Japanese Pop ‘Sakura’ Song Rankings [2025]

SenbonzakuraWagakki Band36rank/position

Wagakki Band / Senbonzakura

This song is a cover by Wagakki Band—formed in response to the call to “make traditional performing arts more pop and spread them worldwide”—of a Vocaloid track by Kurousa-P.

Wagakki Band’s style, which fuses traditional Japanese instruments with contemporary music, perfectly matches the original song’s world, which incorporated the atmosphere of the Meiji Restoration and Taisho romanticism while satirizing the modern era.

The term “Senbonzakura” originally praised the cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, and by extension came to describe the peak bloom at famous cherry blossom viewing spots.

Inspired by cherry trees that are not only beautiful but also bloom with powerful vigor, the piece imparts an energizing sense of noble, life-affirming strength.

cherrySpitz37rank/position

Spitz / Cherry

As their band name—chosen to convey a “short, cute, yet punk-ish” vibe—suggests, Spitz is a four-piece rock band that initially leaned toward a punk-influenced sound.

Their 13th single, “Cherry,” became a million-seller despite having no tie-in, and is widely known as a defining song of Spitz in the 1990s.

Its airy melody, carried by a striking high-tone vocal, seems to evoke scenes of cherry blossoms dancing in the wind.

With bittersweet lyrics that linger in the heart, it’s a cherry blossom song especially recommended for women.

We againSG38rank/position

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

The song sung by SG, which weaves together themes of parting and reunion, captivates with its warm, heartfelt melody and profound lyrics.

The words, which accompany life’s milestones, bring back memories of cherished times spent together and inspire hope for the future.

Released in April 2021, the song captured many hearts and became a hit, surpassing 150 million total streams.

In November 2024, it was featured in a Calorie Mate commercial supporting exam-takers, with a brass band arrangement also produced.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at graduations, when taking a new step in life, or in moments of farewell with someone important.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE39rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

This song delicately portrays the transience of youth and the emotions of adolescence.

It’s said that Motoki Omori, the vocalist of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, wrote it the day after his high school graduation ceremony.

It’s a perfect track to listen to during graduation season.

The song was tied in as the theme for Suntory’s “Craft Boss” commercial and became widely loved.

In March 2024, it surpassed 100 million cumulative streams on the Billboard JAPAN charts.

Why not give it a listen this spring, a season that evokes farewells and growth? Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to color your memories.

You know what,Are-kun & 'Yuika'40rank/position

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

The lyrics depicting cherry blossoms dancing beneath the spring blue sky are striking.

The clear, transparent vocals of Are-kun and Yuika gently embrace the freshness of first love.

Born from a connection on social media, this work was released digitally in April 2022.

It portrays a bittersweet romance, where the two can’t honestly express their feelings to each other, evoking the budding emotions that come with the arrival of spring.

It’s a refreshing spring song that many will want to listen to during cherry blossom season, one that tenderly resonates with listeners’ hearts.

to chew the windYorushika41rank/position

Yorushika – Eating the Wind (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A Yorushika song marked by a melody that seeps into the heart and delicate lyrics.

It’s a track that carries a gentle warmth, as if tenderly embracing a soul weary from consumer society, while leaving a faint, wistful aftertaste.

n-buna’s poetic lyrics and suis’s translucent vocals blend beautifully, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in October 2020, it was also used as the ending theme for TBS’s NEWS23.

When you’re overwhelmed by everyday life and your heart grows tired, listening to this song will bring quiet comfort and courage.

Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB4842rank/position

[MV full] Sakura no Shiori / AKB48 [Official]

Released in February 2010, this track showcases a new side of AKB48.

Centered on themes of parting and new beginnings, the exquisite ballad eschews flashy dance performances in favor of tender vocals and harmonies.

In addition to serving as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Majisuka Gakuen,” it also secured multiple tie-ins, including the AOKI “AOKI × AKB48” commercial song.

It surpassed 300,000 copies in first-week sales—the first time in seven years for a female group—and topped the Oricon weekly chart, becoming a major hit.

With a heartwarming melody and lyrics perfect for the spring season, it’s a song that makes you want to sing it at graduations, farewell gatherings, and other moments of parting with loved ones.