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

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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It’s okayMarushii

Marsi – It's Okay (Official Music Video)

An uplifting song by Marcy distinguished by its refreshing guitar sound and a melody that resonates deep in the heart.

Delivered with warm vocals, its positive message gently encourages anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Imbued with the resolve to cherish your true self and move forward step by step, the track was released digitally in March 2023.

With exhilarating, fast-paced sounds, it drew attention as a motivational song written specifically for Pocari Sweat’s web movie “Our Now.” It’s a perfect song for you who are about to take a new step under the cheerful spring skies.

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

Sakura, Bloom!

This is a masterpiece in which gem-like messages that seep into the heart on a gentle spring breeze are expressed through Arashi’s magnificent vocals and harmonies.

Through the beauty and transience of cherry blossoms, it gently sings of life’s changes and renewal, and hope for the future.

Filled with feelings that resonate with the arrival of spring—moving forward as if guided by the wind, understanding that deepens over time, and challenges toward a new self—it was released in February 2015 and chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Ouroboros: This Love Is, Indeed, Justice.” It is also included on the album “Japonism,” and you can see it performed in the live video work “ARASHI BLAST in Miyagi.” With a refreshing vibe perfect for a spring drive and lyrics that give you the courage to move forward, it’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend for the start of a new season.

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.