Japanese Pop Spring Song Ranking [2026]

carnationShiina Ringo85rank/position

Sheena Ringo – Carnation

This song, which opens with a beautiful string sound, is Ringo Sheena’s 12th single, “Carnation.” It became a hot topic after being selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama of the same name.

With this song, Ringo Sheena made her first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

When she was first offered the drama’s theme song, she was asked for an “upbeat track,” so she had been working on a different song.

“Carnation” was originally supposed to be the B-side to that track, but as the drama’s production progressed, it was decided that “this one fits the drama better,” and “Carnation” was chosen as the theme.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Sakura MitsutsukiSPYAIR86rank/position

Sakura Mitsutsuki

A rock number you’ll want to hear in spring, depicting a night scene with swirling cherry blossoms and a resolve to move forward while holding a precious promise close to your heart.

Set to a driving band sound, it delivers a message that’s both wistful and powerful, the kind that makes your chest tighten every time you listen.

Released as a single in March 2013, it was widely embraced as the opening theme for the anime Gintama.

Rather than dwelling only on parting, this song gives you the courage to start walking, believing you’ll meet again someday.

It’s perfect for those leaping into a new environment, or for a quiet moment gazing up at the night sakura and reflecting.

STEP TO YOU40mP87rank/position

(English sub)【Hatsune Miku 40mP】STEP TO YOU（PV version)

The percussion rhythm is so fun, it makes you want to sway your body.

This is a song by Vocaloid producer 40mP, who gained attention when “The Boy and the Magical Robot” was featured on NHK’s music program Minna no Uta.

It was released in 2009.

The lyrics are striking—bittersweet yet hopeful—expressing a desire to face someone important head-on.

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Araki Jakkan

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Sakura-Colored Time CapsuleSuzumu88rank/position

[KITI Sub] Sakura-Colored Time Capsule (Sakurairo Time Capsule) – suzumu ft. GUMI (Vocaloid Vietsub)

Sakura-Colored Time Capsule stands out for its lyrics addressed to the future self.

The melody is crafted in a style reminiscent of Japanese rock and pop.

It’s very easy to listen to, making it a work I can recommend even to those who haven’t listened to many Vocaloid songs before.

The chorus is full of exhilaration, and you’re left with a refreshed feeling once it’s over.

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Ryo

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YELLikimonogakari89rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

Let us introduce one of Ikimono-gakari’s signature spring songs that brings back memories of holding back tears while singing at graduation ceremonies.

Included on their 15th single released in September 2009, this track was written specifically as the set piece for the junior high division of NHK’s National School Music Competition.

Amidst a grand sound woven by piano and strings, Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, pure vocals seep into the heart.

The lyrics are striking in that they portray parting not only as sorrow, but as an important first step toward pursuing one’s dreams; the protagonist’s determination to move forward while accepting their own weaknesses is deeply moving.

Its warm message—that the bonds with your friends will never fade no matter how far apart you are—will stir your heart every time you listen.

The fact that it became the group’s first No.

1 on the Oricon chart shows how profoundly it resonated with many people.

When spring arrives with its mix of anticipation and anxiety for a new chapter in life, give this song a listen to feel a gentle push at your back.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE90rank/position

EXILE / Road

If there’s one song that comes flooding back with memories of graduation ceremonies, it has to be EXILE’s 23rd single.

Released in February 2007, this ballad paints a picture of gratitude toward friends who shared those youthful days and the bittersweet feeling of setting out on a new path.

Carried by lyrical strings and piano, the lyrics look back on days that can never return, resonating deeply in the heart.

In addition to being featured in MTI’s “music.jp” commercial and serving as the opening theme for Nippon TV’s “Music Fighter,” it was also chosen by the National Karaoke Operators Association as a recommended song for graduation season.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became the 1,000th song in Oricon history to reach number one—an especially memorable single.

Even many years after its release, it remains a staple graduation song sung as a choral piece at schools nationwide.

When spring arrives and you want to recall the scenes of those days, this is a track to press play on gently.

petalback number91rank/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.