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Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

As a song that colors the farewells of spring, many people likely think of this signature track by Naotaro Moriyama.

It originally appeared in 2002 as a band piece on the mini-album “Kawaita Uta wa Sakana no Esa ni Chodo Ii,” but it was transformed into a solo vocal style with piano accompaniment and released as a single in March 2003.

Widely loved as the ending theme of “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” it became a long-running hit, reaching number one on the charts in its ninth week after release.

Inspired by a friend’s departure, the song is more than just a farewell—it carries a promise of reunion someday.

Play it at a workplace send-off or when seeing off dear friends, and it’s sure to inspire warm emotion and heartfelt gratitude.

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Naotaro Moriyama – “Sakura (2019)” Music Video

Since the start of the Reiwa era, many new graduation songs that leave a lasting impression have emerged, but one that stands out in particular is Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura (2019).” Surpassing its 2002 hit, this newly arranged version was also chosen as the theme song for a drama starring Mitsuki Takahata.

With a melody as radiant as cherry blossoms in bloom and tinged with the pathos of petals falling, it symbolizes both parting and the beginning of a new life.

Its moving vocals leave a deep impression on listeners.

It’s a perfect choice for the graduation season of the Reiwa era, a song that will color many memories.

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Niji (Naotaro Moriyama)

This is a choral piece written specifically as the set work for the Junior High School Division of the 2006 NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Naotaro Moriyama and Omodaka Takashi handled the lyrics and composition, creating it with the intent of delivering it to junior high school students across the country.

The lyrics, which symbolically depict a fleeting scene after the rain, view parting not only as a loss but also as something paired with encounters and new beginnings.

The warm, folk-based melody is designed so that singers can savor the words and align their breathing, and it’s also appealing in how, when performed as a chorus, each part can support the others to easily create a resonant sound.

The piece was included in the first-press limited edition of the album “Kazamachi Kousaten,” released in November 2006, and a newly recorded version was later featured on the 15th-anniversary best-of collection “Daikessakusent” in 2016.

It’s a perfect song for junior high school students standing at the milestone of graduation, singing as they reflect on their days so far and take a step toward the future.

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Sakura

This song, a massive hit in 2003, is a masterpiece that depicts parting and reunion through the beauty and transience of cherry blossoms.

Naotaro Moriyama’s clear vocals and the simple, piano-centered arrangement resonate deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, which liken cherry blossoms scattering at the very moment they are in full bloom to the turning points of life, evoke both the poignancy of a departure and a forward-looking hope.

Chosen as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki,” it sold over one million copies.

In 2019, it was revived with a new arrangement as the theme song for the drama “同期のサクラ” (Synchrony’s Sakura), and it continues to be loved across generations.

Sung at a graduation ceremony—one of life’s important milestones—it will etch memories with friends and a resolve for the future even more deeply.