Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells

Sakura, flutterSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Sakura, Hirari [Official Visualizer]

Southern All Stars’ new song is themed around cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring’s arrival.

Set to a breezy sound that evokes the gentle spring wind, it layers hope onto the fragile yet beautiful sakura blossoms.

Released as a digital-only lead single from the album “THANK YOU SO MUCH” on January 1, 2025, the track was announced on the first anniversary of the Noto Peninsula earthquake, a timing believed to reflect sentiments for the disaster-affected areas.

With a finish that conveys the seasonality of spring and the sensibility of Japan, it’s recommended for anyone who wants to feel the arrival of a new season.

First loveNEW!Murashita Kōzō

First Love (Album Version)

When the warmth of spring beckons and a melody you can’t help but hum comes to mind, it’s Kozo Murashita’s masterpiece that inevitably surfaces.

The lyrics, which conjure up images of after-school playgrounds and twilight scenes, awaken faint memories of distant days.

Released in February 1983 as his fifth single, it was also included on the album “Hatsukoi — Asaki Yume Mishi —.” It became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon charts, and has been covered by many artists across generations and featured in commercials.

With a tenderness that gently accompanies its wistfulness, this song is perfect for the walk home after a class reunion or a leisurely stroll beneath the cherry blossoms.

The moment the intro begins, it has a mysterious power to transport you back to who you once were.

Cherry blossomMatsuda Seiko

"Cherry Blossom 2021" from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2023 “Parade”

It is a classic song with a refreshing melody that evokes the arrival of spring and heartwarming lyrics portraying the beginning of a new romance.

Seiko Matsuda’s poised vocals beautifully express the feelings of a protagonist taking a brave first step.

The sense of anticipation for the future beneath a blue sky, and the joy of being in love, resonate deeply alongside her clear, transparent voice.

Released in January 1981, this piece was born from producer Muneo Wakamatsu’s challenge to explore new music.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was also included on the album “Silhouette.” Loved for many years by countless listeners as a song to enjoy in spring—especially during cherry blossom season—it’s a lively, hopeful track that cheers on the start of a new chapter, and is highly recommended when you want to make a fresh start.

Graduationsaitou yuki

Graduation

A poignant classic that symbolizes the end of youth.

Released in 1985 as Yuki Saito’s debut single, it continues to be loved by many to this day.

Her clear, pure vocals pair beautifully with lyrics that depict student life, resonating deeply with listeners.

The melody gently embraces universal feelings— the loneliness of graduation, the anxiety of taking a new step, and farewells to friends.

For older listeners, it may also evoke fond memories.

It might be nice to listen to it with someone important and look back on life’s milestones together.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

A classic song that overlays happy memories and the poignancy of parting with cherry blossom petals.

Released in March 2003, it stands as one of Naotaro Moriyama’s signature works.

It was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts in its ninth week.

He also made his first appearance on the 2003 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Carried by gentle piano tones, Moriyama’s clear, pure voice resonates deeply in the heart.

It’s a song that will surely speak to anyone who has felt the arrival of spring while going through a farewell with someone dear.

Why not listen quietly by the window on a calm afternoon?

Lingering Snowkaguya hime

Kaguyahime – Nagori Yuki (Official Audio)

A classic song that beautifully depicts a winter farewell.

The words woven by Masakazu Ise, a member of Kaguyahime, resonate deeply in the heart.

You can picture a man and woman lingering on a station platform, reluctant to part, their unspoken feelings piling up like falling snow.

Released in March 1974, it became a major hit with Iruka’s cover, selling a total of 800,000 copies.

It’s cherished as a graduation song and continues to be loved as a piece that accompanies many moments of parting.

For older listeners too, it’s surely a memorable song.

It gently stays close to the hearts of those who have experienced farewells with someone dear.

MY GRADUATIONChekkāzu

MY GRADUATION

A gemlike ballad that richly portrays the milestone of graduation.

Set to a gentle melody, it tenderly depicts scenes like exchanging buttons on school uniforms and walking together to the station.

Looking back on memories from ages 16 to 18, it masterfully conveys both the sweetness of young love and the poignancy of parting.

Included on The Checkers’ album “GO” and released in 1987, it was the group’s first self-produced work, with lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music by Susumu Takeuchi.

Deeply rooted in Japan’s music scene as a staple to hear during graduation season, this song is wholeheartedly recommended for anyone who cherishes memories of their youth.