Japanese Pop Spring Song Ranking [2026]

lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyŌhara Sakurako50rank/position

Sakurako Ohara – Hirari (Music Video YouTube ver.)

Sakurako Ohara is a singer who’s also active as a radio personality and actress, and her cute singing voice has won great popularity.

Her sixth single, “Hirari,” chosen as the theme song for the film “Let’s Go, Jets! From Small Town Girls to U.S.

Champions?!,” features an ensemble of strings and piano that heightens the sense of poignancy.

The lyrics vividly evoke scenes from a graduation ceremony and are sure to tug at the hearts of those about to graduate and those reminiscing about their own.

It’s a ballad perfect for spring, the graduation season, that conveys an unchanging friendship even when you’re apart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Early summer rainEvery Little Thing51rank/position

Samidare – Every Little Thing. (Catholic Church).

Every Little Thing needs no introduction—a music duo consisting of vocalist Misato Mochida and guitarist Ichiro Ito, commonly known as ELT.

For a while after their debut, keyboardist Michiru Igarashi was also credited as a front-facing member.

“Samidare” is a mellow song that brings back memories of someone you met long ago.

The term samidare evokes a traditional sense of Japan’s seasonal atmosphere.

It’s the kind of song you’d want to grab the mic and sing at that perfect “this is it!” moment after the crowd has gotten pumped up.

The Wheat SongNakajima Miyuki52rank/position

Miyuki Nakajima “Song of Wheat” Music Video (Short Ver.) [Official]

It became a huge hit as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Massan.” I can’t count how many times that show made me cry… There’s even an anecdote that when the request for the song came, Miyuki Nakajima asked the staff, “Are you sure you want Nakajima in the morning?” The lyrics—likening a human life to the growth of barley and waiting for the inevitable time of harvest—resonate broadly across generations.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks it’s a song that only Miyuki Nakajima can sing.

It’s a piece I want to belt out in May, when the barley ripens.

SenbonzakuraWagakki Band53rank/position

Wagakki Band / Senbonzakura

Wagakki Band is an eight-member rock group that fuses traditional Japanese instruments with a band sound at a high level of quality, thanks to each member’s outstanding musicianship.

Their cover of Senbonzakura, a smash hit by producer Kuro-UsaP known for Vocaloid tracks, was chosen as the ending theme for the variety show Rank Ōkoku (Rank Kingdom).

The blend of Japanese-style lyrics and melodies with a rock ensemble that hints at metal evokes the exhilarating image of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

It’s a rock tune that truly captures the feeling of spring in Japan and lifts your spirits just by listening.

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Hoshino Takashi

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deep redMy Hair is Bad54rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Deep Crimson (Official Music Video)

This is a signature song by My Hair is Bad that vividly depicts the ache of heartbreak and self-loathing.

Within its emotional rock sound, it finely portrays raw human feelings and actions, as well as the complexities of romantic relationships.

The album “Hitomebore e.p.” brilliantly expresses a dual-sided relationship—physical intimacy and emotional walls, affection and control, dependence and independence.

Since its release in July 2015, it has become a staple at live shows, generating a strong sense of unity with the audience.

In April 2022, the band performed it on Music Station, drawing renewed attention for their expressive power.

This song, which pairs imagery evocative of spring with the heart of someone trying to move forward while carrying deep loss and self-loathing, offers a sense of closeness and comfort.

the first strong spring windkyandīzu55rank/position

Spring Storm - Candies

It’s a classic that heralds the arrival of spring, distinguished by its guitar tone and refreshing melody.

The harmonies of the three members of Candies, along with their powerful yet light vocals, beautifully capture the atmosphere of spring.

Released in March 1976, it sold about 490,000 copies and was also performed at the 27th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

Although it was originally included on the album “Toshishita no Otokonoko,” the response was so strong that it was quickly released as a single.

It’s a song that makes your heart feel light when you listen to it as winter’s chill eases and the breath of spring begins to be felt.

spring breezeRihwa56rank/position

Harukaze

It’s a heartwarming song that evokes the arrival of spring.

Released by Rihwa in February 2014, this track was also chosen as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama.

The lyrics are memorable for their beautiful imagery—unseasonal cherry blossoms, sunlight filtering through the trees, and an ultramarine night sky.

Combined with Rihwa’s powerful yet delicate vocals, it’s a piece that resonates deeply with listeners.

The single debuted at No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and has been loved by many.

It’s perfect for moments when you feel the coming of spring or want to reflect on memories with someone special.

It also makes a great BGM choice for Instagram Reels.