RAG MusicGraduation
A lovely graduation song

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

Graduation songs that color farewells with friends and new beginnings are beloved across generations, no matter the era.

In this article, while focusing on the theme of graduation songs, we’ll introduce a wide range of tracks sung by female artists that we especially recommend for women.

From nostalgic tunes to songs that mark fresh encounters, we’ve selected pieces from the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras across genres and periods, so you’re sure to find a song that resonates with your heart.

Use this as a reference not only for choosing BGM for graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, but also for karaoke at after-parties following the ceremony!

[2026] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Moving J-POP Graduation Songs (21–30)

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)
On the day of departure...Kawashima Ai

This song, “Tabidachi no Hi ni…,” which was used as the theme song for the popular romantic reality show Ainori, has a gently lingering melody that really sticks in your ears.

The lyrics are crafted to be very pure, making it a definite heart-flutterer for many women.

It’s also a highly popular choice as a classic graduation song.

What I want to tell you before graduationerica

erica – “What I Want to Tell You Before Graduation” PV (Full)
What I want to tell you before graduationerica

When it comes to graduation songs, many people probably feel that a lot of them are about family and friends.

This track, “What I Want to Tell You Before Graduation,” is both a graduation song and a love song.

The lyrics portray a woman’s feelings in great detail, making it a must-listen for women.

[2026] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Moving J-POP Graduation Songs (31–40)

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue – “I’m Glad I Met You” (short ver.)
I'm glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Capturing the feelings of graduation, this song you’ll want to listen to on the day of the ceremony—Sonoko Inoue’s “I’m Glad I Met You”—was included as the lead track on her 2016 album Hello.

Released right as Inoue herself was graduating, the song is packed with earnest, real emotions that anyone else graduating will surely relate to.

I’m sure you had precious encounters that could only happen here and now.

It’s a perfect number to express gratitude for those encounters and to share your feelings with friends.

To the futureKiroro

To the Future – Kiroro (Full)
To the futureKiroro

As a graduation song, “Mirai e” is a timeless classic.

It’s also a highly popular choice for choral performances and as a wedding song.

Many artists have covered it, and it’s beloved not only in Japan but overseas as well.

It’s a song that can move anyone, but it may resonate especially well from a woman’s perspective, making it particularly moving for female listeners.

For those facing graduation and the uncertainties of a new beginning, this song will gently transform those worries into calm and warmth.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

This song, which also served as the theme for NHK’s morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan,” is known across generations.

Its tender compassion and Hikaru Utada’s intimate, conversational vocals resonate deeply—it’s a track you hear in many different moments.

As the title “Hanataba wo Kimi ni” (A Bouquet for You) suggests, bouquets are a perfect fit when you want to convey your feelings to someone or celebrate a special occasion.

A song sung with someone in mind, paired with the act of giving a bouquet, makes it perfect for graduation season—and it’s a deeply moving, emotionally stirring piece.

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]
Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster is a vocal group that creates beautiful harmonies with strong singing skills and teamwork.

Their song “Seishun Photograph” features a melody that blends Japanese pop with a nursery rhyme feel and American-style R&B.

It’s a graduation song, but it’s bright, poppy, and cute.

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video
YELLikimonogakari

YELL is a moving ballad perfect for graduation season.

Kiyoe Yoshioka’s breath-infused vocals, together with the piano, strings, and band sound, create an ensemble that speaks directly to the listener’s heart.

The hope-filled chorus resonates powerfully as a cheer for those embarking on a new chapter.

This song, which seems to give a gentle push toward the future you should pursue, is perfect for graduation ceremony choruses, background music for videos, and karaoke.

It will surely give you the courage to step onto a new path.