Japanese Pop Spring Song Ranking [2026]

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE29rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A guitar-rock tune that combines a refreshing sense that rings out under a blue sky with a touch of bittersweetness.

Released by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in April 2024, this song was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery.” While cherishing the transience of days gone by, it carries a positive message of trying to love even your imperfect self and the wounds you bear.

Motoki Omori’s expansive vocals and the technical performance will give listeners a powerful push forward.

May is a time when the tension of a new chapter eases a little, and you may suddenly feel lonely.

How about singing this song with your friends to blow away your everyday haze?

Spring Dayaimyon30rank/position

Aimyon – Harunohi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyong’s seventh major-label single.

Released in April 2019, this song was written as the theme for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Honeymoon Hurricane – The Lost Hiroshi, and it’s also known for a title inspired by Kasukabe, the story’s setting.

Told from the perspective of Hiroshi, the father in the story, the lyrics carefully trace his proposal to his family and his hopes for the future—moving many listeners each time they hear it.

Also included on the album Heard There’s Delicious Pasta, it’s a gem of a track that makes you want to reaffirm your love for someone special along with the cheerful vibes of spring.

to clear up (weather)Yorushika31rank/position

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

In the gentle, pleasant sunshine of April, many of us are probably diving into new environments.

Under that spring sky, the song to listen to is Yorushika’s “Haru.” Released as a digital single in January 2024, it was written as the opening theme for cour 2 of the TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.” Its melodies gleam like the air after rain, and vocalist suis’s soaring voice truly resonates.

The lyrics are sprinkled with words about weather and seasons, and while they look back on days gone by, they also convey the strength to face forward and overcome hardship.

The track also collaborated with Suntory’s gin “Sui.” It’s a song that will gently yet powerfully give you a push as you take a step forward, even while carrying your anxieties.

spring stormjohn32rank/position

Spring Storm / Hatsune Miku

From its light, airy sound image, you can savor both exhilaration and wistfulness.

It’s a track by composer john, who also leads the music project TOOBOE, released in 2019.

The stylish sound that unfolds without ever stopping just feels unbelievably good.

That said, the lyrics depict a farewell scene.

The worldview, bordering on resignation, seems to carry john’s feelings toward his own creative work.

Listening to it while catching the spring breeze might make it resonate even more.

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SAKURA DropsUtada Hikaru33rank/position

Hikaru Utada – SAKURA Drops

A classic by Hikaru Utada that layers the image of cherry blossoms scattering with the ache of love.

Released in May 2002 as a double A-side single with “Letters,” the song was used as the theme for the TBS drama First Love.

Over a supple beat rooted in R&B flows a melodious beauty reminiscent of traditional Japanese music, tightening the chest a little more with every listen.

While reflecting the sorrow of parting in the falling petals, the lyrics also exude a quiet inner strength that looks ahead, gently scooping up the raw emotions of love.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly chart and also served as a centerpiece of the album DEEP RIVER.

When the spring breeze brushes your cheek and you find yourself wanting to revisit past loves and farewells, press play.

Hikaru Utada’s soaring voice will gently awaken feelings you almost forgot.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE34rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

A coming-of-age song that delivers the importance of embracing your true self on a refreshing melody.

The protagonist portrayed by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE carries a earnest resolve to keep looking forward while battling self-denial.

Gratitude and hope toward someone who accepts their true self gently envelop the listener, together with a melody that resonates in the heart.

Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-sai-sai,” it was performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.

It’s a track recommended for moments when you want to face yourself with a gentle gaze, or when you want to share your feelings with someone important.

March 9Remioromen35rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

A classic by Remioromen with a warmth that makes you pause amid the passing seasons and reaffirm the bonds with those you love.

Its lyrics, which speak of the trust you feel for someone whose presence appears behind your closed eyelids and the joy of dreaming together, resonate deeply with listeners.

It was originally created to celebrate a friend’s wedding, but after being used as an insert song in the 2005 drama “1 Litre of Tears,” it became a staple for graduation season as well.

Released as a single in March 2004, it’s also included on the acclaimed album “ether.” A nostalgic tidbit is that Maki Horikita appeared in the music video before her big break.

It’s the kind of song you want to listen to in spring, as you take a new step forward and think of someone you want to thank.