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 (1–10)

lightly; nimbly; flutteringlySakurako Ohara

Sakurako Ohara – Hirari (Music Video YouTube ver.)

Hirari Ohara Sakurako

This song was released in 2017 as Sakurako Ohara’s 10th single.

It was used as the theme song for the film Cheer☆Dance.

The lyrics express the heartache of being separated from someone important.

It’s also popular as a friendship song and a graduation song.

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Sakura ApprelationDempagumi.inc

Dempagumi.inc “Sakura Appellation” MV

Dempagumi.inc Sakura Applause

A very pop song that paints a bright future.

It’s Dempagumi.

inc’s 9th single, released in 2014.

The Japanese-style four-on-the-floor electronic sound will make your body sway before you know it.

At live shows, waving pink glow sticks in honor of cherry blossoms is a classic move among fans.

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Spring Love, AwakeningDaydreaming Committee

Kusou Iinkai / Spring Love, Awakening Music Video

Spring Love, Awakening Daydream Committee

A three-piece rock band, Kuusou Iinkai, turns the difficulties we feel in everyday life—and the hidden fragments of hope within them—into songs they deliver to listeners.

This track, included on their major-label second album “March of Doubt,” grabs your ear from the start with an opening of odd-meter beats that leaves a powerful impact.

With a driving rhythm, standout guitar phrases and bass lines, and a refreshing melody, the spring-breeze feel of the arrangement makes it perfect for cherry blossom season.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleasing rock tune you’ll want to belt out at karaoke after an event with all your friends.

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Recommended for cherry blossom viewing season! Classic sakura songs & spring songs (11–20)

I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48

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

Let's Become a Cherry Blossom Tree AKB48

A major-label 20th single by AKB48, a group that has become synonymous with idol groups in today’s J-pop scene.

As it served as the theme song for the TV drama “Sakura kara no Tegami: AKB48 Sorezore no Sotsugyo Monogatari,” and was also featured in variety shows and commercials, many people have likely heard it.

The lyrics depict a friendship that remains unchanged even after graduation, perfectly matching the catchphrase, “I’ll be here forever.” It’s a bittersweet yet positive number we’d love you to sing with friends during the spring cherry-blossom season.

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When the cherry blossoms bloomPLAYEST

Best graduation song 'When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom' NPV! PLAYEST

PLAYEST When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom

A song included as the first track on their debut album “one’s life time,” released on November 6, 2013.

With their characteristic, straightforward, and relatable lyrics, it’s a moving piece that will touch your heart.

Try listening to it while thinking of someone important to you.

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After the cherry blossoms (all quartets lead to the?)UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “After the Cherry Blossoms (all quartets lead to the?)” Short Ver.

After the Cherry Blossoms (all quartets lead to the?) UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

The opening theme of the anime Yozakura Quartet ~Hana no Uta~.

It’s a light, sprightly song whose rhythm and melody both evoke spring.

In the latter half, the mentions of instruments like guitar, bass, and drums play on the idea of a “quartet,” further accelerating the song’s worldbuilding.

The slightly cynical lyrics that match the term “yozakura” (night sakura) are also a highlight.

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Cherry blossom seasonFujifabric

Fujifabric – Sakura Season

Sakura Season Fujifabric

This song was released in 2004 as their major-label debut single.

It expresses feelings for someone important who is going far away.

The song conveys not just the sadness of parting, but a straightforward, youthful wish—like a page from adolescence—to stay close forever, even if they’re no longer around.

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