From hit songs to hidden gems! Spring songs recommended for people in their 30s

cherry blossomDA PUMP

DA PUMP / Sakura MV+SPOT (short ver.)

A beautiful ballad with a Japanese flair from DA PUMP, one of Japan’s leading dance and vocal groups.

Set against the changing seasons from winter to spring, it uses cherry blossoms as a metaphor to express life’s fragility and the importance of bonds.

ISSA’s powerful yet delicate vocals, paired with the members’ graceful choreography, create a world that resonates deeply with viewers.

Released in March 2019, the song was selected as the opening theme for TBS’s CDTV in February and March.

Distinct from the danceable image of their previous hit “U.

S.

A.

,” this track showcases a new side of DA PUMP.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when reflecting on life’s milestones and cherished memories, especially during the season that heralds the arrival of spring.

forget-me-notAwesome City Club

Awesome City Club / Wasurena (MUSIC VIDEO)

Born as an inspiration song for the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” this track is a refined spring ballad where an urban, stylish sound meets bittersweet lyrics that look back on past love, and the contrasting emotions of male–female twin vocals resonate together.

Depicting scenes of parting and hopes for the future from both perspectives, it deeply connects with listeners’ hearts.

Included on the February 2021 album “Grower,” it won the Excellence Work Award at the 63rd Japan Record Awards.

Awesome City Club also made their first appearance at the 72nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

It’s an urban, emotional spring classic—one to play when you want a song that stays close to the memories of farewells that come with the arrival of spring, or when you need the courage to take a new step forward.

When the cherry blossoms bloomRyota Fujimaki

Ryota Fujimaki / “When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom” (Music Video)

Ryota Fujimaki, frontman of Remioromen, has released a new masterpiece “sakura song” under his solo name! Included as the opening track on the album “Hakanaku Moroino,” released in March 2025, “Sakura no Hana ga Saku Koro” is quintessential Fujimaki—an irresistibly catchy, slightly bittersweet tune that evokes the nostalgia of 90s J-pop and is perfect for karaoke.

With a melody line crafted to sit in a comfortable key and range for many singers, it’s a recommendation that transcends generations.

sakura colorGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Cherry Blossom Color

An encouraging song that gently portrays the feelings of people leaping into new environments.

While bewildered by unfamiliar scenery and crowds, the image of a young person vowing to reunite with someone dear and striving to move forward leaves a strong impression.

Released by GReeeeN in February 2013, the track was also used in an AOKI commercial, resonating with those embarking on a new chapter in life.

The piece features a warm melody woven from elegant string tones and GReeeeN’s signature powerful vocals.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to when setting off for a new place for school or work, or when cherishing memories of a loved one you’ll be separated from.

Sakura SongKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Sakura no Uta” Music Video

A song that captures the bittersweetness of youthful love with an exhilarating tempo.

Told from a male perspective, the love story vividly portrays how memories linger even as he grapples with his own immaturity.

Melodic rock intertwines with a fragile yearning, creating a track of delicate emotion.

Included on the album “Boku ga CD wo Dashitara,” which could be called the culmination of KANA-BOON’s indie era, this piece is one that leaves a deep afterglow—perfect for adding color to the start of a new school term or to springtime farewells.

spring breezesumika

sumika / Spring Breeze [Music Video]

A number that delicately depicts life in the city and longing for one’s hometown.

This work, which encapsulates sumika’s appeal, was included on the album “Familia,” released in July 2017.

Its refreshing melody and rhythmic sound leave a strong impression, and the warmth of Kenta Kataoka’s vocals blends beautifully with Junnosuke Kuroda’s exceptional songwriting sense.

The lyrics gently portray the feelings of young people living in the city—morning scenes, commuting by train—and resonate with those embarking on a new chapter in life.

It’s a heartwarming anthem of encouragement, especially for anyone who has just set foot in a new place for a move, further education, or a new job.

Spring SongIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Haru Uta” Music Video

A gently crafted song that portrays the glow of youth and the poignancy of parting was released in April 2012 as the theme song for the feature-length anime Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker.

Written and composed by then-member Hotaka Yamashita, the piece explores themes of past memories, farewells, and the hope for reunion, and it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking.

Perfect for the refreshing spring season, the song features a fresh, youthful vocal that evokes memories of adolescence and a message filled with hope for the future.

It’s a track that stays close during times of graduation and goodbyes, gently encouraging you to take that next step forward.