Sakura Saku

Producer Toshimichi Otsuki, then with King Records, specifically commissioned Ritsuko Okazaki for both lyrics and music early in the project's development.^[3] When explaining what he wanted for the theme song, Okazawaki shared his personal imagined story concept for the series to Okazaki, rather than sharing the source material of Lone Hina: in his vision, protagonist Keitaro Urashima falls into a coma following a suicide attempt, and during the course of the series an increasing numbers of elderly figures from the world of the dead attempt to guide him back to the land of the living.^[3] Through these dreams, Keitaro comprehends the meaning of life and awakens determined to live, surrounded by the real residents of Hinata Inn.^[3] Okazaki was reportedly deeply moved by this pitch, which directly influenced the creation of both the opening "Sakura Saku" and the ending theme "Kimi Sae Ireba."^[3] Megumi Hayashibara, who voices the role of Haruka Urashima in the series, was commissioned to provide vocals for both songs. Hayashibara and Okazaki shared a professional connection and friendship with Okazaki until her passing in 2004; Okazaki had written several songs for her since early in her career.^[4][5]

The single was released on May 24, 2000, as the first single by Hayashibara on 12-cm maxi single format.^[6] Both songs had their first album appearance as the short versions used on TV on the soundtrack album Love Hina Original Sound File released on September 21, 2000,^[7] while the full-length versions were first included on the compilation album Love Hina: Hinata Girls Song Best released on March 16, 2001.^[8] "Sakura Saku" was subsequently included on Hayashibara's studio album Feel Well released on June 26, 2002.^[9] "Kimi Sae Ireba" was then included on the album Center Color released on January 7, 2004.^[10]

"Sakura Saku" has been described as an atypical cherry blossom-themed song, due to its departure from the common romantic associations typically linked to the motif.^[11] "Sakura Saku" is an uplifting encouragement song which celebrates living, standing out within Megumi Hayashibara's discography due to its particularly poppy and energetic feel.^[11]

"Sakura Saku" debuted and peaked at number 7 on the Oricon charts,^[12] and selling 64,660 copies on its first week.^[13] It charted for seven weeks in total, with cumulative reported sales amounting to 104,500.^[13]

The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan in October 2003.^[14]

Okazaki recorded self-cover versions of "Sakura Saku" and "Kimi Sae Ireba" in 2001, which were included on her album Love Hina Okazaki Collection.^[15][2] Additionally, the song has been covered by Love Hina voice actors Yūji Ueda, Yui Horie and Satsuki Yukino;^[7][a] as well as by Erina Nakashima,^[17] Mikuni Shimokawa,^[18] and Lyrical Lily.^[19]