Japanese Pop ‘Sakura’ Song Rankings [2025]

At dawn again today, with cherry blossoms dancingCHiCO with HoneyWorks57rank/position

In the dawn where cherry blossoms dance again today / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

It’s a poignant yet powerful message song about thinking of someone precious who’s far away.

This track by CHiCO with HoneyWorks was released as a single in 2017 and was used as the opening theme for the anime Gintama: Porori-hen.

The brisk, driving sound pairs perfectly with CHiCO’s bright, clear vocals.

The lyrics express the feeling that “because I have memories with my friends, I can keep moving forward.” Try listening to it while thinking about the friends you often hang out with.

I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB4858rank/position

[MV full] Let's Become a Cherry Tree / AKB48 [Official]

Released in 2011, AKB48’s single “Sakura Song” can be considered a spring staple for the group.

When we think of the cherry blossom season, many of us picture graduation ceremonies.

This song also portrays the emotional state—almost unstable—that comes with facing graduation.

The lyrics leave a strong impression, suggesting a firm determination to clarify one’s starting point and move into the future without forgetting that initial resolve.

It’s a quiet, slightly lonely ballad, yet through the lyrics you can feel a powerful emotion rooted deep in the heart.

sakura colorGReeeeN59rank/position

GReeeeN – Cherry Blossom Color

Sakura color, released by GReeeeN in 2013, is a song that cheers on those taking their first step toward their dreams this spring.

You’ve left your hometown to make your dreams come true, but the unfamiliar scenery and the days that don’t go as planned can be tough.

Still, even if you’re in a different place, your friends and family are each working hard where they are—so you’ll work hard too, and not lose to yourself.

This song makes you feel that way.

Leaving home can suddenly make you feel all alone, but listening to this track gives you the strength to know you’re not by yourself.

Tomorrow, when spring comesTakako Matsu60rank/position

Takako Matsu – When Spring Comes Tomorrow

A gem of a melody played as if to celebrate the arrival of a new season, carried by the refreshing spring breeze.

Takako Matsu’s clear voice gently wraps nostalgic memories and the hope of reunion.

Feelings for someone devoted to baseball, cherished places shared with a loved one—vivid snapshots of youth are drawn and resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in March 1997 as her debut, it was featured in an NTT commercial and reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts.

Lyrics by Yuji Sakamoto, music and arrangement by Daisuke Hinata, the song is polished and refined.

It’s perfect for a drive under gentle spring sunshine—highly recommended for those starting a new chapter or wishing to look back on precious memories.

When the warm weather lifts your spirits, this song will be there, close to your heart.

Sakura MelodyMiliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu61rank/position

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu 'Sakura Melody'

Sakura Melody is a collaborative track by Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, who also drew attention with their collaborations on Love Forever and FOREVER LOVE.

Included on the compilation album THE BEST, created as part of their joint project, the song was written by Noriyuki Makihara.

Set to a poignant melody that evokes the fleeting impression of cherry blossoms, it sings of a springtime parting—a separation chosen for each other’s future.

The melody, likening those bittersweet feelings to cherry blossoms, perfectly suits a woman’s delicate sensibilities.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka4662rank/position

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A spring song by Hinatazaka46 that poignantly sings of cherry blossoms, graduation, and unspoken love.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Nasuka, the piece is set on the day of a graduation ceremony, portraying memories and regrets that resurface with the arrival of spring.

In the music video—filmed on a set themed around cherry blossom trees—Nao Kosaka takes center stage as a dreamlike, parade-like world unfolds.

First performed at the Tokyo Dome on December 26, 2024, it was released as the group’s 13th single on January 29, 2025.

Capturing the feelings of youthful, unripe love and the emotions left unsaid, it’s a track that deeply resonates with younger listeners.

It’s also a perfect fit for elementary school graduation ceremonies and springtime events.

cherry blossomShota Shimizu63rank/position

Shota Shimizu “Sakura” MV

This song, with its memorable, sentimental lyrics about seeing cherry blossoms in spring and being reminded of a former lover, is by Shota Shimizu.

One of Shimizu’s greatest charms is his beautifully clear, translucent voice, and you can feel that appeal in abundance here.

In particular, the chorus—where he switches between chest voice and falsetto—paired with the pure feelings depicted in the lyrics, is moving enough to bring you to tears.

It’s a recommended track when you’re in the mood for a calm, beautiful song.