[Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]

Precious FeelingsRIEHATA

RIEHATA “Precious Feelings” Official Music Video

This exquisite ballad by RIEHATA—renowned worldwide as a choreographer—deliberately sets aside dance performance to convey emotion solely through her voice.

Released in August 2023 to coincide with her birthday, the song gently stands beside those carrying pain or loneliness, offering encouragement that says, “You’ll be okay.” It’s a tear-jerker that expresses gratitude to friends and family who are parting ways after graduation, and serves as a cheer for oneself embarking on a new path.

This is me ~Poem of Promise~RIKU

This is me ~Poem of Promise~

RIKU from THE RAMPAGE wrote “This is me ~Yakusoku no Uta~” for his solo tour.

Released as a single in November 2025, it was created to express his true, authentic self.

It embodies a resolve to accept his weaknesses and past, and to live as he is.

The song is filled with a universal message of self-affirmation that encourages listeners to be proud of themselves.

For graduates about to embark on a new world, it will surely resonate as if it were their own story.

ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It beautifully captures the sparkle of youth and that heart-tightening sense of bittersweetness.

Written as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime “Blue Box,” which aired starting in January 2025, it’s included on the album “DEAR MYSTERIES.” On the verge of graduation, struggling with unspoken feelings and the delicate distance with friends—especially younger listeners are sure to relate.

It’s a song you’ll want to play as BGM for graduation season, to etch those precious memories into your heart.

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] A Bouquet for Me

In March 2025, the song by Ado that became a hot topic as the CM track for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Georgia” is a cheer anthem newly written by HoneyWorks.

It carries a warm message that doesn’t deny failures or regrets, instead embracing both who you were yesterday and who you are today.

The theme of offering blessings to oneself harmonizes beautifully with Ado’s powerful yet gentle vocals, giving listeners a gentle push forward.

It’s a number we especially hope those standing at the milestone of graduation—feeling anxious or uncertain—will hear.

Brimming with positive energy, it’s the kind of work you’ll want to gift yourself as a morning pep talk when taking that first new step.

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Live Video from “ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019”]

For a heartwarming graduation milestone, RADWIMPS’s “Seikai (Answer)” is a song packed with traces of youth and a cheer for the future.

Their music is known for being filled with messages for anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

This track in particular prompts you to reflect on your school days and gives you a gentle push to move forward positively in the life ahead.

Yojiro Noda’s soulful vocal performance and the song’s profound lyrics beautifully color the afterglow of a graduation ceremony and will empower you to take a new step.

The official website even offers a choral score, making it a great choice for group singing.

It’s a song that can inspire you to keep searching for your own “right answer” as you set out on a new path.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

Graduation is also a time to express gratitude to your dearest family, friends, partner, and teachers.

When you want to thank someone you don’t normally speak to so directly, DISH//’s “Jinchōge” might be the perfect graduation song.

The flower language of the daphne (jinchōge) is “eternity” and “glory.” It’s also known as a flower that heralds the arrival of spring, and the lyrics’ focus on daphne instead of cherry blossoms shows real taste.

It’s a number that will move everyone if sung together at a graduation ceremony or thank-you party.

If you’re unsure about the BGM, you can’t go wrong choosing this song.

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Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

Dai Hirai, who suits a Hawaiian vibe.

“Mata Au Hi Made” is a recommended ballad for the season of farewells.

Keeping his signature, tropical sound intact, he layers tender, moving lyrics to create the perfect graduation song—great as BGM for ceremonies or parties.

Even if the paths we aim for are different, this song expresses gratitude for meeting you and hope that we’ll meet again.

Why not give it a listen?

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