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

GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.

Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

This work beautifully portrays graduation as a milestone in life.

Motohiro Hata’s clear, translucent voice captures both the sadness of parting and the hope of a new beginning in full.

Released in March 2019, it garnered attention as the theme song for a SoftBank TV commercial.

While cherishing past memories, this piece gives you the courage to take a step toward the future.

It’s a song I hope those embarking on a new chapter will listen to as spring arrives.

Its heartfelt melody and lyrics will surely give you a gentle push forward.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

This song gently sings about memories and farewells with dear friends, carried by a warm, heartfelt vocal.

Wataru Ochiai’s comforting voice resonates, bringing to mind scenes from school days and moments of parting.

Set to a ballad-style melody, it carefully expresses the importance of friendship and feelings of gratitude, and was released in February 2022.

A simple arrangement centered on piano and acoustic guitar further highlights the emotional depth of the lyrics.

It’s recommended not only for those facing graduation or goodbyes, but also for anyone who wants to fondly recall their school-day friends.

The song has gained buzz on social media and continues to be cherished as an anthem of youth.

Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / “Cherry Blossom Season” MV

Atsushi, known for his sweet singing voice, delivers a graduation-themed ballad.

Set against gentle piano and string arrangements, the song weaves together the sorrow of parting and the hope for the future, becoming a moving piece that sends memories of youth rushing back.

Included on the album “Love Ballade,” released in December 2014, it was issued as a single the following February.

It was also selected as the set piece for the junior high division of NHK’s National School Music Competition, resonating deeply with many students.

It’s a heartwarming number recommended not only for those about to graduate, but also for anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.

The season of farewellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

A SHISHAMO song that beautifully captures the bittersweetness of youth.

Featured on the album “SHISHAMO 2,” this track is a graduation-themed piece based on Asako Miyazaki’s experiences in middle school.

The secret crush on an older student and the sadness of parting are delicately portrayed alongside scenes set beneath cherry blossom trees.

Released in March 2015 and prominently featured on Space Shower TV, the music video was filmed at an abandoned school in Tochigi Prefecture, with around 80 fans participating as extras.

It’s especially recommended for students as a song to listen to during graduation season, one that lets you feel a page from your youth.