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

Philosophy[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Philosophy (MV)

Introducing a special song born from NHK’s program project “18-sai.” Released by [Alexandros] in January 2020, this track was created to perform together with 1,000 youths aged 17 to 19.

Based on videos submitted under the theme of “your own kind of cool,” Yohei Kawakami wrote and composed the piece, building an overwhelming sense of momentum across its approximately six-minute length.

The phrases are designed with choral parts and call-and-response in mind, clearly made for everyone to raise their voices together at a live show.

The original version was first included on the best-of album “Where’s My History?” released in March 2021, allowing listeners to enjoy a chorus arrangement that differs from the streaming version.

Perfect for a graduation live performance, this work conveys the importance of continually updating your personal values at a major life milestone.

Sing it together with the audience, and it’s sure to become an unforgettable stage.

Orangeakai kouen

Red Park “Orange” Music Video

A send-off song by Akai Koen that simultaneously captures the poignancy and beauty of “moving forward without looking back.” Released in November 2020 as a double A-side single, it was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV FOD original drama “A Band Crossing Time.” Written and composed by guitarist Yosuke Tsumo, the track centers on a band sound while its soaring melody leaves a lasting impression.

The lyrics weave in reflections on the end of a relationship, shifting promises, and a prayer-like gaze toward someone growing distant, delicately portraying the wavering of a person who, despite lingering attachments, wants to “at least look cool at the end” and take a step forward.

Its blend of freshness and bittersweetness makes it perfect for a graduation live! Highly recommended for those who want to face forward without getting overly sentimental as they part ways with their friends.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

Music that gently wraps the days we spent together and our cherished memories is perfect for the start of graduation, isn’t it? This is the solo version by Ryota Fujimaki of the song Remioromen released in March 2004.

Set to a calm tempo, it portrays the radiance of a new beginning.

Through images of cherry blossoms that come to mind when you close your eyes and metaphors of light illuminating the future, it conveys not only the sorrow of parting but also the feelings of setting off on a journey filled with hope.

Originally written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, it became widely known as an insert song in the 2005 Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” This version was released in 2017 as part of Ryota Fujimaki’s solo work.

If you pair it with a message of gratitude or a memory video with friends, it may make those irreplaceable moments even more moving.

We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

A graduation song filled with memories and warmth that’s drawing attention is the work of SG.

Looking back on the carefree days, its gentle melody wraps around the feelings of parting and what comes after, warming the heart.

The lyrics, full of strength to move forward and hope for reunion, soothe many people as a piece that stands beside them at important milestones in life.

Since November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, adding a new charm through a wind ensemble arrangement.

This piece was produced with the cooperation of the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble, and the music created together with the students delivers a moving resonance that crosses generations.

It is a fitting song to gently push you forward at graduations, farewell gatherings, and moments of parting with someone important.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A graduation-themed song with a poignant love story layered over the cherry blossom season leaves a strong impression.

Hinatazaka46’s clear, pure vocals gently embrace memories of the past and feelings that were never confessed.

It’s the group’s 13th single, released in January 2025, with Nao Kosaka serving as center.

The music video, set on a graduation day, was released in December 2024.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to in the season when the arrival of spring brings back nostalgic feelings.

Highly recommended for students approaching graduation and for anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

An emotionally moving number by Ikimono-gakari, cherished as a staple graduation song.

Its lyrics don’t treat parting as something merely sad, but as a new beginning toward each person’s dreams—words that are sure to bring tears to your eyes.

Even while burdened by anxiety and inner conflict about the future—like having wings but being unable to fly—the image of confronting one’s own weakness and moving forward into tomorrow stirs everyone’s heart.

Released in September 2009 as a double A-side single alongside the bright, poppy “Joyful,” the song was also selected as a required piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Though gentle in tone, this powerful track resonates deeply, encouraging those taking a new step forward with the bonds of their friends in their hearts.

true feelingsGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE

true feelings

This song is filled with messages cheering on those who keep moving forward despite uncertainty and regret.

It’s a track by the dance and vocal group GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE, released in March 2026.

It served as a tie-in song with the radio show SCHOOL OF LOCK!, which the members appeared on for six years, and the show’s live project MY GENERATION 2026.

The sentimental strings are sure to bring tears.

The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, are deeply relatable, word by word.

With a graduation-themed worldview, it’s a masterpiece that stands by everyone carrying a sense of heartache.

Give it a listen when you want to shake off your sadness.