Japanese Pop Spring Song Ranking [2026]

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE85rank/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 number86rank/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.

Morning of the BeginningOfisharu Higedan Dism87rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Morning of the Beginning [Official Audio]

This is a song that captures the arrival of spring with a refreshing touch.

It portrays the mingled feelings of excitement and anxiety that come with a new life, alongside scenes like the sky visible from a station exit and a tree-lined avenue.

The protagonist strives to move forward while staying true to themselves in a new environment, offering moments anyone can relate to.

The track appears as the first song on the mini-album “Report,” released in April 2017, and is one of the defining works from Official HIGE DANDism’s indie era.

Vocalist Satoshi Fujihara wrote and composed it based on his experience entering high school, crafting a pop-rock number that’s perfect for the start of a new school term or a new chapter in spring.

It’s recommended for those who feel both anticipation and unease before a fresh start, or who want a push as they embark on a new life in spring.

Its brisk rhythm and bright melody line will give you the courage to take that first step forward.

Bring it on, spring.non88rank/position

[Official Music Video] Non – I’ll Stand to Face Spring

It’s a refreshing, powerful rock tune that breaks through the sense of stagnation that can come with the arrival of spring.

Non, who is active as both an actor and a creative artist, released the track in January 2025, with lyrics by herself and composition by Kei Higuchi.

Crafted to ignite a frenzy together with the audience in live houses, the sound is packed with energy that feels like a push on your back just by listening.

The music video depicts them embodying a student band putting on a graduation performance, expanding a worldview that feels like a snapshot of youth itself.

Give it a listen when you need the courage to jump into a new environment or when you just want to get fired up without overthinking.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//89rank/position

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

This mid-tempo track gently gives a push to backs filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as a new season arrives.

DISH//, who have cemented their place as a dance-rock band, co-wrote this piece with Hattori from Macaroni Enpitsu.

It was used in October 2021 as the theme song for the drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Certain Success” and released the following month as their 14th single.

The lyrics carry a warm message: even when you feel like running away, there’s always a place to come back to—words that lighten the hearts of those about to leap into a new world.

Set to a march-like beat, it’s a cheer song that gives you the courage to move forward, one step at a time.

If your chest is tight with nerves before the entrance ceremony, be sure to give this a listen.

You’ll find the courage to believe in the self that has worked so hard up to now and to take a brand-new step forward.

YELLikimonogakari90rank/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.

Song of the WheelsBUMP OF CHICKEN91rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN 'Song of the Wheels'

It’s the ninth single, released in 2004, and it’s also included on albums like Yggdrasill and present from you.

The arrangement differs depending on the CD it’s on.

The song is about a close friend who’s going far away, and its lonely lyrics really hit home.