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 and spring songs (21–30)

cherry blossomKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Sakura”

Sakura Ketsumeishi

Often hailed as pioneers of “singable rap,” Ketsumeishi—a four-member music group known not only for their singing but also for their melodious rap—released this as their 11th single.

Despite having no commercial tie-ins, it became the group’s biggest hit single and stands as both Ketsumeishi’s signature song and a quintessential “sakura song.” Its off-beat rhythm layered with beautiful piano and strings, the lyrical melodies that evoke scenes of cherry blossoms, and catchy rap passages encapsulate Ketsumeishi’s appeal.

It’s a standout spring anthem, perfect both as background music for cherry-blossom viewing and as a karaoke favorite everyone can sing together.

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Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Academy

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sakura Photograph” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Sakura Photograph)

Sakura Photograph Hatsuboshi Academy

It’s a moving ballad perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

Released in April 2025, this song is the theme for the season event “Sakura-Mau Start Line” in the game Gakuen Idolmaster.

The gentle harmonies of the trio—Liliya Katsuragi, Sayaka Shiun, and Saki Hanami—leave a lasting impression.

It’s as if the tender melody rides the spring breeze and soars into the sky.

The lyrics, which portray meetings, farewells, and irreplaceable friendship, will especially resonate with those graduating from school.

Be sure to give it a listen during cherry blossom season.

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Spring ThiefYorushika

Yorushika – Spring Thief (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Spring Thief - Yorushika

A gem from Yorushika that portrays the fragility of human life through cherry trees and the spring breeze.

The crystal-clear vocals and pop sound blend beautifully, capturing the falling sakura with exquisite grace.

Even within its ephemerality, the melody inspires hope, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in January 2021 and featured in a Taisei Corporation TV commercial, the song also drew attention for its stunning CG-animated music video and earned high praise on various music charts.

It’s a track we recommend to those welcoming a new season or parting with someone dear.

Listen alone in a park at dusk, and you’ll feel a moving emotion seep into your heart.

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SakuraMyuk

Myuk – Sakura (Music Video)

SakuraMyuk

A fleetingly beautiful love ballad that resonates with the heart as spring arrives.

Released by Myuk in March 2025, “Sakura” sings of lingering attachment and a sense of farewell to a loved one you can no longer meet.

Her mysterious, gentle voice seems to tenderly envelop an unfulfilled love.

Coupled with the song’s dramatic progression, it’s truly a tearjerker.

It’s the perfect track for a quiet spring night, sitting by the window and getting lost in thought.

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sakura colorGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Cherry Blossom Color

Sakura color GReeeeN

A cherry blossom song by the vocal group GReeeeN, hugely popular especially among young people.

It’s a number whose gentle melodies and sound warm the hearts of all who listen.

When it’s cherry blossom season, many people leave their hometowns and move to the city—pay attention to the lyrics, which feel like a gentle push on your back as you take that step forward.

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SAKURAIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “SAKURA” Music Video

SAKURA Ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari’s “SAKURA” is the song that most evokes the elegant yet bittersweet impression of Japan’s cherry blossoms.

As the group’s debut work, its heartrending melodic lines have won broad support and have been loved for many years.

The lyrics mention spots in Kanagawa Prefecture, where the three members are from, and the music video was filmed at Tomizu Station on the Odakyu Line.

The scattering sakura petals are layered with various feelings—dreams, hopes, and more—conveying a quiet yet burning resolve to do one’s best from here on.

It’s a well-known song, making it perfect for cherry-blossom-viewing karaoke!

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Sakura MelodyMiliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu 'Sakura Melody'

Sakura Melody Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu

This is a duet song by Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, both highly praised for their powerful vocals and expressive performances.

The track is included on the 2014 album “THE BEST.” It’s a refreshing piece that evokes a clear, sunny blue sky.

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