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

windNEW!Kobukuro

Kobukuro “Kaze”

Kobukuro’s fourth single, released in February 2002.

With the hint of spring felt through a light shirt, it portrays the bittersweet emotions of recalling a former lover.

It’s a ballad that conveys a universal strength in facing the pain of parting and growing through it.

In addition to being beloved as the theme song for Fuji TV’s variety show “Uchi Kuru!?,” its strong storytelling was recognized through a drama adaptation starring Miho Kanno.

Give it a listen when you want to heal the wounds of a broken heart with the arrival of spring and take a new step forward.

Sakura Rain, SomedayNEW!Matsu Takako

Sakurano Ame, Itsuka

Many of you probably remember it as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Omiai Kekkon.” It’s a single released in February 2000 by Takako Matsu, who has also firmly established herself as an actress.

The lyrics were written by Matsu herself, with composition by renowned producer Satoshi Takebe.

A delicate, piano-centered arrangement intertwines with her crystal-clear vocals, evoking a quiet, spring-rain-like poignancy.

The lyrics are tinged with the bittersweet regret of not having been able to do anything for someone precious.

When you’re carrying the pain of parting yet want to surrender your heart to the gently falling rain, give it a listen.

Sakura GirlNEW!NEWS

NEWS – Sakura Girl [Official Music Video]

A bittersweet yet beautiful love song by NEWS that you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring.

Released as a single in March 2010, it exquisitely intertwines delicate piano melodies with a driving beat.

Layered over the image of falling cherry blossoms are the end of a romance and the indelible memories left in the heart.

The phrase repeated in the chorus vividly evokes scenes of parting in the listener’s mind.

Upon release, it topped the Oricon Weekly Chart and earned Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan, marking solid achievements.

In this season where meetings and farewells intersect, this song will gently nudge you forward as you take a new step.

Spring LoverNEW!≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 1st album track 'Spring Lover' [MV full]

When spring’s warmth beckons and you feel like falling in love, I recommend this song! Produced by Rino Sashihara, the idol group ≠ME included this track on their album “Springtime In You,” released in March 2024.

Its melody line, reminiscent of ’80s and ’90s pop, has a gently nostalgic warmth.

Centered on Moeko Kanisawa, the unit members deliver an emotive performance that captures the bittersweet feelings of love woven into everyday scenes—like meeting on a station platform.

Even among the masterpieces on this album, which debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking, this is a pop number that especially evokes a pleasant spring breeze.

Why not listen to it on your commute, gazing out at the passing scenery from the train?

The season of farewellNEW!SHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

SHISHAMO is beloved by a wide range of generations for their down-to-earth lyrics that capture everyday life.

This song is about a bittersweet unrequited love, where all you can do at graduation is follow your senior with your eyes.

It was included on the album “SHISHAMO 2,” released in March 2015.

A crush where you’re never even in the same class, only watching from afar.

After graduation, you won’t be able to see them anymore, but you can feel the aching wish to at least not be forgotten.

It’s a song I especially want you—an elementary school student holding back words you couldn’t say and parting from someone important—to listen to.

A happy promise.riria.

riria. / A Happy Promise [Music Video]

A story of love and promise spun by Riria’s singing voice.

Its heartwarming melodies and relatable lyrics leave a strong impression.

Chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime “My Happy Marriage,” this song also opens the album “Kiseki.” It portrays the complex emotions of someone in love—finding joy in discovering one’s true self, while feeling anxious about happiness.

You can listen to it while thinking of an unrequited love, or share it with someone special.

Through this song, you might find the courage to face your own feelings.

Your third buttonNEW!＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 16th single B-side “Your Third Button” [MV full]

When it’s graduation season, the sight of cherry blossoms brings back bittersweet memories, doesn’t it? At times like these, I find myself wanting to listen to songs by the idol group =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara.

They delicately portray that uniquely youthful, complex feeling of choosing to swallow the words “I like you” precisely because you want to remain friends.

Kiara Saito, who takes center position, delivers a fresh, expressive vocal that seems to gently embrace those unspoken feelings of love.

This track is included as a B-side to the single “Norotte Norotte,” released in March 2024.

It’s a warm song that quietly stays by the side of anyone facing graduation without the courage to confess, or those taking a new step forward while holding their precious memories close.