Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

A cheerful song about cherry blossoms—a classic that captures the feeling of spring.

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

Cherry blossoms are a quintessential symbol of spring in Japan.

In the world of music, too, there have long been many songs about cherry blossoms, and we hear lots of “sakura songs” every year.

Some lyrics portray the beauty of the blossoms, some announce the arrival of spring, and others overlay emotions like graduation and romance onto the image of sakura—there’s a wide variety.

The musical styles are equally diverse.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of cheerful sakura songs from among the many out there.

We’ve focused on up-tempo tracks and pop-leaning tunes, so enjoy listening while soaking up the spring vibes.

A bright, cherry blossom-themed song. A classic that captures the feeling of spring (81–90)

Sakura lonerKoalamode

COALAMODE. “Sakurabocchi” Music Video

Sakurabocchi Koala Mode

It’s a slightly bittersweet love song: while feeling the warmth of spring in the fluttering cherry blossom petals, it also, conversely, brings back the pain of not being able to see the one you love.

The cute vocals are just like a spring breeze.

It was released in 2016 as the third single by Coalamode.

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cherry blossomBERRY GOODMAN

Very Good Man – Sakura (Music Video)

Sakura BERRY GOODMAN

It’s included on the March 8, 2017 release “Spring Spring Spring.” It’s a heartwarming graduation song that leaves a good impression, expressing a clear “thank you” and gratitude when parting from someone who has helped you.

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Sakura, Bloom!storm

ARASHI – Let the Cherry Blossoms Bloom (Sakura Sake)

Sakura bloomed, storm

During cherry blossom viewing season, you’ll want some bright, pop sakura songs too.

Arashi’s “Sakura Sake” has been a long-time seller and ranks high on sakura song lists every year.

It’s also great for karaoke with a group, so be sure to get everyone hyped up with this track.

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Sakura (2020 Chorus)Naotaro Moriyama

Calorie Mate CM | “Invisible Things” Full Version – Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (2020 Chorus)

Sakura (2020 Chorus) by Naotaro Moriyama

Singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama commands a strong presence with his uniquely angled lyrics and warmly enveloping voice.

This arranged version of his second single and signature song “Sakura” also drew attention when it was featured in Calorie Mate’s commercial “Invisible Things,” starring Satoshi Iizuka of the comedy trio Tokyo 03.

Moriyama’s distinctive vocals layer with a resonant chorus to make the cherry-blossom scenery feel even more dreamlike.

As a staple among cherry-blossom songs, it’s an essential number for spring events like hanami.

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Spring Love, AwakeningDaydreaming Committee

Kusou Iinkai / Spring Love, Awakening Music Video

Spring Love, Awakening Daydream Committee

A three-piece rock band, Kuusou Iinkai, turns the difficulties we feel in everyday life—and the hidden fragments of hope within them—into songs they deliver to listeners.

This track, included on their major-label second album “March of Doubt,” grabs your ear from the start with an opening of odd-meter beats that leaves a powerful impact.

With a driving rhythm, standout guitar phrases and bass lines, and a refreshing melody, the spring-breeze feel of the arrangement makes it perfect for cherry blossom season.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleasing rock tune you’ll want to belt out at karaoke after an event with all your friends.

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SakuraAyaka

Ayaka / “Sakura” Short Movie Music Video

Ayaka Sakura

Ayaka’s “Sakura” portrays various farewells in life, including graduation.

Included on the album “30 y/o,” the song was originally performed only live and wasn’t planned for release.

However, due to fans’ requests, it was eventually recorded.

A short film themed around a particular farewell, featuring Rina Kawaei, was also produced to accompany the song.

Alongside the bittersweet feelings of graduation and parting, the image of cherry blossoms blooming and scattering evokes hope and courage for the future.

Ayaka’s gentle voice and the beautiful melody will surely soothe the pain of the farewells you’ve experienced.

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A bright, upbeat song about cherry blossoms. A classic that captures the feeling of spring (91–100).

cherry blossomMakoto Kawamoto

[MV] Makoto Kawamoto “Sakura”

Makoto Sakuragawa Hon

A cherry blossom song by singer-songwriter Makoto Kawamoto, who rose to fame with her cute vocal style and distinctive tracks.

The cherry blossom season isn’t just about new encounters; it’s also a time of farewells—graduations, moving to Tokyo, relocating.

This song portrays those bittersweet goodbyes through literary lyrics, and anyone who’s had similar experiences will likely see themselves reflected in it.

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