Japanese Pop ‘Sakura’ Song Rankings [2025]

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto85rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

A beloved masterpiece by Yo Hitoto that gently sings a prayer for loved ones and a wish for peace.

Released in February 2004, it has soothed many hearts with her unique sensibility as a Japanese-Taiwanese artist and her clear, transparent voice.

Using the flower—an emblem of Japan–U.

S.

friendship—as its motif, the song expresses bonds with precious people and hopes for a happy future.

It was featured as the theme song for NTV’s Tuesday Suspense Theater and in JRA commercials, and set a record by staying on the Oricon Weekly Singles chart for 125 consecutive weeks.

Whether in moments of aching love or parting, or at life’s milestones such as weddings and graduations, it remains a song that shines without fading.

forget-me-notAwesome City Club86rank/position

Awesome City Club / Wasurena (MUSIC VIDEO)

Awesome City Club’s hit song “Wasurena” (勿忘), which also became a hot topic as the inspiration song for the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” starring Masaki Suda and Kasumi Arimura.

It feels like this track catapulted Awesome City Club into the spotlight.

Spring usually puts us in a buoyant mood as the weather finally warms up, yet many spring-themed songs are tinged with melancholy—and this song may well be one that embodies those feelings.

The male–female vocal interplay resonates all the more deeply.

One more time, One more chanceMasayoshi Yamazaki87rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

This is the fourth single by singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki, who has gained popularity for his instantly recognizable, distinctive voice and his refined musicality that lets him master a wide range of instruments.

The song was used as the theme for his first starring film, “Tsuki to Kyabetsu” (The Moon and a Cabbage), and is one of Yamazaki’s signature tracks known across generations.

Many artists have famously covered it, but its heartrending lyrics and melody truly resonate when sung by Yamazaki himself.

A classic J-pop masterpiece that everyone knows, its wistful atmosphere adds a special touch to any cherry-blossom viewing gathering.

Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze88rank/position

Shonan no Kaze “Junrenka” MUSIC VIDEO (Original ver.)

Shonan no Kaze’s signature number and a hugely popular love song, “Junrenka.” Though time has passed since its 2006 release, it’s a track that’s still beloved and one you often hear.

With lyrics that read like a love letter to a girlfriend from a male perspective, men relate to it and women can’t help but swoon.

And what about the “night sakura”? You might wonder, but the lyrics clearly include passages about cherry blossoms at night and spring nights.

The poignant mood of cherry blossoms viewed at night is expressed beautifully.

Love and romanceNovelbright89rank/position

Novelbright – Love and Romance [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Novelbright that sings about a happiness so warm that just thinking of your lover can make even a gloomy Monday feel fun.

It portrays how one’s own tastes naturally change to match a loved one’s hobbies and how two people keep thinking of each other even when they’re apart, warming the listener’s heart.

Included on the May 2022 album “Assort,” the track stands out for its lyrics that gently depict the small joys of everyday life.

It’s a perfect springtime song that warmly embraces the feelings of someone in love.

1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfficial HIGE DANDism90rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – 1,150,000 Kilometers of Film [Official Live Video]

This song, 115 Million Kilometer Film, included on Official HIGE DANDism’s first album, has also been featured in commercials, so many of you may have heard it.

It’s a heart-fluttering love song that likens a romance—and the future that follows—to a movie, to film.

Its light, bright melody is sure to lift your spirits in the spring.

On the day of departure...Ai Kawashima91rank/position

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

Tabidachi no Hi ni… by Ai Kawashima has become a popular graduation song.

Released in 2006 as a double A-side single together with Dear, this track is the original version of Asu e no Tobira, which Kawashima released while she was a member of I WiSH.

Although they share the same melody, the lyrics are completely different.

The song’s words look back on the many memories made since entering school and portray the bittersweet feelings of facing graduation while lingering over the classroom where so much time was spent.

Hearing this song—whose vivid scenes many can relate to—will likely bring tears as countless memories come flooding back.