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

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

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.

Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Gifted Song / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

When it comes to graduation songs, many tend to look back on school life and are addressed to friends, but this is one song I’d love to dedicate to the teachers and mentors who supported us.

It’s a moving song that lets you take your time remembering the fun days, reflect on yourself, feel your growth, and gain the strength to move forward and take a big step ahead.

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utatane

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proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

Released in 2011, flumpool’s Akashi was written as the set piece for that year’s NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition.

It’s a bittersweet yet deeply moving graduation song that portrays friendship, bonds, and the pursuit of dreams.

The song conveys the feeling of setting out from a familiar place, along with a powerful resolve to keep doing your best in the journey ahead.

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utatane

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DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

A heartwarming anthem that vividly captures the feelings of facing the anxieties and uncertainties of youth.

Set to a refreshing melody, it gently conveys the importance of embracing your true self.

With a sound packed with pop-rock elements and a powerful vocal performance, this is a striking track.

Produced as the theme song for the special NHK General program “18-sai Matsuri” aired in December 2024, it garnered major attention after being performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.

When you feel like you’re losing your way, or when you need the courage to take a new step forward, this song will be a reassuring companion.

At any timeYugeda Kensuke

[Lyrics Video] Donnatokimo (Alto) — Vocals: Oita City Matsuoka Elementary School Music Club

Set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone, Kensuke Yugeda’s song expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten.

It warmly conveys precious memories with friends and heartfelt thanks to family and teachers.

Its tender, embracing tune resonates deeply with listeners and invites empathy.

The piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Yume o Tsunagou,” and it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Mr.

Yugeda, who holds school concerts nationwide, has performed over 2,000 times and continues composing with children in mind.

It is a song you’ll want to sing with care when expressing gratitude to important people, such as at a “Half-Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or end-of-year school events.

Friend ShipHoshino Gen

Friend Ship

This is a gentle song that tenderly embraces the warm feelings of parting from and reuniting with someone important, and the hope of meeting again.

Gen Hoshino’s heartfelt vocals and the warm melody evoke the beauty of precious memories and bonds with friends.

Included on the album “YELLOW DANCER,” the track was written as the theme song for the film “Moriyamachu Driving School” and was also used in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Long Gakuwari” commercial.

During the “Continues” tour in September 2017, it was performed with passion at Saitama Super Arena.

It’s a heartwarming piece to listen to when you’re thinking of a dear friend you’ve been separated from, or when you’ve made plans to see each other again after a long time.

Sakuraayaka

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

It’s a song by Ayaka that feels like carefully looking back on memories that resurface every time graduation season comes around.

The gentle, piano-centered sound seems to accentuate the calm atmosphere of a graduation ceremony.

It captures the loneliness felt at graduation while also drawing strength from remembering the people who supported you.

It conveys feelings that remain unchanged over time and a wish for former friends to be living well.

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