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

Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka461rank/position

Sakurazaka46 'Sakuzuki'

Sakurazaka46’s latest track, which layers the beautiful hues of cherry blossoms with the fleeting poignancy of their fall, is an essential number for spring drives.

Released in February 2023 as the title track of their fifth single, it features Rena Moriya at center.

Debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, it has been embraced by many listeners since its release.

The lyrics, themed around graduation and new departures, delicately capture emotions swaying with the changing seasons and truly strike a chord.

Its melodic, wistful sound makes it perfect BGM for driving beneath avenues of cherry trees in bloom.

While carrying the sadness of parting, this song also gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Feel the spring breeze and be sure to listen on your way to your destination, together with your cherished memories!

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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Oh, early summer rainSakurazaka463rank/position

Sakurazaka46 'Samidare yo'

It’s a bittersweet yet beautiful number that layers unending rain over the tremors of a wavering heart.

A work by the popular idol group Sakurazaka46, it was released in April 2022 as their fourth single.

Besides being featured in an AEON Card commercial, it was also used as the ending theme for a TV Tokyo program, so many of you have likely heard it.

The mid-tempo, comfortable groove and delicate string arrangement leave a strong impression.

Like an unsettled sky, it carefully portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they struggle with the emotional distance between themselves and the other person.

How about listening to it on a rainy-day drive or when you’re feeling a little sentimental?

I want tomorrow to comeSakurazaka464rank/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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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.

You reap what you sow.Sakurazaka468rank/position

Sakurazaka46 'Reap What You Sow'

The idol group Keyakizaka46, popular among teenage girls and boys, has been taking on more complex songs as Japan’s idol scene has been shifting toward a K-pop style.

Their track “Jigoujitoku” falls into that category, but it’s not as difficult as K-pop, so it should be manageable to sing.

The main point to watch out for is the irregular meter in the chorus.

It uses a somewhat unusual 6/8 time signature, so be sure to keep that in mind when singing.

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Ryo

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BANSakurazaka469rank/position

Sakurazaka46 “BAN”

The title track of Sakurazaka46’s 2nd single, with an unbelievably cool intro.

It was also used in Lawson’s Sakurazaka46 smartphone lottery campaign CM.

The driving energy built on acoustic guitar is irresistible.

The song’s world is constructed with the group’s hallmark strong messaging carried over from the Keyakizaka46 era and the most difficult choreography in their history.

The members’ performances, which express a determination and strength of will to keep moving forward even while depicting self-deprecating inner conflict, are deeply moving.

You’re drawn in by center Hikaru Morita’s dynamism, and this representative song shines with the evolving beauty and coolness of Sakurazaka46.

Their live performances are overwhelming too, riveting you with a strength that faces any situation head-on.

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TOKYO SNOWSakurazaka4610rank/position

TOKYO SNOW

A poignant winter ballad that layers unspoken feelings onto the snow descending over Tokyo’s sky.

It’s included on the regular edition of Sakurazaka46’s 10th single, “I want tomorrow to come,” released in October 2024.

Even while knowing that snow in the city won’t settle, the song delicately depicts the uncontrollable swell of emotion, set to a piano-centered melody.

It opens with a poetic monologue by Shizuki Yamashita, and the gradually intensifying emotions are mirrored in the sound—an impressive structure.

The lyrics entrust feelings that fade before they can be spoken to the melting snow, making the song resonate especially on quiet year-end nights.

It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to face your heart at the close of the year.