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

SakuraŌhashi Torio

Ohashi Trio / Sakura

Sung by Ohashi Trio, this song delicately weaves the subtleties of the heart, pairing the fragility of cherry blossoms with the themes of parting from a loved one and embarking on a new journey.

The resolve to set out while cherishing someone and wishing for their happiness resonates deeply through the gentle vocals and melody.

Included on the album “plugged,” it was released in March 2013 and was also used as the commercial song for House Wellness Foods’ C1000.

It is a warm, gem-like heartbreak song that comforts those who recall bittersweet memories of love in cherry blossom season or who have experienced a farewell with someone dear.

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 blossomKawamoto Makoto

[MV] Makoto Kawamoto “Sakura”

A heartwarming graduation song by Makoto Kawamoto that gently embraces the bittersweetness of youth and the loneliness of parting.

Its distinctive lyrical world delicately captures the subtleties of tender first love and friendship, highlighted by a buoyant, bouncing piano riff.

Released in April 1998, the song achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.

2 on the Oricon chart and selling over 200,000 copies despite having no tie-in.

In the music video, Kawamoto’s determination stands out as she tackles a scene in which she eats a large array of dishes from morning despite feeling unwell.

Carried by a nostalgic melody that brings back memories of graduation ceremonies, this captivating track is one you’ll want to hear if your heart is wavering on the cusp of a new beginning.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A fresh, springlike song from Hinatazaka46! Centered on the theme of graduation, it gently sings of feelings for days gone by.

It delicately portrays the bittersweetness of cherry blossom season and unspoken first love.

Released in January 2025 with Nao Kosaka as center, the music video unfolds a fantastical world inspired by a “parade that heralds spring.” It’s a perfect track for graduation season—recommended not only for students but also for anyone who wants to look back on fond memories.

Its heartfelt lyrics and clear, luminous vocals are sure to move you.

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?