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 cherry-blossom viewing season! Classic sakura songs & spring songs (101–110)

Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / “Cherry Blossom Season” MV

Cherry Blossom Season EXILE ATSUSHI

This song, which was broadcast on “Minna no Uta” and became a hot topic, is very popular as a graduation song.

It was released in 2007 as a solo project track.

It was selected as the set piece for the middle school division at the 81st NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

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Sakura SongKANA-BOON

Kana Boon “Sakura no Uta” Japanese lyrics/ VostFr

Sakura no Uta by KANA-BOON

It’s included on the album “If I Released a CD,” released on April 24, 2013.

According to the artist, it was a song that just happened to come together before recording, and that ties in with the lyrics—it’s a refreshing track that makes you really want to run and belt it out at the top of your lungs.

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Sakura MitsutsukiSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Sakura Mitsutsuki (Short ver.)”

Sakuramitsutsuki SPYAIR

This song also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime Gintama.

It’s a straightforward rock number themed around meetings and farewells, delivering its message directly to the listener’s heart.

It was released in 2013 as the tenth single.

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petalback number

back number – Hanabira (Short ver.)

Hanabira - back number

It’s a love song by the three-piece rock band back number that evokes the feeling of spring.

The track is filled with loneliness and determination, expressing a desire to meet a special person once more—this time, never letting go.

It was released in 2011 as their major-label debut single.

The beautiful sound of the strings is moving enough to bring tears to your eyes.

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The City Where Flowers Bloomyuzu

Yuzu “The City Where Flowers Bloom” Music Video (FULL ver.)

Yuzu of the Blooming City

The lead track included on the 2020 album “YUZUTOWN.” With a worldview that portrays the changing of the seasons, it’s a song that fills you with excitement as you long for spring.

The playful wordplay is delightful, and the bright atmosphere, infused with Yuzu’s signature humor, is wonderful.

Its gentle vibe also makes it perfect as background music for cherry-blossom viewing.

It wraps you in a warm, cozy feeling.

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Recommended for cherry blossom viewing season! Classic sakura songs & spring songs (111–120)

cherry blossom colorAngela Aki

Angela Aki “Sakura-iro” Music Video

Sakura-colored Angela Aki

Angela Aki’s signature cherry blossom song “Sakura-iro.” The song’s tagline is “What is your dream?” and it sings of both the sorrow of parting and the forward-looking spirit of welcoming spring.

Often performed at graduation ceremonies, this song is loved by many.

The soaring final chorus conveys an exquisite sense of heartache.

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Cherry blossoms, along the path where petals swirl upElephant Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – “The Road Where Cherry Blossoms Dance Up”

Cherry blossoms, on the soaring road — Elephant Kashimashi

This is the 36th single released in 2008 by the rock band Elephant Kashimashi.

Petals usually flutter down to the ground, but what the song conveys is the image of walking through cherry blossom petals lifted by the wind.

It’s a wonderful track that makes you want to move forward positively into a new season.

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