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

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.

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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kappamaki

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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.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Road

Michi is EXILE’s ultimate ballad themed around graduation and new beginnings.

Many people may have come to love them after hearing this song.

The title “Michi” (Road/Path) invites many interpretations: the road you always traveled, the path where you met someone special, and the road you’ll take after graduation.

It’s also recommended as a choral piece—sing it together at your graduation ceremony and share the moving experience! It’s wonderful to listen to again as an adult with a fresh perspective, too.

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miyabi

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Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / “Cherry Blossom Season” MV

It’s a warm ballad that feels like turning the pages of an album of memories in your heart, one by one.

Sung by ATSUSHI, the vocalist of the performance group EXILE, it was included on the 2014 album Love Ballade.

It drew attention when it was broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

The fragile yet steady, resolute vocals really resonate in the chest.

It makes you feel like you can overcome the pain of parting and move forward.

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Araki Jakkan

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far; distant; by farGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Haruka

It’s a smash-hit track that was chosen as the theme song for the high school baseball–themed film “ROOKIES: Graduation.” The song is by GReeeeN, a music group that has been active at the forefront of the Japanese pop scene for many years, and it was released in 2009 as their 11th single.

The lyrics depict a protagonist taking flight with the words of their father and mother in their heart—and I can’t help but see myself in that image.

The sound features beautifully resonant strings, which really hit you hard.

I think it’s a song that will resonate not only with those about to graduate, but also with people for whom graduation was a long time ago.

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Araki Jakkan

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cherry blossomKALMA

KALMA – Sakura (Music Video)

This is a song dedicated to you as you embark on a fresh start with the arrival of spring.

It opens with gentle guitar tones, gradually building into a powerful rhythm that grips the listener’s heart and doesn’t let go.

The piece portrays, with rich expressiveness, the anxiety and loneliness that accompany milestones like graduation and school entrance, as well as the hope and resolve for a new future—likened to cherry blossoms.

Released in February 2021, it also commemorates the first anniversary of KALMA’s major-label debut.

It’s a fitting anthem for the start of a new season—one that instills the strength to overcome any hardship and a forward-looking spirit—and a song we especially hope those graduating will listen to.