[2026] Recommended Japanese songs for a spring drive: A roundup of perfect tracks for outings

YOAKENiziU

NiziU(니쥬) 「YOAKE」 M/V

A gem of a pop number that expresses hope and growth for the future through the symbol of dawn.

Released to the world in February 2025 as a track on the album “AWAKE,” this song showcases a new side of NiziU.

Its gently nostalgic melody and refreshing sound blend beautifully, wrapping the listener in a warm atmosphere that hints at the arrival of spring.

Like the light streaming in when you open the window on a calm spring morning, the tender, soul-soothing vocals and uplifting message leave a lasting impression.

Perfect for a spring drive, your morning commute to work or school, or any moment you want a fresh start—this is a song that will gently give you a push forward.

Spring Comes to UsUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Spring Has Come, We” Short ver.

The 14th single by the three-piece rock band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, which was used as the opening theme for the TV anime March Comes in Like a Lion.

As the title suggests, it’s a spring-themed song, and its refreshing melody and driving, uptempo feel are sure to elevate any springtime road trip.

While the composition is characteristically UNISON SQUARE GARDEN—complex with repeated key changes—it still manages to be catchy, showcasing the band’s high level of musicianship in a truly compelling number.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

A heartwarming coming-of-age story by Mafumafu that vividly captures the emotion of spring as cherry blossoms dance in the air.

The song’s structure is striking, beginning with gentle piano melodies and unfolding into an exhilarating, fast-paced rhythm.

It delicately weaves universal themes of school-day memories, friendship, and farewells, highlighted by a warm vocal delivery that feels close to the listener’s heart.

Included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” released in October 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the website Shonen Janmaga Gakuen.

It’s a track to listen to when you want to feel the tender memories of student days, the arrival of spring, or when you’re going through a parting from someone important.

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

A song by the rock band CreepHyp, formed around Seikakan Ozaki.

It was created as the campaign track for the dream project “FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS!” by FM802 and TSUTAYA, and also drew attention when Disco Hoshino of the comedy duo Paar coverd it.

With lyrical lyrics that make you revisit spring—the season of new beginnings and farewells—and a driving, exhilarating sound that cuts right through that sentiment, it’s a track that sticks in your ears and is perfect for a springtime drive.

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Hoshino Takashi

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cherrysupittsu

Spitz / Cherry

Spitz are a four-piece rock band known for their unforgettable, once-heard-never-forgotten high-tone vocals.

Their 13th single, “Cherry,” became a million seller despite having no commercial tie-in, cementing Spitz’s popularity as a massive hit.

Its buoyant, floating melody over a brisk shuffle beat perfectly channels the feeling of spring and makes any drive more exciting.

Since its release, it has been covered by numerous musicians and stands as a quintessential pop tune of the 1990s J-pop scene.

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Hoshino Takashi

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cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Naotaro Moriyama, who is also active as an actor.

I can’t count how many times I cried because of Mr.

Todo, the character he played in the recent NHK morning drama series “Yell.” The scene where he confidently sings “Song of the Burma Expeditionary Force” was breathtakingly moving.

Speaking of Naotaro Moriyama’s signature songs, it has to be “Sakura,” doesn’t it? The music video where he sings the entire song accompanied only by Nobuo Kurata’s piano is nothing short of overwhelming.

It makes you think he’s not just an artist, but a true vocalist—a real singer.

Watching cherry blossoms slowly fall while driving leisurely along the coastline, and then “Sakura” comes on—at that point, you don’t need anything else.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

A quintessential song by Masaharu Fukuyama, the kind of “man’s man” who wins men over, too.

From hooky, rock-tinged tracks to tender ballads about human affection, and even instrumental pieces like “vs.

~The Spiral of Perception and Pleasure~,” Fukuyama’s range is truly remarkable.

When Sakura-zaka became a hit, it caused such a stir that everyone kept asking, “Where is this slope, anyway?”—it never lacks for topics of conversation.

The lyrics, with their vibe of “the cherry-blossom slope that remains beautifully in my memories, and the feelings of a past love that are unchanged even now,” are simply perfect.

It makes me want to take a slow drive in a convertible down a quiet country road while listening to this song.