Cherry blossom songs recommended for elementary school students: A roundup of classic tracks to enjoy in spring

cherry blossomKawamoto Makoto

[MV] Makoto Kawamoto “Sakura”

Makoto Kawamoto gently sings this classic, whose tender spring light and calm melody seep into the heart.

At the life milestone of graduation, it delicately portrays a schoolgirl’s complex feelings as she faces parting with friends, along with her uncertainty and hope for the future.

Accompanied by a melodious piano, it beautifully captures the fresh emotions of youth.

Released in April 1998, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart and sold over 200,000 copies, despite having no tie-in at the time.

It’s a perfect track for a drive with the windows down in the soft spring sunshine.

Listen to it as you cruise through rows of cherry blossoms, and anyone will find it overlapping with their own memories.

10-year cherry blossomsAKB48

[MV full] 10nen Zakura / AKB48 [Official]

This song, “10nen Zakura,” is a timeless cherry blossom anthem created by the golden duo of Yasushi Akimoto (lyrics) and Yoshimasa Inoue (music).

The centers were Atsuko Maeda and Jurina Matsui, who was still a middle schooler at the time.

Their dual-center performance, each dancing with fierce determination, was incredibly cool.

Didn’t the intro make you think, “Huh?” That’s right—it actually incorporates an arrangement of Aogeba Tōtoshi.

The lyrics, which say, “We may part ways for now, but we promise we’ll definitely meet again,” are also wonderful.

It’s a highly recommended track for elementary school students who are about to embark on their youth!

I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48

[MV full] Let's Become a Cherry Tree / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s “sakura songs” are so good, aren’t they? Here’s one track I really want even kids who don’t usually listen to idol music to hear! The center for this song, “Sakura no Ki ni Narō” (“Let’s Become a Cherry Tree”), was Atsuko Maeda.

With gentle words, it expresses the feelings of spring, when we tend to feel uneasy: “Even if we grow up and everyone goes their separate ways, the cherry tree will always be standing here.” It’s a perfect song for class farewell parties and similar occasions.

Another masterpiece is “Sakura no Hanabiratachi” (“Cherry Blossom Petals”)—be sure to check it out!

cherry blossomFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Sakura”

Elementary school students might not know this, but FUNKY MONKEY BABYS actually used to be a three-member group.

They once disbanded when DJ Chemical, the DJ of the group, left to become a Buddhist temple priest.

Then in 2021, they made a sensational comeback as a duo.

Sakura is a classic from their three-member era, and its quiet piano intro is truly memorable.

The lyrics can be taken as either romantic feelings or the bond between men—what do you think? It also made headlines because comedian Tokui from the duo Tutorial was featured on the cover.

It’s a truly great cherry blossom song that I want every elementary school student to hear now!

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

This song delicately portrays the transience of youth and the emotions of adolescence.

It’s said that Motoki Omori, the vocalist of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, wrote it the day after his high school graduation ceremony.

It’s a perfect track to listen to during graduation season.

The song was tied in as the theme for Suntory’s “Craft Boss” commercial and became widely loved.

In March 2024, it surpassed 100 million cumulative streams on the Billboard JAPAN charts.

Why not give it a listen this spring, a season that evokes farewells and growth? Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to color your memories.