Recommended and popular classic rock songs to listen to in spring

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

When you think of spring, what comes to mind?

Cherry blossoms, a season of meetings and farewells, a new life—there are many images, aren’t there?

And the emotions you feel in each of those moments can vary widely, too.

In this article, I’ll be introducing songs that are perfect for spring, with a focus on Japanese rock.

I’ve picked out many tracks that really resonate with the feelings you experience in spring.

Alongside timeless classics that have been loved for years, there are also songs by up-and-coming bands worth paying attention to in recent years, so please take your time and give them a listen.

Rock classics to listen to in spring: recommended popular songs (101–110)

CHERRYBLOSSOM10-FEET

CHERRY BLOSSOM

CHERRYBLOSSOM10-FEET

10-FEET is a three-piece rock band that has hosted the large-scale Kyoto festival “Kyoto Daisakusen” since 2007 and has gained popularity for a sound that embraces a wide range of genres.

CHERRY BLOSSOM, included on their first album springman, kicks off with the chorus—an arrangement that instantly cranks up the energy.

Its straightforward message, delivered over a loud, high-velocity ensemble, is quintessentially them.

With its rapidly shifting structure that becomes addictive, it’s a rock tune you’ll want to listen to in spring.

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Hoshino Takashi

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peace signYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

peace signYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu has firmly established his popularity both as a Vocaloid producer and as a singer-songwriter, taking the J-pop scene by storm.

His seventh single, “Peace Sign,” used as the opening theme for the TV anime My Hero Academia, features a high-velocity rock ensemble that really gets your adrenaline pumping.

Its message—keep moving forward no matter what awaits in the future—feels especially rousing in spring, a season of new beginnings.

It’s a rock tune whose cool melody gives you a push on the back, lifting your spirits and putting you in a positive frame of mind just by listening.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Bouquet of FarewellFujimaki Ryota

Bouquet of Farewell

Bouquet of FarewellFujimaki Ryota

Ryota Fujimaki, the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Remioromen.

His song “Sayonara Hanataba” is a rock tune you’ll want to hear during springtime farewells.

It’s a motivational song that blows away the sadness of parting that comes with spring.

The crisp guitar arpeggios, bouncy drums, and soaring high-tone vocals perfectly match the positive vibe of the season.

While programmed sounds are trending these days, this track lets you fully enjoy the groovy feel of live instruments—so if you love rock, be sure to check it out!

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Waiting for springWANIMA

Haruwo Matte

Waiting for springWANIMA

With its crisp, refreshing guitar sound, “Waiting for Spring” shines.

In response to parts of their nationwide tour being canceled, WANIMA—the vitamin boost of the punk rock world—has urgently released this previously unissued track.

Comparing people enduring “uncertainty about the future” to “flower buds waiting for spring,” the song encourages everyone to overcome this hardship together.

Their kindness and burning passion come through in the tones, the lyrics, and the vocals.

When you feel close to breaking, listening to it will surely offer gentle encouragement.

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Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku – Before the Cherry Blossoms Bloom

Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku

In 2017, Kinoko Teikoku released “Before the Cherry Blossoms Bloom” as their debut single.

It’s a poignant song about parting ways—leaving a familiar place before spring arrives.

If you listen while thinking of a close friend or a lover, countless shared memories will resurface, and your heart will ache.

The cut-out ending of the track also seems to express the feeling of severing emotions, which is quite heartrending.

Overall, the sound is calm and subdued, so I recommend listening alone at night.

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In conclusion

I put together and introduced Japanese rock songs perfect for spring.

There were plenty of classic spring rock tracks, including recent standout songs from up-and-coming bands.

From tunes that capture spring’s freshness to those themed around meetings and farewells, there were lots you’ll want to hear this season.

If you’re a rock fan, don’t just stick to timeless hits that resonate across generations—be sure to check out tracks by younger bands too!