Japanese Pop Sakura Song Rankings [2026]

petalback number31rank/position

back number – Hanabira (full)

A bittersweet rock number that makes past memories resurface in fleeting moments during the season when cherry blossoms flutter.

As a major-label debut single by the band back number—known for relatable, true-to-life lyrics—it was released in April 2011.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” and remains beloved by many as the band’s origin point.

This work delicately portrays the feeling of recalling someone precious who once stood by your side, in stark contrast to the beautiful scenery of spring.

The strings resonating within the band’s sound tighten your chest as you listen.

The words woven by vocalist Iyori Shimizu gently reach deep into the listener’s heart.

Perfect for when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood with the arrival of spring.

O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi32rank/position

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Yozakura O-Shichi

A major long-selling hit by Fuyumi Sakamoto, featuring a novel arrangement that fuses jazz, pop, and enka.

Released as a single in 1994, it’s a number that evokes the bewitching allure of yozakura—cherry blossoms at night—rather than daytime blossoms.

The backing track employs brass, koto, and strings, creating a sound that appeals not only to enka fans but also to listeners of kayōkyoku and rock.

Above all, Sakamoto’s vocals are breathtaking, rendering an overwhelming depth of passion that shakes the listener to the core.

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hiyori

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cherry blossom rainJUJU33rank/position

JUJU “Sakura Ame” (Cherry Blossom Rain)

A poignant medium-tempo ballad by JUJU, layered with reflections on a beautiful cherry blossom rain.

Visiting a riverside path of memories alone, the protagonist wistfully recalls a past love—tenderly portraying the bittersweetness of spring in a gem of a song.

Released in February 2010, it was featured as the March opening theme for TBS’s CDTV and in a RecoChoku commercial, and is also included on the album “JUJU.” It’s a song to listen to on nights when the coming of spring makes you look back, or when you’ve said goodbye to someone dear.

A happy promise.riria.34rank/position

riria. / A Happy Promise [Music Video]

A warm ballad that weaves together scenes from the cherry blossom season with a straightforward love for someone special.

It’s a song by Riria, a singer-songwriter who delicately captures the feelings of youth, and it opens her album “Kiseki,” released in January 2025.

It also drew attention as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime “My Happy Marriage.” The lyrics are striking, expressing the joy of walking side by side with someone and a sense that even the fear of happiness breaking will fade away.

The way bonds deepen with the arrival of spring feels like watching a beautiful story unfold.

As your surroundings change with advancement to the next grade or graduation, listen to it while thinking of the friends and family you want to stay with forever.

CHERRY BLOSSOM10-FEET35rank/position

Kyoto Daisakusen 2011 CHERRY BLOSSOM

Spring is a season of beginnings that comes around time and again…

This is an energetic rock number that sings about living your “now” to the fullest for the sake of the future.

It’s a track by 10-FEET, a popular Kyoto-based band also known for organizing the rock festival “Kyoto Daisakusen,” and it’s included on their 2002 album “springman.” The powerful sound throughout will lift your spirits! If you’re feeling anxious about a new chapter in life, listening to this might blow all that gloom away.

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Araki Jakkan

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