[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] Heart-Touching Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026] (71–80)
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.
Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism’s “Last Song” delicately weaves the emotions born in the space between the end of graduation and a new beginning, set to a bittersweet yet warm melody.
Included on their 2019 album “Traveler,” it became a hit that has stayed in many listeners’ memories.
This song, sure to resonate with students, conveys the lingering feelings that surface when something ends, along with gratitude for the time spent.
It was also used as an insert song in the TV drama “Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (“I Can See You Three More Times”), adding another layer of poignancy when paired with the show’s scenes.
The gentle brass layered over the band’s sound is soothing, making it a perfect track to color the moment of graduation.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
A quintessential graduation song! It became a massive hit after being chosen as the theme for NHK’s Athens Olympics coverage.
Created by the musical duo Yuzu, it was released in 2004 as their 21st single.
The message—“Believe in everything you’ve built up so far and move forward into the future”—is truly encouraging.
Even when you’re feeling down, this song makes you think, “I’ll be okay as long as I have this.” It might be perfect to sing together at karaoke after graduation.
bookmarkkuriipuhaipe
The song’s appeal lies in its lyrics, which portray unfinished emotions and relationships that never quite move forward—symbolized by a bookmark.
It reflects Sekai Kan Ozaki’s meticulous word choice and his unique perspective on human relationships.
Released in 2018, the track was created as the campaign song for “FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS!”.
It features a calm, melodic sound centered on acoustic guitar.
It’s perfect for the graduation season—a song that encourages you to take a new step while looking back on your student days.
horizonback number
Back Number’s “Suiheisen” (Horizon) was created to encourage students who lost their chance to compete in the Inter-High during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Not only students—many people have felt this song give them a push.
The unadorned vocals and emotional, beautiful lyrics really resonate, don’t they? It’s also a great choice if you’re thinking of a moving performance for a graduation ceremony.
Even after graduation, you may hit walls, struggle, and shed tears.
In those moments too, I’m sure this song you listened to back then will become a source of comfort for your heart.
The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46
I’d like to introduce a song that doesn’t treat parting as something sad, but rather makes you realize how wonderful it is to have met.
“Sayonara no Imi,” released in 2016 by Nogizaka46—also known for hits like “Influencer”—features Nanami Hashimoto as the center and resonates with lyrics that help you recognize the importance that grows stronger with each farewell.
Their beautiful vocals and dance celebrate a new beginning.
Its sentimental sound carries a sense of strength, and it might just inspire you to see graduation in a positive light.
We againSG
It’s a heartwarming song that pairs perfectly with the cherry blossom season.
SG’s gentle vocals weave together memories and hope.
Centered on the themes of parting and reunion, it conveys the importance of the days we spent and our expectations for the future.
Released in April 2021, the piece resonated with many listeners.
In November 2024, a wind ensemble version was featured in a CalorieMate commercial, adding a new layer of appeal.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at graduations and other life milestones.
Highly recommended for those facing farewells with friends who want a bit of courage for the road ahead.