Japanese Pop ‘Sakura’ Song Rankings [2025]

Sakura AleKana Adachi71rank/position

Kana Adachi “Sakura Yell”

Sakura Yell is a cherry blossom song released around the same time as Kana Adachi’s high school graduation.

Her feelings about graduating come through in her vocals.

While many sakura songs evoke the sadness of parting, this one sings of a positive farewell.

It conveys a bright, springtime atmosphere full of hope.

Cherry Blossoms of HopeDEEP72rank/position

DEEP – Sakura of Hope (PV)

DEEP, who sing “Sakura of Hope,” is a group that includes members such as EXILE’s vocalist ATSUSHI.

The secret to their popularity among young people likely lies not only in their excellent singing and cool style, but also in their wonderful lyrics.

Sakura, Bloom!storm73rank/position

Sakura, Bloom!

This is a masterpiece in which gem-like messages that seep into the heart on a gentle spring breeze are expressed through Arashi’s magnificent vocals and harmonies.

Through the beauty and transience of cherry blossoms, it gently sings of life’s changes and renewal, and hope for the future.

Filled with feelings that resonate with the arrival of spring—moving forward as if guided by the wind, understanding that deepens over time, and challenges toward a new self—it was released in February 2015 and chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Ouroboros: This Love Is, Indeed, Justice.” It is also included on the album “Japonism,” and you can see it performed in the live video work “ARASHI BLAST in Miyagi.” With a refreshing vibe perfect for a spring drive and lyrics that give you the courage to move forward, it’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend for the start of a new season.

the first strong spring windNishina74rank/position

haruichiban

Nishina’s song portrays the emotions of people facing farewells and new departures with the arrival of spring.

Built on the warm tones of an acoustic guitar and a simple band sound, the track is marked by a gentle yet fleeting vocal performance.

Chosen as the theme song for radiko’s new commercial, it was released digitally in March 2023.

By depicting both sides of the spring season—“parting” and “beginning”—the piece is crafted so listeners can layer it onto their own experiences.

It’s a song that resonates with many, embracing memories with loved ones, the loneliness of growing distant, and the resolve to keep moving forward.

Sakura MelodyNoriyuki Makihara75rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara – Sakura Melody [Music Video]

Noriyuki Makihara, known for hit songs like “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo” and “Donna Toki mo,” tends to have a strong image as a winter-song artist.

But he actually has plenty of wonderful spring songs, too! In particular, “Sakura Melody” is such an upbeat, positive track that you could almost call it the spring version of “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo,” with its palpable sense of excitement.

The melody line is incredibly fluid as well, reminding you just how exceptional his singing truly is!

cherry blossomMakoto Kawamoto76rank/position

[MV] Makoto Kawamoto “Sakura”

Makoto Kawamoto gently sings this classic, whose tender spring light and calm melody seep into the heart.

At the life milestone of graduation, it delicately portrays a schoolgirl’s complex feelings as she faces parting with friends, along with her uncertainty and hope for the future.

Accompanied by a melodious piano, it beautifully captures the fresh emotions of youth.

Released in April 1998, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart and sold over 200,000 copies, despite having no tie-in at the time.

It’s a perfect track for a drive with the windows down in the soft spring sunshine.

Listen to it as you cruise through rows of cherry blossoms, and anyone will find it overlapping with their own memories.

This year's cherry blossomsflumpool77rank/position

This year's cherry blossoms

It’s a classic filled with warm cheers for those leaving their hometowns and taking a new step, a beautiful song that naturally stirs a positive mindset.

Released on the December 2009 album “What’s flumpool!?”, it was also used as the opening theme for “Minna no Koshien.” Created as an answer song to their debut track “Hana ni Nare,” this piece has comforted many as an anthem of support for the season of departures.

As spring arrives—whether you’re starting a new chapter in life or striving toward new goals—it will give you a strong push forward.