Timeless Ballads to Enjoy in Spring: From Classics to the Newest Hits, All in One Guide

Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Melancholy Cherry Blossoms

Spring is a turning point when our surroundings change dramatically, often marked by farewells that come with setting off on new journeys.

This song by Atarayo looks back on the memories we’ve built during such a season of transition while pledging to meet again.

Its grand, bittersweet sound—featuring piano tones—leaves a strong impression, conveying a sense of memories and emotions overflowing.

Even as it grapples with the pain of parting, it evokes a resolve to keep moving forward.

Another distinctive element is the spoken lines that appear at the beginning and the end, which seem to carry an especially powerful message.

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kappamaki

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the first strong spring windnishina

nishina – First Spring Storm [Official Video]

A song by Nishina that delicately depicts a poignant spring scene.

The warm tones of the acoustic guitar and a melody line that feels somehow nostalgic sink deep into the heart.

The lyrics, woven with everyday scenery and memories, resonate with each listener’s own experiences and evoke empathy.

Released in March 2023, it was featured as a song for a radiko commercial.

Seeing the lyrics that recall a love which ended without ever being confessed may make many people feel as if their hearts are being gently gripped.

Sakura, flutterSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Sakura, Hirari [Official Visualizer]

The new song by Southern All Stars features a heartwarming melody that evokes the arrival of spring.

With cherry blossoms as its motif, it carries a message of hope and renewal, and it’s truly wonderful.

Released as a lead single from the album “THANK YOU SO MUCH” on January 1, 2025, the track coincided with the first anniversary of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

Keisuke Kuwata’s warm vocals are accompanied by an acoustic guitar that feels like a spring breeze.

It’s a moving song you’ll want to hear during graduation and school entrance season.

I hope elementary school students will listen to it, too.

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

A gem of a ballad by Fujii Kaze, memorable for its heartwarming kindness and melody filled with hope.

With a gentle gaze, it reflects on growth and learning throughout the long journey of life, the meetings and partings with loved ones, and tenderly embraces the figure of someone who, though sometimes troubled and uncertain, keeps moving toward the future.

Released digitally in March 2021 and written as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama “Nijiiro Karte,” this piece is also included on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.” It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone starting a new chapter, anticipating new encounters with both excitement and anxiety, or standing at a crossroads in life.

Fujii Kaze’s soulful voice and the warm resonance of the Wurlitzer will gently give you a push forward.

HarudonariSuda Keina

Keina Suda “Harudonari” MV

Keina Suda, a singer-songwriter who also performs as the Vocaloid producer Balloon.

Released in 2020, Haru-donari is a spring-like track where his emotional vocals unfold over a sound woven from beautiful strings and piano tones.

It portrays a romance thrown off course by the smallest things, and its poetic lyrics, depicting exchanges between lovers, are tear-inducing.

It’s a number packed with the joy of welcoming spring after enduring a cold winter, along with a touch of bittersweetness.

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mutō

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Best friendKiroro

Kiroro 「Best Friend」 Music Video (Short ver.)

Kiroro’s “Best Friend” is also very popular as a graduation song.

Released in 2001, it was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Churasan and as the ending theme for the Japanese version of the Disney film The Good Dinosaur.

The lyrics express gratitude to a best friend who has always been there, through both happy and difficult times.

As you look back on the many memories you share with your best friend, why not give them this song as a present on graduation day?

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SAKI

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C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

A ONE OK ROCK song that sings of hope for the future, themed around friendship and growth.

It’s an uplifting anthem that gives you the courage to take a new step forward while holding dear the precious memories of your youth.

Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011, it was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Summit of the Earth.” Its blend of Japanese and English lyrics is striking and beloved by fans both in Japan and abroad.

It’s the perfect track for those starting a new chapter in spring or parting ways with cherished friends.

This is a song to listen to when you want to face forward and move on, while embracing memories that are treasures engraved in your heart.