[Spring Love Songs] Recommended Classics and Popular Love Songs to Listen to During Cherry Blossom Season

Beautiful SpringKayama Yūzō

Beautiful Spring

A fresh, vivid song that conjures up scenes of sweet, gentle romance.

Depicting a love that sprouted with the arrival of spring, this piece is warmed by Yuzo Kayama’s soft vocals.

Released in April 1968, it was included on the album “Kimi no Tame ni” alongside tracks such as “Kimi to Itsumademo.” Beloved by many as a song that symbolizes the refreshing youth culture of its time, it’s a gem you’ll want to listen to when spring comes around.

It’s a work I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to feel the changing seasons and the beginning of love.

Spring sceneryMinamino Yoko

Harugeishiki by Yoko Minamino

This gem of a love song by Yoko Minamino portrays the bittersweet feelings of a young woman entering university and her boyfriend who has become a ronin student after failing his entrance exams, set in the spring of graduation.

Initially included on the April 1986 album “Gelato” and later featured as the B-side of “Kanashimi Monument” in July of the same year, the song delicately captures the subtleties of youth against the backdrop of Kobe.

Amid warm sunlight and fluttering cherry blossoms, the couple’s confusion about their changing circumstances resonates with a nostalgic melody.

Celebrated as a classic idol song, it continues to be loved as a piece that stays close to the heart at life’s milestones—love, parting, and setting out on new journeys.

Cherry blossomMatsuda Seiko

"Cherry Blossom 2021" from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2023 “Parade”

It is a classic song with a refreshing melody that evokes the arrival of spring and heartwarming lyrics portraying the beginning of a new romance.

Seiko Matsuda’s poised vocals beautifully express the feelings of a protagonist taking a brave first step.

The sense of anticipation for the future beneath a blue sky, and the joy of being in love, resonate deeply alongside her clear, transparent voice.

Released in January 1981, this piece was born from producer Muneo Wakamatsu’s challenge to explore new music.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was also included on the album “Silhouette.” Loved for many years by countless listeners as a song to enjoy in spring—especially during cherry blossom season—it’s a lively, hopeful track that cheers on the start of a new chapter, and is highly recommended when you want to make a fresh start.

My heart is stop-motionKuwae Tomoko

Spring Song ① My Heart is Stop Motion / Tomoko Kuwae

A heartfelt work by Tomoko Kuwae that gently envelops the thrill of unexpected encounters and new love.

Its light, refreshing melody beautifully captures the budding feelings that arrive with spring.

The way a heart, after a long winter, gradually unravels in the warm sunlight is especially memorable.

Released in January 1979, it reached No.

12 on the Oricon weekly chart and was also used in a commercial for Pola’s Vario cosmetics.

In the same year, it earned the Best New Artist Award at the 21st Japan Record Awards and was included on her debut album, Born Free.

A perfect song for anyone feeling the stirrings of romance or eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring.

Azusa No. 2karyūdō

Azusa Nigo (2015 Remaster)

This is a classic song from 1977 that portrays love and parting in the city, heralding the arrival of spring.

It vividly conveys the protagonist’s state of mind as they, exhausted by urban life, decide to set off on a journey.

The Hunters’ striking harmonies blend beautifully with the powerful yet wistful melody composed by Shunichi Tokura and the delicate lyrics by Machiko Ryu.

After its release in March 1977, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon weekly chart and No.

15 on the year-end chart.

It also won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards that same year, and has continued to be cherished as one of The Hunters’ signature songs.

It resonates deeply with those taking a new step forward or parting from someone dear.

Why not listen to it on a morning train, accompanied by the gentle scenery of spring?

To my distant loverSaijō Hideki

Hideki Saijo — To a Distant Lover

A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad by Hideki Saijo that poignantly sings of his feelings for the lover he left behind in his hometown after moving to the city.

Released in November 1978, the song reached No.

8 on the Oricon chart.

With a powerful voice, it gently embraces the yearning for a dear one far away and the hope for the arrival of spring.

The strong will to reunite with his lover after a long winter resonates with a beautiful melody, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

This work stands as a classic that conveys the preciousness of love that remains unchanged despite distance, offering comfort to everyone living apart from their loved ones.

Song of Seeing Spring OffNoguchi Goro

Soushunkyoku

A poignant ballad that delicately portrays the moment spring slips away.

Goro Noguchi’s soaring vocals beautifully capture the bittersweetness of youth and the resolve to set out on a new journey.

Released in December 1978, the song reached No.

14 on the Oricon chart and No.

8 on The Best Ten, and it ranked 46th on the 1979 year-end chart.

Created by the duo of Yū Aku and Kyōhei Tsutsumi, it tells a story of a man and a woman set on a rainy spring day.

With Noguchi’s tender, empathetic singing, this track deeply moves listeners with its portrayal of a heartrending relationship.