[Reiwa Spring Songs] A roundup of spring songs born in the Reiwa era and popular tracks you’ll want to listen to in spring!

When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – When It Shines (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “The Heike Story” Opening Theme]

This song by Hitsujibungaku was used as the opening theme for the TV anime The Heike Story.

Its lyrics, which depict life’s journey and growth, use the cycles of nature as metaphors to express the continuity and recurrence of life.

Conveying the importance of pressing forward as you cut through the sea breeze and of continuing to shine without losing yourself in chaotic times, it resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in January 2022, the song is one that truly sinks in during March, the season of farewells and new departures.

It’s perfect for spring, when you leap into a new environment—a track that offers hope and courage.

KoishunkaHayama Mizuki

Mizuki Hayama “Koiharuhi” MUSIC VIDEO

This song symbolically portrays the arrival of spring and a lost romance.

Through scenic depictions like the scent of plum blossoms, birdsong, and spring haze, it expresses the passing of the seasons and the fragility of love.

The graceful vocals suit the song’s atmosphere perfectly.

Released in January 2024, this piece looks set to become a new signature work for Mizuki Hayama.

Known for hits like “Yukiwari-zake” and “Kyoto Bojō,” she once again brings out the full charm of traditional enka in this release.

It’s a song that accompanies those fleeting moments of melancholy you feel in early spring—a piece I’d especially recommend to anyone carrying a touch of loneliness in their heart.

spring calmMainosora

spring calm

This song woven by Mano Sora captivates with its gentle vocals and heartfelt lyrics that evoke the arrival of spring.

It expresses gratitude to family and the sadness of parting in warm, tender words.

Included on her debut single released in February 2023, this track is perfect for anyone starting a new chapter in life.

Like a spring breeze, its lyrics gently nudge you forward, sure to give you courage.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear if you’re facing changes such as graduation, entering a new school, or starting a job.

Bouquet of FarewellFujimaki Ryota

Bouquet of Farewell

From Ryota Fujimaki’s album “Sunshine,” the standout track “Sayonara Hanataba” deserves special attention.

Released on January 25, 2023, its lyrics, themed around encounters and farewells, are captivating.

The message that a parting is not an end, but the start of a new story, really resonates when you listen to it in this season.

Through a melody where hope and wistfulness intersect, it paints a scene of spring.

With the arrival of a new season, it’s sure to give listeners the courage to take a new step forward.

HarudonariSuda Keina

Keina Suda “Harudonari” MV

Keina Suda’s “Harudonari” is a classic spring tune released on January 24, 2020.

Known as the theme song for the drama “Alive: Gan Senmoni no Karte” (Alive: Cancer Specialist’s Chart), its springlike melody and lyrics centered on the theme of “living” have captivated many listeners.

The calm yet powerful vocals convey the song’s message clearly to the audience.

As a new-generation spring song, it’s a track I’d recommend to anyone greeting the seasonal transition with a refreshed heart.

sentimentalculenasm

culenasm “Sentimental” (Official Music Video)

Culenasm’s song delivers sentimental feelings with raw emotion.

It’s a shoegaze number where roaring guitars resonate beautifully.

Released digitally on February 5, 2025, the track centers on themes of regret over past relationships and the bittersweet wish to return to those moments.

Through its guitar sound, it expresses both the beauty of memories and the ache of regret.

In December 2023, they also provided the theme song for director Hideki Noda’s film “Futari no Kizuato” (The Scars of Two).

It’s a recommended listen for anyone looking to confront past memories and emotions as graduation season approaches.

Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Sakuzuki'

Sakurazaka46’s “Sakurazuki” is a song that evokes spring, the season of partings.

Released on February 15, 2023, it sold approximately 349,000 copies in its first week and debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The lyrics portray the protagonist’s complex feelings as they choose not to confess their love and instead quietly see off the person they care about, who is leaving for Tokyo before graduation.

Listeners are invited to reflect on a bittersweet romance as time flows beneath the beautiful cherry blossoms.

The music video is especially striking, with the members’ expressions and choreography leaving a lasting impression.

It is a gem of a spring song, sent with unadorned emotion to everyone embarking on a new beginning in spring.