartbreak begins to heal, the mingled hope and anxiety of falling in love again are expressed like the feeling of waiting for spring’s arrival.

Released in May 2002, the track was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “First Love” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The music video, directed by Kazuaki Kiriya, conveys the song’s world with dreamlike, visually stunning imagery.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to while strolling beneath illuminated rows of cherry trees on a spring night.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu10rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

A gem of a love song that captures both the ache of parting and a glimmer of hope.

Its tender, bittersweet feelings and the sincere wish for the other’s happiness seep in together with a gently comforting melody.

Masaharu Fukuyama’s delicate vocals softly embrace the lingering emotions that remain even as he accepts the end of a romance.

Released in April 2000, the song drew attention as the theme for TBS’s popular segment “Mirai Nikki V” on the show “Uunnan no Hontoko!” and ranked second on Oricon’s year-end singles chart.

It became a massive hit, selling over 2.29 million copies in total.

With lyrics that depict a farewell mirrored by the falling cherry blossoms of spring, it’s a song you’ll want to hear in a season of new encounters and goodbyes.

On nights when cherry blossoms fallaimyon11rank/position

Aimyon – On the Night the Cherry Blossoms Fall [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is a spring pop number that gently accompanies that aching feeling of love that somehow makes your chest tighten.

It portrays the straightforward desire to simply see the person you like during cherry blossom season, and you can’t help but relate to the feeling of being strongly drawn to someone for reasons you can’t explain.

It’s a work by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, released in 2021.

The song was used as the theme for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Koi to Ōkami ni wa Damasarenai” (“Don’t Be Fooled by the Wolf”).

It’s also included on the album “Hitomi e Ochiruyo Record.” How about listening to it while gazing up at the night sakura, thinking of someone dear to you?

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe12rank/position

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

CreepHyp’s song gently encourages you to take a new step after a breakup.

Set against a spring scene of falling cherry blossoms, it delicately portrays feelings where lingering attachment to the past intersects with hope for the future.

Included on the album “NakITakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” the track was released in September 2018.

This piece quietly supports anyone who has experienced a farewell or needs courage to dive into a new environment.

Listen to it during the season of spring goodbyes, and it will surely give you the strength to face forward and start walking.

When cherry-blossom hues danceNakajima Mika13rank/position

Mika Nakashima 'Sakurairo Maukoro' Music Video

This is a deeply moving ballad by Mika Nakashima, where delicate piano and beautiful strings seep into the heart.

Released in February 2005 and featured in a Suntory “Freixenet” commercial, the song paints a scene of fluttering cherry blossoms as it portrays a farewell to a loved one and the earnest wish to keep those feelings forever tucked away in one’s heart.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you want to reminisce about precious memories under the night sakura, or when your heart wavers before a new season.

Spring ThiefYorushika14rank/position

Yorushika – Spring Thief (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A gem by Yorushika that depicts the fragility of human life through cherry trees and the spring breeze.

The crystalline vocals and pop sound blend exquisitely, beautifully capturing the scene of cherry blossoms falling.

Released in January 2021, it was also featured as the theme song for a Taisei Corporation TV commercial.

Its music video, featuring stunning CGI animation, became a hot topic and earned high marks on various music charts.

This is a song we hope those starting a new season or experiencing a farewell with someone dear will listen to.

If you quietly listen alone in a park at dusk, you’ll feel a moving sensation seep into your heart.