Sakura (Ikimonogakari song)

"Sakura" (stylized in all caps) is the debut single by Japanese pop music trio Ikimonogakari. It was released by Epic Records Japan on March 15, 2006, as a CD single and digital download. It also serves as the lead single for Ikimonogakari's debut studio album, Sakura Saku Machi Monogatari (2007). It was written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno, and arranged by Masanori Shimada. "Sakura" is an introspective pop ballad which draws influences from folk rock through its instrumentation of which includes acoustic guitars, drums and strings. The song's lyrics depict two people parting ways after a graduation, also depicting a sad love and nostalgic memories.

"Sakura" was well-received by music critics, who complimented Kiyoe Yoshioka's tormented and emotive vocal performance and the song's overall production value. The single was a commercial success as it became a long-selling hit, staying on the Oricon Singles Chart for 31 weeks, and reached a peak of number 17. It was certified four times by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) in different categories, including triple platinum for digital sales, double platinum in chaku-uta (ringtone), and gold in physical shipments. Ten years after its release, the track attained a new peak on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 of number 41.

An accompanying music video was directed by Tetsuro Takeuchi, and was shot at the east exit of Tomizu Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line. In order to promote the single, it appeared on greatest hits albums, and live concert tours conducted by Ikimonogakari. It was also used as NTT's "DENPO115" East Japan Area 2006 commercial song. To date, the recording remains one of the group's highest-selling singles according to Oricon Style.