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

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

Originally written and composed by CreepHyp’s Seikai Ozaki as a campaign song for FM802 and TSUTAYA in 2018, this track is included on the album “Nakitakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni.” Its lyrics juxtapose the image of falling cherry blossoms with a “bookmark” tucked into a half-read book, evoking lingering feelings for a relationship one isn’t ready to end—sentiments many graduates may relate to.

While the song portrays the sorrow of parting, the music itself is a bright, fast-paced rock tune.

That contrast gently pushes listeners forward into the future, even as they hold on to their loneliness.

It’s an emotional track that tenderly accompanies the wavering heart at the milestone of graduation.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Yuuri “Sakurabare” Lyric Music Video (1-chorus ver.)

This is a graduation song whose lyrical vocals by Yuuri resonate with the heart.

The lyrics, which express gratitude to parents and friends, gently embrace the feelings of students facing graduation.

Released digitally in February 2021, the song is said to have been created in response to an email from a fan.

The piano- and strings-based arrangement highlights Yuuri’s heartrending vocals.

It’s a warm track that gently encourages those taking a new step forward.

Highly recommended as a comforting number to listen to during graduation ceremonies and the season of new departures.

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

Bokula is a rock band based in Hiroshima whose down-to-earth music has won strong support from younger listeners.

This track, included on their mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, is a fan favorite with over 8.5 million streams.

Its lyrics, which seem to affirm all the ordinary days and memories shared before a parting, will likely resonate with many who are about to graduate.

The album featuring this song won the Chugoku Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards.

Pair this emotional rock tune with an Instagram Story packed with memories of your friends to create a truly moving post!

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

This song delicately portrays the transience of youth and the emotions of adolescence.

It’s said that Motoki Omori, the vocalist of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, wrote it the day after his high school graduation ceremony.

It’s a perfect track to listen to during graduation season.

The song was tied in as the theme for Suntory’s “Craft Boss” commercial and became widely loved.

In March 2024, it surpassed 100 million cumulative streams on the Billboard JAPAN charts.

Why not give it a listen this spring, a season that evokes farewells and growth? Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to color your memories.

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

This is a classic song that makes both tears and smiles shine at the milestone of graduation.

Its lively beat and beautiful harmonies overlap, capturing both the bittersweet feeling of parting with friends and the anticipation for the future.

The lyrics, which sing about how the messages written behind the school building and the ordinary days spent in the classroom were irreplaceable treasures, are a page of youth that anyone can relate to.

Released in March 2015 as one of the tracks on a double A-side single, this song cheerfully embraces the honest feelings of graduates who want to say goodbye with laughter—yet end up in tears all the same.

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Sakura

It’s one of the quintessential “sakura songs” you want to listen to when spring arrives.

Virtually synonymous with Naotaro Moriyama, this track was released as a single in March 2003 and sold over a million copies.

Its lyrics superimpose farewells to dear friends and moments of new beginnings onto the image of cherry blossoms that bloom beautifully and fall all too quickly, resonating deeply in the heart.

Beyond the sadness of parting, the song also conveys a warm, resilient strength, pledging to reunite in the future while holding onto unchanging feelings.

It was also beloved as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki.” It’s a classic you’ll want to play on the day of graduation, reminiscing about the days spent with your friends.

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

Welcoming a new beginning with memories that will stay in your heart forever—this is a song that stays by your side in that very moment.

Written by Okayama-born singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, this track was composed in 2021 as the theme song for the drama “Nijiiro Karte.” Its relaxed, soulful sound is so quintessentially Fujii.

The lyrics, which suggest that everything we experience on the journey of life has meaning, gently encourage you as you take your first steps into the future at a milestone like graduation.

Also included on the acclaimed album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” this song may remind you to feel gratitude toward those who have supported you.