Japanese Pop Sakura Song Rankings [2026]

Sakuraayaka15rank/position

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

Speaking of sakura songs, given the season, many of them are graduation songs or songs about new beginnings.

Ayaka’s “Sakura” is also a very popular number as a graduation song.

What’s noteworthy about this track is that the first verse is written from the perspective of young people graduating, while the second verse depicts those who graduated long ago—people who, having grown older, watch their own children graduate and set off, reflecting on the path they’ve walked and on their own graduation.

Ayaka’s vocals blend with the indescribably heartrending lyrics to create a song that makes you feel tears welling up.

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SAKURAikimonogakari16rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “SAKURA” Music Video

Ikimonogakari’s debut single, released in 2006.

It brings back nostalgic memories of their stories on music shows—like how they were asked in every interview, “Is your artist name really Ikimonogakari?” This song ranks among their most frequently charting tracks, alongside “Arigatou” and “YELL/Joyful,” and remains a long-loved favorite.

I wonder how many women relate their own experiences to the lyric, “When the cherry blossom season comes, I think of you.” The music video is excellent too, featuring vocalist Yoshioka’s boyish charm with her very short haircut and cool pants look.

It’s a song that digs up listeners’ memories.

And be sure to check out the B-side, “Sotsugyo Shashin,” as well!

Sakura RockCHERRYBLOSSOM17rank/position

Sakura Rock

CHERRYBLOSSOM is a band known for its appealing female dual vocals that unfortunately disbanded in 2010.

Their song “Sakura Rock” is their fourth single, released in 2009, and it was used as the ending theme for the TV anime “Katekyo Hitman Reborn!” The lyrics express how, when the cherry blossom season arrives, you think, “It’s that time of year again,” and remember someone.

That someone was once important but is no longer by your side.

It’s a cherry blossom song packed with a sense of poignancy, set to a rock-influenced sound.

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Sakura, flutterSazan Ōrusutāzu18rank/position

Southern All Stars – Sakura, Hirari [Official Visualizer]

The new song by Southern All Stars features a heartwarming melody that evokes the arrival of spring.

With cherry blossoms as its motif, it carries a message of hope and renewal, and it’s truly wonderful.

Released as a lead single from the album “THANK YOU SO MUCH” on January 1, 2025, the track coincided with the first anniversary of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

Keisuke Kuwata’s warm vocals are accompanied by an acoustic guitar that feels like a spring breeze.

It’s a moving song you’ll want to hear during graduation and school entrance season.

I hope elementary school students will listen to it, too.

Cherry Blossom Timeaiko19rank/position

aiko - “Sakura no Toki” music video

Aiko’s songs, which attract a wide audience—especially many female fans—often resonate with listeners through the emotions in her love songs.

“Sakura no Toki,” her fifth single released in 2000, was also featured in a Calpis Water commercial.

Aiko’s lyrics frequently make you think, “So it’s possible to express those in-love feelings I could never put into words like this!” and this song showcases that expressive power in a direct way.

It’s a love song that fills you with happiness—perfect for the buoyant mood of spring.

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cherry blossoms drifting awayUtada Hikaru20rank/position

Hikaru Utada “Sakura Nagashi” Music Video (4K UPGRADE)

A deeply moving ballad that sings of the preciousness of life and feelings for loved ones.

It begins with the quiet tones of a piano and unfolds dramatically toward the latter half, with a gentle yet powerful vocal performance that leaves a strong impression.

The message of finding a certain love even within sorrow truly hits home.

Released by Hikaru Utada in November 2012 during her hiatus, the song drew major attention as the theme for the film Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo.

Later included on the album Fantôme, it also captivates with a worldview that beautifully expresses cherry blossoms scattering.

In the spring season of change—graduations, new class assignments—take a moment to listen to it carefully in a quiet place.

Sakura MitsutsukiSPYAIR21rank/position

SPYAIR “Sakura Mitsutsuki (Short ver.)”

It’s a rock number that exquisitely blends wistfulness with a sense of speed, conjuring scenes of a spring night and falling cherry blossoms.

Its appeal lies not only in the loneliness of parting, but also in the strong resolve to move toward the future, giving listeners a powerful push forward.

Released as a single in March 2013, it became widely known as the opening theme for the popular anime Gintama.

It’s also included on the album MILLION, and stands as one of SPYAIR’s signature works, highlighted by their energetic performance and catchy melodies.

Perfect for this season of new beginnings, it’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the night sakura.

With heartbreakingly poignant lyrics, it’s especially recommended for those who have experienced farewells or departures with someone important.