[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!
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[2026] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Moving J-POP Graduation Songs (31–40)
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.
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.
Prologue.Yuika
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.
Sakuraayaka
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.
Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku
Even after going on hiatus in 2019, Kinoko Teikoku still has many fans.
Their song “Before the Cherry Blossoms Bloom” is the major-label debut single released in 2015.
With graduation, some of you may be leaving the places where you were born and raised, setting off far away.
The thought of no longer being able to see friends who were always nearby—friends you could meet anytime you wanted—can understandably be unsettling.
But when you listen to this song, you’ll feel that even if you’re apart, you’ll remain connected, and that all the memories you’ve shared until now will give you strength.
[2026] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Moving J‑Pop Graduation Songs (41–50)
Take off the uniform and say goodbye…Nogizaka 46
A Nogizaka46 song that portrays the feelings of a girl saying goodbye to the special time called “uniform” and taking her first step into adulthood.
Sung by Asuka Saito and Minami Hoshino, who were both in high school at the time, their true-to-life voices further enhance the song’s fresh, innocent charm.
Listening to this track—which conveys not only hope for the future but also a tinge of sadness at leaving a familiar place—may bring back nostalgic memories of your own youth.
It’s included on the single Taiyo Knock, released in July 2015.
A refreshing, hope-filled anthem that gently supports hearts swaying with expectation and anxiety at the major milestone of graduation.
Graduationsaitou yuki
“Sotsugyo” (Graduation) is Yuki Saito’s debut single, released in 1985.
It remains so popular that it’s no exaggeration to call it a quintessential graduation song, and even more than 30 years after its release, it continues to attract many artists to cover it.