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

Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki

Tohku Tohku

A gemlike ballad by Noriyuki Makihara that gently portrays the feelings of anyone living away from their hometown.

With a warm, tender voice, it envelops the delicate emotions where the struggle in a new place intersects with the desire to remain unchanged.

Included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” the song was released in June 1992.

In later years, it was featured in an NTT East Japan commercial, drawing a strong response.

It was also used in 2007 for the reunion special of the TV program “Marumaru Chibi Maruko-chan.” This classic quietly stays by the side of anyone who wishes to stay connected with their loved ones despite the distance.

The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu

TULIP “Back When Rainbows and Sneakers” (Lyric Video)

It is a classic song that leaves a strong impression with its delicate portrayal of youthful love and transience.

The scene of two people embracing in rain-soaked sweatshirts and the tender sentiment of cherishing a pair of sneakers are depicted with gentle warmth.

The lyrics symbolically express the disconnect between a man and a woman, a sudden farewell, and the immaturity of not yet being able to become an adult, all imbued with the bittersweet ache of youth.

Released in 1979 by Tulip, the song drew attention on TV programs such as The Best Ten and Yoru no Hit Studio, gaining popularity as a piece in which folk and pop are beautifully harmonized.

Kazuo Zaitsu’s warm vocals and the beautiful melody will surely comfort those who wish to heal the pain of heartbreak or look back on their cherished memories.

But you know, sometimesimase

[imase] But you know, sometimes (MV)

This is a song by imase that gently conveys the importance of taking a breather in our busy daily lives.

With a soothing melody and warm vocals, it tenderly embraces the feelings of modern people who are so caught up in hectic days that they don’t even have time to gaze at the sky.

Released in July 2022 and written as the theme song for JT’s corporate ad series “Hitoiki Shūkan” (A Breather Habit), the track was included on the first EP, “POP CUBE,” and sparked conversation.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to spend time facing your own feelings, on the way home after a day of pushing yourself too hard, or whenever you want to calm your mind.

SAKURA DropsUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – SAKURA Drops

A song that beautifully depicts the scenes woven by the four seasons and the transience of life.

Hikaru Utada’s delicate sensibility vividly expresses the pain of heartbreak and the hope of renewal through images of falling cherry blossoms.

Many listeners are captivated by this worldview where ephemerality and strength coexist.

Released in May 2002, it became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “First Love.” The music video, directed by Kazuaki Kiriya, unfolds with dreamlike visual beauty.

A recommended classic for those who have experienced the joys of love and the sorrow of parting, or who are moved by the changing seasons.

Its profound poetic world and beautiful melodic lines leave a lingering resonance that sinks into the heart.

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.

YumemigusaBLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT “Yumemigusa” Music Video [Theme Song for the Film “Blue, Painful, and Brittle”]

A heartwarming song that captures the fragility of youth and the journey of growth—perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

While beautifully depicting the bittersweet scenes of spring, it weaves in reflections on lost time and feelings for someone precious.

The grand band sound intertwined with strings resonates deeply with listeners.

Released by BLUE ENCOUNT in September 2020, the track was created as the theme song for the film ‘Aokute Itakute Moroi’ (Our Blue Moment), based on a novel by Yoru Sumino.

It’s a rearrangement of a song from their indie days, newly adapted to match the film’s worldview.

A true gem that supports those trying to move forward while looking back on the past, it’s highly recommended for spring farewells and new encounters—sure to touch the heart.

far; distant; by farGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Haruka

It’s a classic song depicting the season when cherry blossoms dance in the air.

Released in May 2009, it was used as the theme song for the film “ROOKIES: Graduation.” The track is included on GReeeeN’s third album, “Shio, Kosho,” as well as their best-of album, “Imamade no A-men, B-men desu to!?” This song expresses gratitude toward family and friends and a resolve to set off into a new world.

Through imagery of spring breezes and cherry blossoms, it conveys the anticipation and anxiety of starting a new life, along with the sorrow of parting from loved ones.

It’s a perfect song for those entering a new chapter—graduation, matriculation, or starting a career.

Listening to it in spring makes it resonate even more deeply.