Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Recommended for cherry-blossom viewing season! Classic sakura songs and spring songs

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

As the cherry blossoms begin to bloom and the full-fledged hanami season arrives, many of you are probably looking for sakura songs and spring songs.

You’ll want some BGM for your hanami, and maybe songs to sing at karaoke afterward too!

But sometimes it’s hard to find a song that really clicks, isn’t it?

So in this article, we’ll introduce must-hear classics and perfect Japanese tracks for the hanami season, focusing on staple sakura songs and spring songs.

There are also some recently released tunes, so be sure to read through to the very end!

Recommended for the cherry blossom viewing season! Classic sakura songs and spring songs (91–100)

cherry blossomBERRY GOODMAN

Very Good Man – Sakura (Music Video)

Sakura BERRY GOODMAN

It’s included on the March 8, 2017 release “Spring Spring Spring.” It’s a heartwarming graduation song that leaves a good impression, expressing a clear “thank you” and gratitude when parting from someone who has helped you.

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dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Hanamizuki Hitoto Yo

This is the fifth single by the female singer Yo Hitoto, who is also known as a lyricist and actress.

It has been widely featured as tie-ins for TV dramas, commercials, and variety shows, and in 2010 a film inspired by the song was produced, cementing it as one of Hitoto’s signature works.

Born from lyrics written in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks that shocked the world, the song conveys a heartfelt message wishing for lasting peace for humanity.

It’s a classic that will surely be passed down through future generations, creating a peaceful atmosphere as you gaze at cherry blossoms during hanami.

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The cherry blossoms bloom.Kii Kitano

Kie Kitano / Sakura Saku (short ver.)

Kii Kitano, Cherry Blossoms Bloom

This is the debut single of Kii Kitano, who is active as an actress.

Since it was also used as the song for a KitKat commercial she appeared in, many of you have probably heard it.

With a melody and sound reminiscent of the Komuro Family style of the ’90s, it’s instantly familiar and easy to listen to.

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Cherry Blossoms of HopeYoshiko Hanzaki

Yoshiko Hanzaki “Cherry Blossoms of Hope”

Yoshiko Hanzaki of Hope’s Cherry Blossoms

This song expresses the artist’s feelings about the Great East Japan Earthquake.

It was released as an indie single in 2011.

The sadness and hope conveyed through the lyrics sink deep into the heart.

The person who gave the song its title is Shofukutei Tsurube, a rakugo storyteller and comedian.

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Hundred-Year Cherry BlossomsIkuzo Yoshi

Ikuzo Yoshi “Centennial Cherry Blossom” MV (released April 29, 2020)

Centennial Cherry Blossom Yoshikuni Ikuzo

“Hyakunen Zakura” is a song specially written by Ikuzo Yoshi for the 100th anniversary of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival.

For many Japanese people, there are memories tied to cherry blossoms—like going flower-viewing with family.

Listening to this song brings back those nostalgic memories along with images of beautiful sakura.

It’s an opulent cherry blossom song, featuring Ikuzo Yoshi’s superb, unmistakable vocals and a wonderful supporting orchestra.

How about using it as background music for events where many seniors gather?

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One more time, One more chanceMasayoshi Yamazaki

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

One more time, One more chance Masayoshi Yamazaki

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.

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The parting path hidden by cherry blossomsHirakawachi 1-chome

The Parting Path Hidden by Cherry Blossoms – Hirakawachi Icchōme

The cherry blossoms conceal a parting path — Hirakawachi Icchōme.

Released on February 18, 2004.

Here is a little-known gem by the brother duo Hirakawachi Icchōme, who disbanded in 2008.

The bittersweet lyrics combined with the vocal tone of the older brother, Ryunosuke Hayashi, create a nicely wistful atmosphere of parting.

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