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

south wind

South Wind Choir (with lyrics)

A junior high school graduation ceremony is a memory of a lifetime.

As a choral piece befitting such a milestone, I recommend Hiroshi Tomioka’s “Minamikaze” (The South Wind).

Its lyrics, which empathize with the feelings of middle school students, and its melody that evokes hope for the future create an unforgettable moment for the graduates.

Resonating in their hearts and giving them courage, “Minamikaze” is truly perfect for a graduation ceremony.

Composed drawing on Tomioka’s own experience as a teacher, this song gently supports students as they take their first steps into adulthood and watches over them with warmth.

graduation ceremonySARD UNDERGROUND

SARD UNDERGROUND “Graduation Ceremony” MV

If you’re looking for a song befitting a graduation day that marks a fresh start, we recommend SARD UNDERGROUND’s “Sotsugyoushiki” (“Graduation Ceremony”).

Known for coloring the scene with covers of classic hits by the legendary hitmaker ZARD, the group released this track in February 2023.

As the title suggests, it carries a moving message perfect for the milestone of graduation.

Its lyrical words evoke nostalgia while resonating deeply with today’s youth.

When choosing a song for a graduation ceremony chorus, be sure to add this one to your list—it’s sure to help create a wonderful moment.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

It’s a classic song that teaches us the importance of living true to ourselves.

Released in 2002, it’s one of SMAP’s signature tracks—SMAP being the idol group that continues to be loved across Japan even after their disbandment.

The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara.

Many of you might remember singing it in school.

The lyrics, which compare people of the world to flowers, are truly beautiful.

It’s a wonderful piece that brings a hopeful light to graduation, a time that’s also about parting ways.

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my graduationSPEED

SPEED / my graduation -Music Video-

This song, which looks back on the days spent with someone you love, is sure to strike a chord in your heart.

It’s a track by SPEED, the dance-vocal group that symbolized the Japanese music scene of the ’90s, released as their sixth single in 1998.

It became a major hit, partly thanks to being featured in a commercial.

The lyrics, conveying a strong resolve to “hold the memories close and become a new me,” are especially striking.

Carried by the members’ clear, soaring vocals, the message dives deep into your heart.

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Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

A perfect song for a new beginning like graduation is Saucy Dog’s “I Live in the Present.” With its energetic sound and moving lyrics, it gives you the strength to look forward while reflecting on the past.

In particular, Shinya Ishihara’s deeply emotional vocals are sure to touch the listener’s heart.

Evoking memories of days devoted to club activities and the bonds of friendship, this song would be ideal for a graduation ceremony chorus.

Why not add a splash of color to your precious memories with your friends?

sentimentalculenasm

culenasm “Sentimental” (Official Music Video)

Culenasm’s song delivers sentimental feelings with raw emotion.

It’s a shoegaze number where roaring guitars resonate beautifully.

Released digitally on February 5, 2025, the track centers on themes of regret over past relationships and the bittersweet wish to return to those moments.

Through its guitar sound, it expresses both the beauty of memories and the ache of regret.

In December 2023, they also provided the theme song for director Hideki Noda’s film “Futari no Kizuato” (The Scars of Two).

It’s a recommended listen for anyone looking to confront past memories and emotions as graduation season approaches.

graduation songerica

erica “Graduation Song” lyric video (Full ver.)

As if blessing a new beginning, Erica’s “Graduation Song” is perfect for a moving scene at a graduation ceremony.

Celebrating the precious time spent with friends, the song’s gentle guitar tones and rich strings resonate in the heart, warmly coloring the moment of graduation.

It watches over this milestone with warmth and quietly encourages the first steps toward the future.

True to its title, it’s a graduation song that lingers in the heart—highly recommended for anyone reaching a turning point.