[Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]
Have you ever had tears well up when a song suddenly started playing on your way home from graduation after parting with your friends? The graduation season that arrives with the coming of spring is a special time when joy and bittersweet feelings mingle.
The songs that gently embrace those emotions are graduation songs that stay close to the heart.
This time, we’ll introduce a wide range of Japanese tracks—from timeless classics that have been loved for years to the latest hits.
They’re perfect for reminiscing about memories with friends or listening as you set your resolve for a new beginning.
You’re sure to find a song that will accompany your most precious moments.
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[Moving] Japanese songs that resonate with the heart, recommended for graduation season [2026] (61–70)
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
It’s a tear-jerking graduation song that makes you overflow with gratitude for your parents and friends.
Written by singer-songwriter Yuuri, whose appearance on the popular YouTube series THE FIRST TAKE rapidly boosted his name recognition, the track was released digitally in 2021.
It’s the kind of melody and vocal that make you want to introduce it as a truly heartwarming ballad.
The lyrics’ worldview, conveying an overwhelming sense of love for those dear to you, tightens your chest.
Promise ~promises~EXILE
A heartwarming ballad by EXILE themed around a promise to meet again.
Created as the final work featuring ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO as the duo on vocals, who have long led the group, the song’s lyrics were written by ATSUSHI.
It is filled with unwavering bonds that remain strong even when apart and a firm hope for the future.
Played at important milestones like graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings to express gratitude, it will surely envelop the entire venue in a warm, moving atmosphere.
DreamerJO1
It’s a ballad that gives you the courage to take one step at a time toward your dreams.
Written as the theme song for the drama “Short Program,” in which all the members starred, it was included on the album “KIZUNA,” released in May 2022.
Created as an anthem to support those pursuing their dreams, the song stays close to people who, despite their anxieties and doubts, try to look ahead.
Its melody, which blends gentleness with fragility, builds dramatically toward the end and truly moves the listener’s heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear on the day you set off on a new journey.
Song of SpringFujihara Sakura
This is a captivating song with a melody that evokes the gentle warmth of spring sunlight and a smoky vocal that nestles close to the heart.
Though it carries the anxiety of an unseen tomorrow, its lyrics encourage taking a strong first step forward—sure to gently support graduates setting off into new environments.
Included on a single released in March 2017 and chosen as the theme song for the latter part of the film March Comes in Like a Lion, the piece moved many to tears in theaters.
It’s also featured on the album PLAY, where Spitz’s original classic is reinterpreted with Sakura Fujiwara’s uniquely warm expression.
Because it overlaps with the image of children overcoming the sadness of parting and taking flight with hope, it’s perfect for scenes where you want to create a moving graduation ceremony.
Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//
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.
CorrectRADWIMPS
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.
Until we meet againHirai Dai
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?