[2026] A Collection of Graduation Songs Recommended for Gen Z [A Page of Youth]

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

An AKB48 number that likens life to a paper airplane.

A paper airplane carrying love and wishes as it flies is just like our lives themselves.

The lyrics, which sing about the importance of the journey, give us the courage to take a new step forward.

Created in 2015 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” this piece’s simple melody resonates in the heart and is used at life’s milestones such as graduation and weddings.

In 2018, it was even included in high school music textbooks.

Filled with such wishes, it’s a song you’ll want to hum together with someone dear to you.

1096Cody Rī (Ri)

Cody・Lee (Li) – 1096 (Music Video)

センチメンタルなピアノの音色で幕を開ける、Cody・Lee (李) の11作目のデジタルシングルです。

The lyrics, written by vocalist-guitarist Hibiki Takahashi about his own high school days, cut straight to the heart line by line.

Released in February 2023, the song also drew attention for its music video, filmed in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, where traces of the winter snowscape remain.

With a melody steeped in melancholy that tightens the chest, it’s a number you’ll want to sing at karaoke while picturing the scenes it evokes.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

A song by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, who has been gaining attention for his distinctive sound rooted in surf music.

With a simple arrangement centered on piano and strings, it’s an inspiring track that gently supports people as they grow through repeated meetings and farewells.

Released digitally in February 2015, the song was also included on the album “Slow & Easy,” released in May of the same year.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV Asahi series program “Onegai! Morning,” it has been cherished in many situations as a song that offers emotional support to those graduating or embarking on a new chapter.

Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Sakuzuki'

Sakurazaka46’s fifth single features a poignant melody and lyrics that perfectly suit graduation season.

The protagonist’s complex emotions as they see off their lover, who is leaving for Tokyo after graduating from high school, are expressed through the imagery of cherry blossom petals.

Released in February 2023, the song debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Beautifully portraying love, growth, and the transience of farewell, this piece gently supports those taking a new step forward—an intimate song that stays close to the heart.

Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t GraduateHanzaki Yoshiko

Sakura: To You Who Couldn't Graduate

A song by Mikiko Hanzaki imbued with feelings for a friend who couldn’t graduate.

It was included on her major-label debut mini-album “Utaben,” released in April 2017, and was released as a single that September.

Using cherry blossom petals as a motif, the lyrics delicately portray parting, reunion, and everlasting feelings, stirring the heart.

The gentle tones of the piano and Hanzaki’s warm vocals create an atmosphere befitting a graduation ceremony.

Conveying the preciousness of reaching graduation and a sense of remembrance for those who have passed, this piece is a recommended track for anyone who wants to cherish their school-day memories.