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

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

A refreshing track by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that wraps both the radiance and the awkwardness of youth in one embrace.

Because time is finite, it’s all the more precious—the lyrics cherish every fleeting moment of youth.

Released in July 2024 and featured as the theme song for an ABEMA drama, this piece captures a universal theme through a unique sensibility, stirring deep empathy in listeners.

It’s recommended not only for students nearing graduation, but also for anyone who wants to look back on their nostalgic school days.

This song gives you the courage to face, with all your heart, the things you can only do now and the feelings you can only experience in this moment.

Best FriendNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Best Friend (short ver.)'

“Best Friend” is a masterpiece in which Kana Nishino sings heartfelt gratitude and love to a friend.

With its heartwarming melody and lyrics dedicated to a best friend who has shared both tough times and joyful moments, this song is perfect for graduation season.

Nishino’s clear, soaring vocals add a brilliant touch to the track.

Why not listen to “Best Friend” while thinking of your dear friends and reaffirm your feelings of gratitude?

Sakuraayaka

Ayaka / Sakura – 15th Anniversary (Room Session)

Ayaka, whose voice speaks straight to the heart, has fans of all ages and genders.

As the title suggests, the song “Sakura” is a number about graduation set in the cherry blossom season.

Looking at the lyrics, the first verse sings about the graduates’ present moment, while the second verse looks back on graduation from a distance, as if reminiscing with nostalgia.

Though it’s only an instant in the span of a long life, that instant—graduation—leaves a vivid, lasting impression, and this song expresses it beautifully and movingly.

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utatane

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pupilŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Hitomi (Music Video Short ver.)

Sakurako Ohara’s “Hitomi” is packed with memories and emotions inseparable from youth—a song that celebrates the beauty of chasing your dreams.

Although it was chosen as the image song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it’s also perfect for the milestone of graduation.

Ohara’s refreshingly pure, transparent voice will resonate with listeners and give them courage.

It’s a great pick for karaoke, too.

As a moving, ballad-style song, it’s sure to touch everyone’s hearts when sung at karaoke during graduation season.

Prologue.Yuika

Prologue. / “Yuika” [MV]

YUIKA, who rose to prominence as a high school singer-songwriter mainly through her activities on YouTube and TikTok.

After resuming activities following her university entrance exams, she released her sixth digital single, “Prologue,” whose delicate yet pop-leaning ensemble centered on acoustic guitar feels wonderfully pleasant.

The lyrics tell a story that evokes memories of youth and the start of a new journey—something many soon-to-be graduates will surely relate to.

It’s an emotional graduation song, with a refreshing melody that colors the moment of setting out.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s a heart-wrenchingly bittersweet graduation song that makes you see your timid self in a “rabbit.” After three years of pent-up feelings, all you can manage to say in the end is “thank you.” Doesn’t it make you overlay your own image onto that sweet-and-bitter page of youth? Takaya Kawasaki’s husky yet warm voice gently wraps around the protagonist’s frustrating, unrequited feelings.

Released in January 2021, this song is also included on the album Nukumori (Warmth).

For those who couldn’t say that single word, “I like you,” its message tenderly embraces those painful memories—and if you’ve ever had a one-sided crush, it will surely warm your heart.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

An encouraging song that warmly watches over everyday struggles and resonates with women’s hearts! Its catchy melody and moving lyrics are especially captivating.

Released in February 2017, it was also featured in an NTT Docomo commercial.

The lyrics are filled with phrases that gently nudge on those who keep doing their best—truly memorable.

The music video, filmed at Todoroki Athletics Stadium, also drew attention.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to move forward step by step—recommended not only for women about to graduate, but also for anyone feeling anxious about a new chapter in life.