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

Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sakura Photograph” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Sakura Photograph)

It’s a moving ballad perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

Released in April 2025, this song is the theme for the season event “Sakura-Mau Start Line” in the game Gakuen Idolmaster.

The gentle harmonies of the trio—Liliya Katsuragi, Sayaka Shiun, and Saki Hanami—leave a lasting impression.

It’s as if the tender melody rides the spring breeze and soars into the sky.

The lyrics, which portray meetings, farewells, and irreplaceable friendship, will especially resonate with those graduating from school.

Be sure to give it a listen during cherry blossom season.

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.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

Remioromen’s March 9th remains an unfading classic graduation song.

It was released as their second single on March 9, 2004—literally on that date.

The song was originally created to celebrate a friend’s wedding, but after being featured in the TV drama 1 Litre of Tears, it started being frequently sung at graduation ceremonies.

Its March-themed lyrics also resonate with the emotions of graduation.

Since March 9th falls right around graduation season, why not choose this song as your BGM?

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miyabi

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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.

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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Araki Jakkan

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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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Araki Jakkan

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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.