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

SenbonzakuraWagakki Band

Wagakki Band / Senbonzakura

A song by Wagakki Band, an eight-member co-ed group that boasts immense popularity overseas for their one-of-a-kind sound fusing traditional Japanese instruments with a modern band—just as their name suggests.

It’s a cover of a Vocaloid track released by producer Kuro-usagi-P (Kurousa-P).

The original already featured a Japanese-inspired arrangement, and by adding the tones of traditional instruments, the piece has been reborn into something quintessentially theirs.

With its driving beat and delicate melodies, you can practically picture cherry blossoms fluttering in the air.

It’s a number packed with Japanese culture and expression that everyone can get excited about at karaoke after hanami.

SAKURA DropsHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – SAKURA Drops

This is Hikaru Utada’s fifth single, used as the theme song for the drama “First Love.” It’s a deeply moving, bittersweet breakup song, and the lyrics convey the heartache of parting with someone you love—something that often comes to mind in spring.

Yet it’s not just a message about a sad farewell; it also carries a sense of optimism, an attempt to find hope beyond the heartbreak.

Sakura, Bloom!storm

ARASHI – Let the Cherry Blossoms Bloom (Sakura Sake)

During cherry blossom viewing season, you’ll want some bright, pop sakura songs too.

Arashi’s “Sakura Sake” has been a long-time seller and ranks high on sakura song lists every year.

It’s also great for karaoke with a group, so be sure to get everyone hyped up with this track.

Cherry blossom-lined streetfluffy

Fluffy / “Cherry Blossom Tree-Lined Road” Music Video (short ver.)

This is the sixth single by Fuwafuwa, one of the groups belonging to Harajuku Ekimae Parties.

As their name suggests, they’ve gained popularity with performances in fluffy costumes and classic idol songs.

The cute vocals layered over edgy synth sounds and gentle melodies perfectly evoke the image of a quintessential idol group.

With lyrics themed around graduation, the bittersweet feel seems just right for the season when cherry blossoms are dancing in the air.

It’s a spring song with clear, high-transparency melodies and arrangement that feels comfortable and adds color to any hanami gathering.

O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsFuyumi Sakamoto

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Yozakura O-Shichi

Alongside songs like “Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru,” this track is one of Fuyumi Sakamoto’s most popular signature songs.

It was released in 1994 as her 12th single.

The song is modeled after Yaoya Oshichi, a woman said to have actually lived during the Edo period.

Its unusually up-tempo style for an enka song became a talking point.

Cherry blossomSeiko Matsuda

Cherry blossom

The fourth single, “Cherry Blossom,” released in 1981, was composed by Kazuo Zaitsu, who has given us many classic songs, and its bouncing melody and guitar-forward, driving sound make your heart dance.

It evokes a bright future and the joy of spring.

It has a refreshing quality that makes you want to start running, so rather than sitting and listening closely, it feels like the kind of song you’d want to hear while strolling under rows of cherry trees.

SakuraAyaka

Ayaka / “Sakura” Short Movie Music Video

Ayaka’s “Sakura” portrays various farewells in life, including graduation.

Included on the album “30 y/o,” the song was originally performed only live and wasn’t planned for release.

However, due to fans’ requests, it was eventually recorded.

A short film themed around a particular farewell, featuring Rina Kawaei, was also produced to accompany the song.

Alongside the bittersweet feelings of graduation and parting, the image of cherry blossoms blooming and scattering evokes hope and courage for the future.

Ayaka’s gentle voice and the beautiful melody will surely soothe the pain of the farewells you’ve experienced.