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

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

Cherry Blossom, You, Me – SAKURA KIMI WATASHI

This is a bittersweet graduation song with a cherry blossom motif.

Written and composed by tuki.

at the age of 15, it was released in January 2024.

Set to the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, the song carefully portrays the protagonist’s complex feelings on the eve of graduation.

The lyrics are striking for how they overlay a fleeting first love onto cherry blossoms scattering with the arrival of spring.

The song also drew attention as the theme song for Kyo Suki (Today’s Love).

It’s perfect for the graduation season, but also recommended for anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.

You’re sure to be soothed by tuki.’s clear, expansive vocals.

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.

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.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

“Sakuharu” Piano Ver. Yuuri × tuki.

This song is striking for its delicate piano tones and Yuri’s crystal-clear vocals.

It beautifully mirrors the complex feelings of those facing graduation with the springtime scene of cherry blossoms dancing in the air.

The lyrics interweave gratitude to family, memories with friends, and the resolve to take a new step forward, resonating with many listeners.

Released in February 2021 as a digital-only single, it was later included on the album “Ichi.” It is often used at graduation ceremonies and related events, and is cherished as a song that accompanies life’s milestones.

It’s a perfect track for anyone feeling anxious about a new environment or anticipating a farewell with someone important.

Photo of three peopleKiroro

Photo of three people

Kiroro is a duo formed by high school classmates, beloved for their heartwarming songs that touch the soul.

“Three-Person Photo,” included on their first album, “Nagais Aida ~Kiroro no Mori~,” leaves a lasting impression with its light yet floating ensemble.

Its message—let’s each go our own way with this new departure, yet keep our bond unchanged—captures the feelings that only a graduation ceremony can evoke.

With clear, powerful vocals that stir the heart, it’s a graduation song especially recommended for women.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Goodbye Memoriessupercell

[Supercell] Sayonara Memories | Goodbye Memories [HD/HQ] [ENG/ROMAJI]

If you’re looking for an unrequited-love song set in the graduation season when cherry blossoms dance, this is the one.

Supercell’s “Sayounara Memories” is a bittersweet yet warm track dedicated to every graduate in love.

The piano tones woven into the refreshing melody heighten the sense of poignancy.

The lyrics—capturing the struggle of not finding the courage to confess and the memories built up through school life—are sure to give you a gentle push at this milestone of graduation.

The song paints many relatable scenes in its words, so take your time and read through the lyrics carefully.