[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)
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.
Helloyama × bocchiboromaru
Created through the collaboration of yama and Bocchi Boromaru, this song is a heartwarming piece perfect for graduation ceremonies.
Centered on themes of hope for the future and courage, it sings of the strength to move forward.
Released in December 2023, it was also used as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon.
With lyrics about breaking through the clouds and heading beyond the stars, it gently encourages graduates as they set off on new paths.
It’s recommended not only for those graduating, but also for anyone facing a turning point in life.
The soul-stirring vocals and hope-filled melody are sure to give you courage!
Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI
Its powerful message of turning weakness into strength resonates deeply.
It’s a song that gives listeners a push forward as they head into the new departure of graduation.
Released in September 2023, this track was also selected as the opening theme for a hugely popular anime.
It’s included on the album “Nautilus” and is a piece that encapsulates the essence of SEKAI NO OWARI’s musicality.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants the courage to overcome difficulties and move toward their dreams.
If you listen to it at a graduation ceremony, you might just find yourself in tears.
Even those who feel anxious about a new environment are sure to draw strength from this song!
HarukaYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s “Haruka” is perfect for the season of farewells and new beginnings.
Its warm, tender sound and heartfelt vocals are truly moving.
The song is based on “Tsuki Ōji” (Moon Prince), an original short story written by broadcast writer Osamu Suzuki.
Listening to it brings back memories of school days spent with dear friends, teachers, and lovers.
It’s ideal as background music for graduation ceremonies or for everyone to sing together.
If you’d rather celebrate graduation brightly with an up-tempo track than be swept away by a tear-jerking ballad, this one’s highly recommended.
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.
Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro
Motohiro Hata’s tear-jerking graduation song “Aogeba Aozora.” His gentle, warm voice is always the best no matter when you listen.
And the lyrics of this song are exceptionally good, filled with depth and bittersweet emotion.
Listening to it makes you reflect on the many meanings of the word “goodbye.”
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.