"Sakura" is an introspective pop ballad which draws influences from folk rock through its instrumentation of which includes acoustic guitars, drums and strings.

"Sakura" was well-received by music critics, who complimented Kiyoe Yoshioka's tormented and emotive vocal performance and the song's overall production value.

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.

"Sakura" was written and composed by the group's guitarist Yoshiki Mizuno himself, while arrangement was handled by music producer Masanori Shimada.

[10] "Sakura" was selected as the band's debut single and released on March 15, 2006, by Epic Records Japan in digital and physical formats.

[11][12] The maxi CD of the single contains the original composition and its instrumental version, plus the B-sides "Hot Milk" and "Sotsugyou Shashin," the latter being a cover of the 1975 song by Yumi Matsutoya.

[5] The magazine lauded Yoshioka's "ephemeral" and "dignified" singing voice in their review of the song on Barādon; they also called the a cappella at the end a "masterpiece.

The CD single for "Sakura" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 100,000 units.

[21] The music video was shot at the east exit of Tomizu Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line, and features Rie Kato, who debuted at the same time as the band and is in the same agency.

"[25] Since the release of their greatest hits album, Ikimonobakari: Members Best Selection on November 3, 2010, it has been used as the approach melody at Ebina Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line.