Emotional songs to listen to in spring: a collection of masterpieces that suit the season of meetings and farewells.

Season of BeginningsMakihara Noriyuki × Hanaregumi

Season of Beginnings

A duet by Noriyuki Makihara and Hanaregumi that beautifully captures the conflicting emotions of spring—anticipation and unease, fluttering excitement and impermanence.

Released digitally on April 30, 2025, it received an exclusive early airplay on FM COCOLO starting April 1 of the same year.

With their rich vocals blending seamlessly, the song is a gem that seems to sonically paint the very scenes of spring.

Makihara’s melody and lyrics, paired with Hirokazu Ogura’s gently expressive guitar arrangement, are exquisite.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when early spring leaves you unsettled, or when nostalgia and hope set your heart trembling.

I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48

[MV full] Let's Become a Cherry Tree / AKB48 [Official]

A gentle medium-tempo ballad by AKB48 that portrays the beauty of spring and memories of graduation.

As it likens eternal love watching over those who set out on a new journey to a cherry tree, it warmly sings of the courage and hope to take the first step forward.

Depicting the touching image of young people heading toward a bright future while carrying their anxieties, this work was released in February 2011.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “A Letter from the Cherry Blossoms” and also gained attention as a CM song for UHA Mikakuto.

With a message perfect for graduation season and a gentle melody line that evokes the arrival of spring, it will wrap you in the desire to revel in cherished memories.

Cherry blossom seasonConton Candy

Conton Candy – Around the Time of Sakura [Official Video]

A single released by Conton Candy in March 2023 that portrays a love striving to shine with all its might before the cherry blossoms fall.

It weaves the joy of love carried by the warm spring breeze—and the feelings that fade away—into a beautifully wistful melody.

Its worldview overlays the fleeting passage of the seasons with a love etched into memory, vividly evoking a page of youth that everyone experiences.

The track is also included on the album “melt pop,” where vocalist Tsumugi’s clear, translucent voice blends perfectly with meticulously crafted rock sounds.

A heartwarming youth anthem for the young experiencing new spring meetings and farewells, and for anyone who carries unforgettable memories in their heart.

deep redMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Deep Crimson (Official Music Video)

This is a signature song by My Hair is Bad that vividly depicts the ache of heartbreak and self-loathing.

Within its emotional rock sound, it finely portrays raw human feelings and actions, as well as the complexities of romantic relationships.

The album “Hitomebore e.p.” brilliantly expresses a dual-sided relationship—physical intimacy and emotional walls, affection and control, dependence and independence.

Since its release in July 2015, it has become a staple at live shows, generating a strong sense of unity with the audience.

In April 2022, the band performed it on Music Station, drawing renewed attention for their expressive power.

This song, which pairs imagery evocative of spring with the heart of someone trying to move forward while carrying deep loss and self-loathing, offers a sense of closeness and comfort.

CHE.R.RYYUI

YUI　『CHE.R.RY-short ver.-』

This song, which could be considered one of YUI’s signature tracks, refreshingly portrays the spark of romance that begins with a cellphone’s vibration.

The lyrics vividly and honestly express the budding feelings that grow through exchanging emails and the pure, irresistible urge to reply.

Paired with a light, acoustic guitar-driven sound, it creates an atmosphere that evokes the arrival of spring.

Released in March 2007, the track is included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE,” and was also featured in commercials for KDDI and Okinawa Cellular’s “LISMO!” service.

In addition, it was used as the ending theme for the anime “ReLIFE: Final Arc.” It’s a recommended listen for anyone who wants to recall the sweet beginnings of love or savor the feeling of spring.

Cherry Blossom Timeaiko

aiko - “Sakura no Toki” music video

A signature song by aiko that portrays budding feelings of love with the arrival of spring.

Using cherry blossoms as a motif, it expresses affection nurtured over time from the past into the future.

The lyrics capture delicate emotions—such as the sense of being saved by meeting “you” and a tenderness that words can’t fully convey—making it a piece that resonates with many listeners.

Released in February 2000, it was also featured in a Calpis Water commercial.

A heartwarming song you’ll want to hear when spring comes.

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

This song is marked by a melody and lyrics that gently envelop the warm memories of friendship.

Included on bokula.’s mini-album “Living by Your Side.” released in May 2022, it conveys the universally shared experiences of parting from friends and reminiscing, all in a heartwarming mood.

The melody is refreshing yet emotionally rich, resonating deeply with listeners.

Heard in spring—the season of graduations and farewells—it brings an even keener sense of the preciousness of days gone by.

With a comfortable sound that fuses pop and rock, the melodic lines carefully portray the value of each fleeting moment spent with friends and the enduring strength of bonds that never change.

It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced farewells with loved ones or who want to reaffirm the beauty of friendship.