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Recommended for cherry-blossom viewing season! Classic sakura songs and spring tunes

As cherry blossoms begin to bud and the full-fledged hanami season arrives, many of you might find yourselves in the mood for cherry blossom songs and spring tunes.

You might want to play them as background music at your hanami gathering, or sing them at karaoke afterward! But sometimes it’s hard to find just the right tracks…

This article introduces must-hear classics for the hanami season, focusing on staple cherry blossom songs and spring songs.

We’ve also picked out tracks released within the past year, so please enjoy to the very end!

Recommended for the cherry-blossom viewing season! Classic Sakura songs & spring songs (71–80)

Child of SakuraKa Fu & Seikai

KAFU & Seikai’s “Sakura no Ko” dramatically depicts cherry blossoms from the moment they bloom to when they fall.

Released in 2022, the song was produced by Vocaloid producer Kanzaki Iori.

The beautifully heartrending story, which portrays the fleeting cherry blossoms as if they were people, draws you deeper into its world the more you listen.

Many listeners have likely felt that same bittersweet emotion toward cherry blossoms that can only be seen for a limited time, just like in this song.

It makes you want to etch the short-lived sight of the blossoms firmly into your memory.

Let the cherry blossoms bloomYoshida Yamada

Released in February 2019, Yoshida Yamada’s work expresses the feelings of a bud enduring winter’s cold and waiting to bloom, overlapping them with the determination to forge one’s own path.

Chosen as the ending theme for the anime Hinomaru Sumo, its bright, upbeat melody and powerful message warm the hearts of those striving toward their dreams.

Portraying hope and growth in life through the image of cherry blossoms blooming vigorously toward spring, it’s a beautiful cheer song.

Give it a listen as a warm track that gently nudges you forward when starting a new chapter or taking the first step toward your goals.

Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)
Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

A heartwarming song that fits perfectly with the cherry blossom season has arrived.

Carried by Dai Hirai’s gentle vocals, it weaves together the complex emotions of parting and new beginnings.

Set against the backdrop of March’s scenery, it carefully portrays a blend of loneliness and dignity, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released digitally in February 2022, the track is also included on the best-of album “LOVE+PEACE.” Its piano and strings arrangement makes for a moving listen.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those entering graduation season or anyone standing at a turning point in life.

Recommended for cherry-blossom viewing season! Classic sakura songs & spring songs (81–90)

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46
Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

A fresh, springlike song from Hinatazaka46! Centered on the theme of graduation, it gently sings of feelings for days gone by.

It delicately portrays the bittersweetness of cherry blossom season and unspoken first love.

Released in January 2025 with Nao Kosaka as center, the music video unfolds a fantastical world inspired by a “parade that heralds spring.” It’s a perfect track for graduation season—recommended not only for students but also for anyone who wants to look back on fond memories.

Its heartfelt lyrics and clear, luminous vocals are sure to move you.

Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako

Takako Matsu – When Spring Comes Tomorrow
Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako

A gem of a melody played as if to celebrate the arrival of a new season, carried by the refreshing spring breeze.

Takako Matsu’s clear voice gently wraps nostalgic memories and the hope of reunion.

Feelings for someone devoted to baseball, cherished places shared with a loved one—vivid snapshots of youth are drawn and resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in March 1997 as her debut, it was featured in an NTT commercial and reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts.

Lyrics by Yuji Sakamoto, music and arrangement by Daisuke Hinata, the song is polished and refined.

It’s perfect for a drive under gentle spring sunshine—highly recommended for those starting a new chapter or wishing to look back on precious memories.

When the warm weather lifts your spirits, this song will be there, close to your heart.

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

A celebrated song by Yumi Matsutoya that gently sings of the coming of spring.

Its lyrics beautifully depict the fragile scent of flowers and unforgettable feelings for someone, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in October 1994 as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With sales of approximately 1.164 million copies, it became a million-seller.

Cherished as a school graduation song and even included in textbooks, it’s loved across generations.

It’s perfect for the season when you can feel spring’s arrival, accompanying the start of a new chapter.

Highly recommended for those about to take a new step or for anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

A beautiful, heart-touching ballad that layers the transience of cherry blossoms with the changing course of life.

Naotaro Moriyama’s clear voice, together with the warm melodies woven by piano and strings, gently envelops the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2003, the song became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

It’s a perfect piece to listen to in spring—a season of graduations, farewells, and new beginnings.

Under the cherry blossoms, as you reflect on memories with someone dear, why not take a new step forward with this song?