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

bondKamenashi Kazuya

Kamenashi Kazua- Kizuna

The anxiety of graduating and leaving the place you’ve known… many people can probably relate.

This is a gentle yet powerful song that embraces those feelings.

It’s a solo number by Kazuya Kamenashi, who is also active as a member of the idol group KAT-TUN.

It was included on the 2005 single “Seishun Amigo,” released under the name Shuji and Akira.

The song was featured in the drama Gokusen Season 2.

For those who watched it, this track is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

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Araki Jakkan

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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.

GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.

People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke

"Hito to Hito" (Lyrics: Tomohiro Iwai, Music: Kensuke Yugeda, Performance: Toin Gakuen Elementary School) — a choral piece for a music concert

This is a warm piece that sings about the importance of encounters through music.

The fresh melodies woven by Kensuke Yugedate carry a gentle calm while conveying a moving message.

In clear, resonant words, it speaks of the joy born from human connections and the inevitable meaning hidden within chance meetings.

Delivered by the pure voices of the Toin Gakuen Elementary School Choir, the work is also slated to appear in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Its kind, uplifting message is perfect for children who are about to meet new people in a new environment.

As they take their next step in school life, this wonderful song will give them courage and hope—please give it a listen.

Everyone, everyone is shining.Yugeda Kensuke

Everyone, everyone is shining (unison chorus)

Riding on a cherry-blossom-colored breeze, this heartwarming song by Kensuke Yugeda gently sings of the hopeful arrival of spring.

It carries a message of encouragement for children taking their first steps forward, conveying a sense of anticipation for a shining future.

Its melody, expressing both endearing freshness and the courage to walk toward one’s dreams, tenderly nestles against the listener’s heart.

The piece is included on the album “Shiawase ni Naare” and is a beloved song performed at entrance ceremonies and welcome events for new students in elementary schools across Japan.

Since June 2018, it has been passed down in schools nationwide, and through more than 2,000 school concerts, Mr.

Yugeda has delivered it directly to children.

It is a springtime song brimming with joy, one we hope new students, teachers, and families will listen to.

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

A masterpiece woven from a gentle singing voice that stays close to the heart and lyrics that gracefully portray nostalgia for days gone by.

Featured on the album “COBALT HOUR,” released by Yumi Arai in June 1975, this song delicately expresses life and change after graduation.

It lyrically spins memories of a cherished person who lives on forever within the warmth of reminiscence.

It was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta” and the film “Watch with Me.” A heartwarming encouragement song to listen to in times of sorrow or at life’s crossroads.

1096Cody Rī (Ri)

Cody・Lee (Li) – 1096 (Music Video)

Cody・Lee (李) is a four-piece rock band gaining attention for their inventive sound that incorporates a variety of musical elements.

Their 11th digital single, “1096,” features an ensemble centered on a wistful piano tone that really tugs at the heart.

The lyrics, which look back on a time that may not have been all sunshine but was still precious, are likely to resonate with many for their realism.

It’s a track that offers gratitude for irreplaceable moments, one we hope you’ll listen to while thinking about your own graduations.

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Hoshino Takashi

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