Japanese Pop Spring Song Ranking [2026]

Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro92rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – “Sakura (2019)” Music Video

Singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama, known for his unique personality and frequent appearances on variety shows.

“Sakura (2019),” used as the theme song for the TV drama ‘My Coworker Sakura,’ is a rearranged version of his second single “Sakura (Dokushō),” one of the pioneering cherry blossom songs in the J-pop scene.

The lyrical melody, with its distinctive falsetto that heightens the sense of poignancy, instantly evokes images of graduation ceremonies.

With its dramatic piano and string ensemble that stirs the heart, it’s a quintessential graduation song.

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Hoshino Takashi

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cherry blossoms drifting awayUtada Hikaru93rank/position

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

This is a ballad that was suddenly released during a period described as a “human activities” hiatus, and it quickly became a major topic of conversation.

Centered on themes of requiem, the birth of life, and unwavering love, its piano melodies and serene electronic tones seep gently into the heart.

Released by Hikaru Utada in November 2012, the song was written as the theme for the film Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo.

Many listeners were likely moved to tears by its resonance as it played over the end credits.

While layering the transience of falling cherry blossoms, it also evokes hope for the everyday life that continues on.

Try listening to it in a spring marked by farewells, or on a quiet night when you want to settle your heart.

Morning of the BeginningOfisharu Higedan Dism94rank/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.non95rank/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//96rank/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.

Song of the WheelsBUMP OF CHICKEN97rank/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.

a May flyRADWIMPS98rank/position

RADWIMPS – May’s Flies [Official Music Video]

They cemented their status as a band thanks to the massive hit of Zenzenzense, the insert song from the blockbuster film Your Name.

In contrast to the fresh, clean-cut image many associate with RADWIMPS, May’s Fly is a track with a slightly different vibe.

When it was released, its extreme lyrics became a hot topic on social media and the internet.

The lyrics relentlessly mock and tear down the other person—singing it at karaoke might take a bit of courage…

It’s a song to note not only for its eerie atmosphere but also for its artistic cover art.