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.

Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Sakuzuki'

A single released by Sakurazaka46 in February 2023, themed around youthful farewells and new encounters, with a poignant love depicted through the imagery of cherry blossoms that tugs at the heart.

The delicate feeling of “being unable to tell you how I feel” is entrusted to the falling blossoms, while the protagonist’s resolve to live as beautifully as a full-bloom sakura is expressed through a fleeting yet powerful melody.

In their fifth single, second-generation member Rena Moriya serves as center for the first time, and the members’ expressively nuanced performance is a major draw.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear in the spring season of partings—one that encourages young people heading into new lives, such as through transferring schools or moving on to higher education.

Is spring here yet?Hamada Masatoshi

Is spring here yet?

Produced by Tamio Okuda, this song centers on themes of travel and self-discovery, distinguished by a warm atmosphere that gently embraces the feelings of a solitary traveler.

With delicate lyrics, it portrays a man striving to find his true self within the vastness of the universe.

Released in December 1997, the track was featured as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR Ski Ski,” and became a hit, reaching No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Okuda’s signature simple, comfortable melody beautifully captures the longing for spring’s arrival, making it a song that resonates with those who look forward to a new season or are determined to walk their own path.

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

When you’re feeling sad, you open an album and gaze at the photos, or you spot someone in town but can’t bring yourself to call out… It’s a classic by Yumi Arai filled with the bittersweetness of youth that everyone has felt at least once.

Released in February 1975 as a song provided to Hi-Fi Set, it was later included in Yumi Arai’s own album “COBALT HOUR” in June of the same year.

Since then, it has been used as the theme song for the film “Watch with Me” and in the drama “Sotsu Uta,” resonating across generations.

It’s a heartwarming song that gently stays by your side when you want to bask in nostalgia or when you’ve gone through a farewell with someone dear.

No NameASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

No Name

This is a song whose sentimental lyrics evoke springtime scenery and resonate deeply.

It’s included on ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s 2003 album “Kimi Tsunagi Five M.” Pay attention as well to vocalist Masafumi Goto’s conversational singing style.

The power-chord guitar phrases and lo-fi atmosphere evoke 1990s UK rock.

It’s a perfect track for those experiencing new encounters and farewells as spring arrives.

Why not listen to it while savoring the slow flow of time?

cherry blossomKALMA

KALMA – Sakura (Music Video)

Sakura, released in 2021 by KALMA, a three-piece rock band from Hokkaido.

Set in spring—a season often associated with farewells and graduations—the song portrays scenes that are both bittersweet and warm.

The simple arrangement characteristic of a three-piece band gently warms the heart.

Precisely because it’s a time of parting from close friends or a lover, the driving, energetic sound gives you strength.

It’s a song imbued with a rich message, conveying feelings too hard to put into words through humming.

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mutō

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parabolaOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Parabola [Official Video]

An anthem to cheer on those starting a new life filled with anxiety! This song by Official HIGE DANDism portrays people trying to move straight toward the future, encouraged by memories of the past, even as their new routines keep them busy.

Leaving the town they’re used to for school or work, they may feel overwhelmed with anxiety while unpacking after a move.

But unless they keep moving forward, that uncertainty about the future won’t disappear—if anything, it will only grow.

Listen to “Parabola” and take that bold first step!

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yuri

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