10年桜 – Bilingual Lyrics Japanese/English

• By: AKB48

Lyrics & Translation

Learning Japanese through AKB48's '10nen Zakura' offers a unique window into Japanese culture, particularly the significance of graduation and the symbolism of cherry blossoms. The song's clear, heartfelt lyrics about friendship and future promises make it an accessible and emotionally resonant choice for language learners. Its upbeat yet nostalgic melody and the story within the lyrics provide a rich context for understanding cultural nuances and common expressions related to important life events in Japan.

[English]

Somewhere, cherry blossom petals

fall gently in the breeze

The time has come for someone to spread their wings

And walk alone from here

Meeting you has shown me

The meaning of seasons gone by

Your smile was so dazzling

Though we can't go together

Don't cry so much

I won't forget

Let's meet again in ten years

I'll wait for you here

Shining even brighter than now...

Graduation is just a process, a vow to reunite

Than a love that burns out quickly

Be my forever, my dearest one

More than anyone I've ever met

Because I really love you

Cherish your dreams

So I can protect you more

Even if things are tough

Even if it doesn’t go well

While counting the passing springs

It gets lonely sometimes

But if you believe in the future

I can keep going

Let's meet again in ten years

Around the time these cherries bloom

No matter what happens, I'll come back here

Graduation is just the start, an eternal journey

Even if you're lost in sadness now

Keep waving your hand for me

Cherry blossoms!

No matter how many times they bloom

I'll never forget

This day called today

Let's meet again in ten years

I'll be waiting here

Shining even brighter than now...

Graduation is just a process, a vow to reunite

Than a love that burns out quickly

Be my forever, my dearest one

Somewhere, cherry blossom petals

fall gently in the breeze

The time for someone to spread their wings has come

And walk alone from here

So I can protect you more

Let's meet again in ten years

[Japanese]

どこかで桜の花びらが

はらりと風に舞うように

誰にも羽ばたく時が来て

一人きりで歩き出すんだ

君と会えたことが

過ぎた季節の意味

その笑顔が眩しかった

一緒に行けないけど

そんなに泣かないで

僕は忘れない

10年後に また会おう

この場所で待ってるよ

今よりももっと輝いて・・・

卒業はプロセスさ 再会の誓い

すぐに燃え尽きる恋より

ずっと愛しい君でいて

今まで出会った誰よりも

ホントに君が好きだから

自分のその夢 大切に

もっと君を守れるように

つらいことあっても

うまくいかなくても

過ぎる春を数えながら

寂しくなるけれど

未来を信じれば

僕は 頑張れる

10年後に また会おう

この桜咲く頃

何があったってここに来る

卒業はスタートさ 永遠の道程(みちのり)

今は悲しみに暮れても

ずっと手を振る君でいて

Cherry blossoms!

何度 咲いても

今日という日を

忘れはしない

10年後に また会おう

この場所で待ってるよ

今よりももっと輝いて・・・

卒業はプロセスさ 再会の誓い

すぐに燃え尽きる恋より

ずっと愛しい君でいて

どこかで桜の花びらが

はらりと風に舞うように

誰にも羽ばたく時が来て

一人きりで歩き出すんだ

もっと君を 守れるように

10年後にまた会おう

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
桜 /sakura/ A1	noun - cherry blossom
花びら /hanabira/ A2	noun - petal
風 /kaze/ A1	noun - wind
時 /toki/ A1	noun - time
笑顔 /egao/ A2	noun - smile
輝く /kagayaku/ B1	verb - to shine
守る /mamoru/ B1	verb - to protect
夢 /yume/ A2	noun - dream
愛しい /itoshii/ B2	adjective - dear, beloved
悲しみ /kanashimi/ B1	noun - sadness
未来 /mirai/ A2	noun - future
頑張る /ganbaru/ B1	verb - to do one's best
卒業 /sotsugyou/ B2	noun - graduation
再会 /saikai/ B2	noun - reunion
誓い /chikai/ B2	noun - oath, vow