[2026] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Moving J-POP Graduation Songs

To tomorrowHirosue Ryōko

Ryoko Hirosue RH DEBUT TOUR 1999 – 10 – To Tomorrow

Ryoko Hirosue’s “Ashita e” is a moving ballad perfectly suited to the milestone of graduation.

Written and composed by Mayo Okamoto, its down-to-earth lyrics speak quietly yet powerfully to the listener’s heart.

Even decades after its 1999 release, the lyrics remain timeless, poignantly and beautifully depicting precious memories shared with friends from our school days.

It’s a song that encourages you to look back on the days you’ve spent and take a brave step toward the future as you leave your old school behind and embark on a new journey.

Highly recommended not only as a graduation song, but also as a great choice for karaoke.

Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei

[MV] A Classroom in Blue / Suisei Hoshimachi (hololive × HoneyWorks) [#HoloHani Original]

Suisei Hoshimachi’s pure, radiant singing voice teaches us about the brilliance of youth and the importance of friendship.

This piece is a track from the album Horohani-gaoka High School, released in February 2024.

The album was announced as the first collaboration project between hololive and HoneyWorks.

Many hololive members, including Suisei, participated, and it has garnered significant attention among fans.

It’s a song that, when listened to during times of graduation or new beginnings, lets you look back on the past while inspiring hope for the future.

My WayMirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama 'My Way'

Many people are surely feeling anxious about graduating and stepping onto a new path.

At times like that, how about a song that stays close to your feelings, gives you strength, and helps you look forward? Mirei Toyama’s “My Way” is a track that can be powerful in exactly those moments, gently comforting emotions that no one else can understand.

The song is produced by Shota Shimizu, who is also well known for his collaboration on “Dear My Boo.”

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Let me give you a songTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Let Me Give You a Song (Official Music Video)

It’s a song filled with gentle warmth that seems to embrace the anxieties and loneliness within the heart.

Mariya Takeuchi’s soothing voice stays close to the listener, offering words of encouragement throughout.

Released in August 2024, the track was written as the theme song for the drama “What a Wonderful Teacher!” Starring Erika Ikuta, the drama’s world is beautifully mirrored in the music, which portrays the protagonist’s struggles as a dedicated teacher.

It’s a piece we especially hope graduating students and those standing at new crossroads in life will listen to.

This song will stay by your side and give you the courage to face forward.

spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira

[Suite] KAFU × Kujira #97 “Spring Sunlight” [Original MV]

“Shun’yo” delicately sings of graduation scenes under the gentle sunlight that signals the arrival of spring.

Born from a collaboration between virtual artist KAF and producer Kujira, the song blends warmth with hope.

Its cute, pop-tinged sound pairs beautifully with KAF’s crystal-clear vocals.

The lyrics feel like writing the final page of youth, resonating with many graduates.

It’s a song we hope everyone embarking on a new chapter will hear.

Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko

Graduation -GRADUATION-

Kikuchi Momoko’s fourth single, a portrayal of the wistfulness of youth and the beauty of growing up, is her first slow ballad.

You can almost picture the protagonists taking the long way home in the spring sunlight, counting poplar trees as they go.

The scenes of flipping through a graduation album and the birthday present episode convey a deep bond that words can’t fully express.

Released in February 1985, the song was also used as the theme for a TV drama of the same name and reached number one on the Oricon chart.

It’s a perfect track for anyone who wants to feel the arrival of spring while reminiscing about their school days.

It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink

It's goodbye, but it's not goodbye.

Yamada Katsutenai Wink wraps this classic spring song—one you want to hear around graduation season—in warm, gentle vocals.

Its melody, which sings of the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion, nestles close to the heart and gives you courage to face a new future.

Released in February 1991, the song was used as an insert track on Fuji TV’s “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Terebi” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With lyrics by Kuniko Yamada and music by KAN in beautiful harmony, it’s a gem of a message song that teaches us that parting is not an end but a beginning.

Listened to in the season of departures, it’s a wonderful, heartwarming cheer song that continues to be loved by many.