A ranking of popular songs by Sakurazaka46, an idol group with a uniquely solitary presence

Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka461rank/position

Sakurazaka46 'Sakuzuki'

Sakurazaka46, whose group name also bears “sakura,” sing about springtime farewells and new beginnings in Sakurazuki.

Released in February 2023 as their fifth single, it topped the Oricon weekly chart and became a fan favorite.

Rather than a hard-hitting beat, it’s crafted as an emotional dance number with delicate strings and a beautiful melody that capture the heart’s wavering.

The worldbuilding—expressing the impatience of being separated before confessing one’s feelings and the bittersweetness of falling cherry blossoms—really resonates.

Rena Moriya serves as center, and the choreography, imbued with feeling down to each fingertip and glance, leaves a strong impression.

It’s perfect when you want to bask in a slightly sentimental mood in the spring sunshine, or sway along while watching graceful dance.

Start over!Sakurazaka462rank/position

Sakurazaka46 “Start over!”

A number that highlights the live energy driven by the jumping in the intro and strongly showcases Sakurazaka’s strength in performance.

It was released in 2023 as their sixth single.

The composition is by Nasca, who has delivered numerous classics in collaboration with the group, including during the Keyakizaka era.

With its significant impact, this song became a turning point for the group—a message song where the fusion of classical elements and rock-pop resonates beautifully.

Centered in a minor key, the frequent modulations give the impression of traveling back and forth across distant tonal spaces.

The lift in the final chorus brings a brighter feel, and together with the members’ expressions, it really hits you in the heart.

It’s a bold, challenging track that spurs a fresh restart.

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KEI

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I want tomorrow to comeSakurazaka463rank/position

Sakurazaka46 “I want tomorrow to come”

In the Xperia 1 VI commercial “100% Memories of Light,” the long battery life of Xperia is highlighted.

Using the phone’s illuminated display, they depict cherry blossoms with a technique called 3D light painting, resulting in breathtakingly beautiful visuals.

Members of Sakurazaka46 appear in the commercial, and their song “I want tomorrow to come” is used as the background music.

Released in 2024, the song carries a positive message of hope for tomorrow.

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Hane Keisuke

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Oh, early summer rainSakurazaka464rank/position

Sakurazaka46 'Samidare yo'

A poignant love song by Sakurazaka46 that portrays feelings of love through the motif of early-summer rain.

Released in April 2022 as their fourth single, it received a tremendous response, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Like rain that never stops, the swelling emotions are expressed through delicate vocals and choreography, gently embracing unspoken love and the struggles it brings.

It is a warm track that waits for the arrival of spring, resonating with those in the midst of unrequited love or unable to convey their feelings.

How many times have I read over the lyrics of LOVE SONG?Sakurazaka465rank/position

Sakurazaka46: “How many times have I gone back and reread the lyrics of LOVE SONG?”

This is a Sakurazaka46 song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of falling in love.

Have you ever found yourself rereading the lyrics of a love song over and over on a sleepless night? The lyrics convey that sweet-and-sour ache of a crush that tightens your chest when you think about someone.

Released in February 2024, this track was included as a coupling song on their eighth single.

It’s a perfect song for university students wrestling with love.

Why not listen to it on a night when you can’t sleep because you’re thinking about someone you like? You’ll surely find many moments you can relate to.

Until that daySakurazaka466rank/position

Sakurazaka46 “Until That Day”

This work is characterized by its warm vocals and moving lyrics.

Centered on the theme of graduation, it skillfully conveys both the sadness of parting and the resolve to embark on a new journey.

The feelings of the Sakurazaka46 members are portrayed with care, and the song is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

It was released as a digital single in November 2022 and was also included on the 5th single “Sakurazuki,” released in February the following year.

The song was created as a graduation piece for Yūka Sugai, who served as the group’s first captain.

Recommended for students nearing graduation and for anyone about to step into a new environment.

Listening to this song will surely give you the courage to face forward.

UDAGAWA GENERATIONSakurazaka467rank/position

Sakurazaka46 “UDAGAWA GENERATION” Music Video

This is a bold new endeavor from Sakurazaka46, marked by a lyrical world that vividly portrays modern youth’s yearning for freedom.

Set in Udagawacho, Shibuya, it powerfully expresses the emotions of young people confronting society’s restrictions and prejudices.

While staying true to themselves, they also search for coexistence with others—a theme depicted with care—and combined with the members’ expressive performances, the work resonates deeply.

Scheduled for release on February 19, 2025, this is their 11th single, with Hikaru Morita serving as center.

A collaboration with Tower Records has also been confirmed, including the distribution of a newly shot free magazine featuring Morita and three other members.

It’s a recommended track for anyone feeling anxious about society or the future, or searching for a place where they belong.