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

Sakura (Solo)Naotaro Moriyama

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Sakura (Solo) by Naotaro Moriyama

It’s a signature song by Naotaro Moriyama that has become such a classic that anyone would name it when asked about songs related to cherry blossoms.

Perhaps because cherry blossoms strongly evoke graduation ceremonies, this piece also references setting out during the cherry blossom season.

Though it’s a song about parting, it remains positive and full of hope.

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Gachi SakuraShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Gachi Zakura” MUSIC VIDEO

Gachi Sakura Shonan no Kaze

Released in 2010 as Shonan no Kaze’s 10th single, this song is also well-known for being the theme for the film “Negotiator.” It’s a track perfectly suited for spring, brimming with hope as the cherry blossoms bloom and a new life begins—an anthem that inspires a resolve to strive toward a bright future.

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Sakura SongYu Takahashi

Yu Takahashi “Sakura no Uta” Special Short Edit

Sakura no Uta Takahashi Yu

Released on March 9, 2016.

The part where it drops to just piano before the chorus feels like the scene shifts in an instant and the imagery unfolds right before your eyes—really nice.

Although everyday life flows by moment to moment, this is a song that makes you remember someone precious when spring comes around once a year.

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Sakura (Solo)Naotaro Moriyama

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Sakura (Solo) by Naotaro Moriyama

When it comes to cherry blossom songs, surely this song by Naotaro Moriyama comes to mind.

Beloved across generations, it’s even used as a singing material in educational settings like elementary and junior high schools.

Listening to it makes you feel happy, doesn’t it?

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cherry blossomFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Sakura”

Sakura FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

It’s a song that expresses, straight from the heart, words of gratitude and feelings of love that I want to say in spring but can’t.

Because it’s a song confessing the feelings I had, it portrays a positive springtime message of wanting to stay with you forever from now on.

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Spring of LifePerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume「Spring of Life」

Spring of LifePerfume

This is Perfume’s ‘Spring of Life.

‘ Spring is a season filled with many things, like farewells and new encounters.

‘Spring of Life’ is a song that makes you excited about those new meetings.

It’s bright and full of energy—a track that gives you a boost and lets you enjoy the season of spring.

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Hirari -SAKURA-Akina Nakamori

As someone of the same generation as Akina Nakamori, I’ve gotta sing ‘Hirari (sakana),’ lol.

Hirari -SAKURA- Akina Nakamori

Akina Nakamori’s first “sakura” song was released on February 24, 2016.

The lyrics, themed around spring, were newly written by Haruichi Shindō, the guitarist of Porno Graffitti, poignantly capturing a woman’s feelings.

Many people must have hoped for Nakamori’s comeback.

It’s a long-awaited new single!

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