Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells
When it comes to spring songs, there are all kinds: songs about cherry blossoms and other flowers, as well as songs that depict farewells with themes like graduation or moving to a big city.
Many such songs set in spring have been sung since the Showa era.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of spring songs recommended for people in their 60s.
We’ve gathered a wide range—from tracks you likely listened to in your youth to songs you may have discovered as an adult—so please take your time, read the lyrics, and listen closely.
Spring songs for people in their 60s to enjoy: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells (1–10)
Cherry blossomSeiko Matsuda
It is a classic song with a refreshing melody that evokes the arrival of spring and heartwarming lyrics portraying the beginning of a new romance.
Seiko Matsuda’s poised vocals beautifully express the feelings of a protagonist taking a brave first step.
The sense of anticipation for the future beneath a blue sky, and the joy of being in love, resonate deeply alongside her clear, transparent voice.
Released in January 1981, this piece was born from producer Muneo Wakamatsu’s challenge to explore new music.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was also included on the album “Silhouette.” Loved for many years by countless listeners as a song to enjoy in spring—especially during cherry blossom season—it’s a lively, hopeful track that cheers on the start of a new chapter, and is highly recommended when you want to make a fresh start.
Sakura, flutterSouthern All Stars
Southern All Stars’ new song is themed around cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring’s arrival.
Set to a breezy sound that evokes the gentle spring wind, it layers hope onto the fragile yet beautiful sakura blossoms.
Released as a digital-only lead single from the album “THANK YOU SO MUCH” on January 1, 2025, the track was announced on the first anniversary of the Noto Peninsula earthquake, a timing believed to reflect sentiments for the disaster-affected areas.
With a finish that conveys the seasonality of spring and the sensibility of Japan, it’s recommended for anyone who wants to feel the arrival of a new season.
GraduationYuki Saito
A poignant classic that symbolizes the end of youth.
Released in 1985 as Yuki Saito’s debut single, it continues to be loved by many to this day.
Her clear, pure vocals pair beautifully with lyrics that depict student life, resonating deeply with listeners.
The melody gently embraces universal feelings— the loneliness of graduation, the anxiety of taking a new step, and farewells to friends.
For older listeners, it may also evoke fond memories.
It might be nice to listen to it with someone important and look back on life’s milestones together.
Sakura (Solo)Naotaro Moriyama
A classic song that overlays happy memories and the poignancy of parting with cherry blossom petals.
Released in March 2003, it stands as one of Naotaro Moriyama’s signature works.
It was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts in its ninth week.
He also made his first appearance on the 2003 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Carried by gentle piano tones, Moriyama’s clear, pure voice resonates deeply in the heart.
It’s a song that will surely speak to anyone who has felt the arrival of spring while going through a farewell with someone dear.
Why not listen quietly by the window on a calm afternoon?
GraduationYutaka Ozaki
Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.
Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.
Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.
20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).
Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.
Graduation PhotoYumi Arai
A masterpiece woven from a gentle singing voice that stays close to the heart and lyrics that gracefully portray nostalgia for days gone by.
Featured on the album “COBALT HOUR,” released by Yumi Arai in June 1975, this song delicately expresses life and change after graduation.
It lyrically spins memories of a cherished person who lives on forever within the warmth of reminiscence.
It was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta” and the film “Watch with Me.” A heartwarming encouragement song to listen to in times of sorrow or at life’s crossroads.
Lingering Snowdolphin
Nagori-Yuki, a classic that symbolizes spring.
It portrays the bittersweet feelings of a man seeing off a woman returning to her hometown while quietly harboring a faint affection for her.
The coined term “Nagori-Yuki” by lyricist Shozo Ise beautifully expresses the sorrow and lingering attachment of parting.
Popularized by Iruka’s cover, the song has continued to be loved by many, its nostalgic tone evoking the Showa era.
Released in 1975, the track appears on the single “Nagori-Yuki” and the album “Kimagure.” In particular, the album “Kimagure” is renowned as a masterpiece that sold over 500,000 copies.
Why not listen at a leisurely pace during spring’s slightly wistful weather? It’s a gem that vividly captures the atmosphere of the 1970s.