[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] Recommended Heart-Touching Japanese Songs for Graduation Season [2026] (91–100)
Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī
Chatmonchy’s graduation song “Saraba Seishun.” While Chatmonchy is often associated with bright, poppy tunes, their ballads are actually fantastic too.
The lyrics evoke the sweet-and-sour memories of school days, and listening to this song during graduation season is sure to bring tears to your eyes.
Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya
A song I want to send to those embarking on a new chapter: Takaya Kawasaki’s “Sakura Usagi.” This poignant ballad depicts the heartache of graduating without ever confessing your feelings.
Kawasaki’s gentle vocals and the tender sound of acoustic guitar quietly resonate in the heart.
The lyrics, which portray the pure emotions nurtured over years of school life, are sure to strike a chord with many.
It’s a recommended graduation song that evokes the many feelings coloring a page of youth.
Bring it on, spring.non
An anthem cheering on those taking new steps with the arrival of spring, it carries a powerful, uplifting message.
The track was released digitally in January 2025, with the music video premiering at the same time.
The MV centers on a student band’s graduation performance, beautifully capturing the sparkle of youth.
It’s a particularly recommended song for anyone about to embark on a new chapter this spring.
Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, who unfortunately disbanded in 2013.
Like their other songs, this track is a perfect choice for a moving graduation, with the kind of upbeat, straightforward lyrics that really hit home—something FANMON is known for.
It’s also well-known for featuring Sanma Akashiya in the music video.
It’s a song you’ll want to dedicate to a dear friend.
Kitearashi
This is the song beloved as Arashi’s graduation anthem! Conceived as NHK’s theme song for 2020 and crafted by the popular artist Kenshi Yonezu, it weaves together lyrics about childhood memories, words from family, bonds with friends, and more—moving listeners deeply.
Released in July 2020, it became Arashi’s first single to sell over a million copies.
Gently comforting the tears shed on graduation day, this track is perfect for anyone embarking on a new chapter in life.
THANXWANIMA
Packed with gratitude, this song is memorable for its heart-touching melody and lyrics.
It’s a track that gives you the courage to overcome a painful past or farewells and move toward a hope-filled future.
Included on the album “Are You Coming?”, it was released in November 2015.
The music video features fans as well, conveying a strong sense of unity between the band and their supporters.
Listening to it before a graduation ceremony or stepping into a new environment will surely give you courage.
You can feel WANIMA’s warmth throughout this piece—an inspiring song that gives a gentle push to anyone striving forward.
GraduationKobukuro
The lyrics that evoke the scenery of the day of departure and the gentle twin vocals will surely warm the hearts of those graduating.
“Sotsugyo,” released by Kobukuro in 2020, is a song that makes you want to cherish your school memories forever.
The moving melody line, combined with the two singers’ beautiful and delicate voices, offers congratulations to those setting off on a new path.
Graduation doesn’t mean a final farewell; until the day you meet again, listening to this song may help you treasure and safely keep your memories of school.
