Classic songs about the four seasons—recommended popular tracks.

to clear up (weather)Yorushika

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Non-Credit Opening (Cour 2) / Opening Theme: Yorushika — Haru

It’s a track that evokes a refreshing feeling, as if heralding the arrival of spring.

Released for streaming in January 2024, it was also chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

Showcasing Yorushika’s delicate musical sensibilities to the fullest, the song is wrapped in a breezy atmosphere that conjures images of fresh greenery and a pleasant spring wind.

Suis’s translucent vocals and n-buna’s literary lyrics blend beautifully to deliver a message that resonates deeply.

It’s a piece that gently embraces the emotions of those who carry hope at the start of a new season.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience, through music, the yearning for a new world that comes with the arrival of spring.

osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)natori

Natori – Fragrant Olive

Have you ever felt a sudden sense of nostalgia from the sweet scent carried on the autumn breeze? This piece by singer-songwriter Natori perfectly complements that seasonal scene.

Released as a single in August 2023, it’s also included on the album “Gekijou” (Theater).

It originally drew attention as a demo on social media, eventually leading to its much-anticipated official release.

The brisk, jazzy arrangement intertwines exquisitely with Natori’s languid, whispery vocals, creating a pleasant groove that grows with every listen.

It’s an ideal track for those long, slightly chilly autumn nights—perfect for relaxing at home or for a drive while feeling the night air.

snowlight&TEAM

&TEAM ‘Yukiakari’ Special Video for LUNÉ

&TEAM, a global group under HYBE LABELS JAPAN active on the world stage.

This track, included on their 2nd album “Yukiakari,” released in December 2024, is a number that evokes hope like a light shining on a winter night.

As the finale to a story depicted through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, it expresses the strength of a bond that moves forward with trust in each other, even amid harsh cold.

Symbolic of the album that topped the Oricon Daily Chart on its release day, the song captivates with its beautiful choral work and the warm sound crafted by Soma Genda and others.

Why not give it a listen when you’re feeling uncertain or on a night when you want to feel the bond with your treasured friends? The light kindled in your heart will surely give you the courage to move forward.

cherry blossomKetsumeishi

Sakura – Ketsumeishi (Full)

The song itself was, of course, great, but the music video really became a hot topic.

The MV is set up like a drama and features Emi Suzuki and Naoto Hagiwara.

Suzuki looked truly neat and innocent—so adorable, right? It became Ketsumeishi’s biggest hit, fully capturing the feeling of spring.

Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Winter Begins” (Music Video) [4th Single] (1991) / Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo

This is Noriyuki Makihara’s 74th single, and it was used as the commercial song for Sapporo Beer’s “Fuyu Monogatari” that was on sale in 1991.

Perhaps because it was intended for use in a commercial, the keyword “beer” appears in the lyrics.

It’s a seasonally themed track brimming with the excitement of the onset of winter.

fireworksaiko

Fireworks – aiko (Full)

This is a masterpiece whose sweet melody—like a slice of the summer night sky—and poignant lyrics about an unattainable love resonate deeply.

Released by aiko in August 1999, the song vividly portrays the fleeting yet beautiful scenes of love, like fireworks rising into the night.

Included on the album “Sakura no Ki no Shita,” it gently envelops those quiet moments before sleep or the times you gaze up at the night sky thinking of someone dear, with its delicate vocals.

It remains a song many wish to listen to alone on a quiet night, and one that continues to comfort those carrying the ache of a tender, unfulfilled love.

Maplesupittsu

Spitz / Kaede

A classic from 1998 that portrays wistful farewells and cherished memories as the seasons change.

The gentle melodies spun by Spitz evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance, like autumn foliage.

Transcending physical separation, the song expresses a strong will to move forward while holding onto a spiritual bond with someone important, and it continues to resonate with many listeners.

Released as a track on the album “Fake Fur,” it was used as the opening theme for COUNT DOWN TV and as an insert song for the drama Over Time.

It’s a song that quietly supports those who have experienced the end of a relationship or a parting, and who are trying to take a new step while keeping precious memories in their hearts.