[For Elementary School Students] Feel the Spring Vibes with Songs! A Collection of Classic Spring Tunes You'll Want to Sing

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

A moving ballad by Ikimono-gakari, known as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high division.

The lyrics convey that parting isn’t something sad but an important first step toward the future, gently supporting the hearts of elementary school students facing graduation or moving up a grade.

Included on their 15th single “YELL/Joyful,” released in September 2009, the song became the group’s first to reach No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

You can feel its message of heading toward tomorrow as yourself, even while feeling anxiety and loneliness.

Listen to it when you’re reluctant to say goodbye to friends yet want the courage to fly into a new world—you’re sure to receive a warm cheer.

March of the PetalsAimer

Aimer “March of the Petals” Starring: Mirei Sasaki (Hinatazaka46) (5th albums “Sun Dance” and “Penny Rain” released on 2019/04/10)

A heartwarming song that portrays springtime farewells and new beginnings.

Parting from close friends is lonely, but the gentle melody resonates in your heart, giving you the courage to move forward on your own path.

It was included on the single “I beg you/Hanabiratachi no March/Sailing,” released in January 2019, and later featured on the album “Sun Dance.” The music video stars Mirei Sasaki from Hinatazaka46, and its depiction of youthful scenes is especially memorable.

It’s perfect for listening to on your commute as you head to a new class or school, basking in the spring air.

Even those little anxieties can turn into excitement when accompanied by Aimer’s voice.

Spring of LifePerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume「Spring of Life」

When you feel the gentle warmth of spring, don’t you just feel like dancing? Perfume’s hit song “Spring of Life” is perfect for that buoyant mood.

With its sparkling electronic sounds and bouncy rhythm, just listening to it makes your heart dance and makes you want to start a new romance.

Released as a single in April 2012, it drew major attention as their first work after changing record labels.

It was also featured in a Kirin Chu-Hi Hyoketsu commercial, so many of you might have heard it before.

The chorus dance is irresistibly cute and makes you want to copy it! If you’re nervous in a new class or need a boost of energy, listening to it will surely lift your spirits!

cherry blossomKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Sakura”

Ketsumeishi is a popular group known for their approachable music that incorporates hip-hop and reggae.

The single they released in February 2005 has long been cherished as the definitive “sakura song.” Carried by a beautiful melody, it sings of memories of a precious person that come to mind in the season when cherry blossoms dance.

It depicts joyful days, unchanging scenery, and the loneliness of someone no longer by your side.

The bittersweet yet warm rap and vocals truly touch the heart.

In 2021, a new music video was created with a different cast, showing how the song continues to be passed down across generations.

It’s a classic I’d love elementary school students to hear, especially those feeling springtime farewells and new encounters.

cherry blossoms at nightSEKAI NO OWARI

Yozakura

A perfect ballad for spending a spring night in quiet.

It’s a song by the band SEKAI NO OWARI, known for hits like “RPG” and “Habit,” included on the album Eye released in February 2019.

Although it wasn’t released as a single, it’s a hidden gem cherished by fans.

The poignant sound of the acoustic guitar feels like a scene from a movie.

The worldview of the lyrics, longing for someone you can’t meet, slowly resonates in your heart.

While lively cherry blossoms in the daytime are lovely, this is also recommended to listen to alongside cherry blossoms in the stillness of night.

It’s a great pick when you want to sink into a slightly more mature mood, and is recommended for upper-grade students as well.

Letter ~Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

A moving masterpiece ballad by Angela Aki, told through the unique concept of a letter written to her future self.

Released as a single in September 2008, it was also selected as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the NHK National School Music Competition.

Its beautiful, piano-centered singer-songwriter style is featured on the album ANSWER as well.

The dialogue between her troubled 15-year-old self and her gentle, watchful adult self quietly gives listeners a helpful push forward.

Many people may have heard it as it was used on NHK’s Minna no Uta and as the theme song for the film Have a Song on Your Lips.

It’s a perfect song to sing with hope during the spring season of graduations and moving up to the next grade.

spring stormmakaroni enpitsu

spring storm

Do you ever feel oddly unsettled, even when the weather is warm and springlike? When you’re in that mood, I want you to listen to “Haru no Arashi” from Macaroni Empitsu’s classic album CHOSYOKU.

The band’s sound layered with beautiful strings shakes the heart like a strong spring wind.

Give it a listen when you feel the loneliness of parting from friends due to graduation or changing classes, or when you want to face your own feelings.

Its powerful melody, which seems to wrap up your anxieties and doubts, is sure to gently give you a push forward.