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

Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Bye-Good-Bye -Music Video-

The title track of BE:FIRST’s second single gives you the courage to take a step toward a new beginning.

Released in May 2022, the song was written as the theme for the drama “Before Goodbye: Fantastic 31 Days” within the TV program ZIP!.

Its perspective—seeing parting not as an ending but as a beginning—is striking, delicately portraying both the pain of letting go of the past and the resolve to move forward.

The track debuted at No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs chart and surpassed 100 million streams in September 2022.

It also won an Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a song that gently gives you a push on the way home after a graduation ceremony, when anxiety and anticipation about a new environment are all mixed together.

A timeless piece that deserves to reach everyone who has experienced saying goodbye to someone important.

OrangeSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

A moving SPYAIR track whose powerful melody and lyrics about friendship and bonds truly resonate.

Created as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, it gives you the courage to move forward without fearing goodbyes or change.

Included on an EP released in February 2024, this marks the fourth collaboration between the Haikyu!! series and SPYAIR.

Recommended for those anxious about graduation or a new environment, or anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Its hope-filled lyrics are sure to give you a gentle push.

Dropkick&TEAM

&TEAM ‘Dropkick’ Official MV

A song that kicks hardships away together with your friends and gives you the courage to move forward.

It’s included on &TEAM, the global boy group from HYBE LABELS JAPAN, and their first full album “First Howling : NOW,” released in November 2023.

This work is a youth anthem portraying young people who keep running toward their dreams.

Its message—reaching out to each other when you’re about to fall and standing up again—resonates alongside a refreshing pop sound.

Ryan Tedder, known for his work with Beyoncé and Maroon 5, participated in the production, and the stadium-ready scale and bright melodies leave a strong impression.

The music video, featuring dynamic performances in sportswear, is also a must-see.

It’s a recommended track for those facing graduation and feeling anxious about stepping into a new environment.

Listen to it when you want a push on your back, keeping the bond with your precious friends close to your heart.

bondYamazaki Tomoko

"Kizuna" Chorus Song / Mixed Choir in Three Parts / Full Ensemble (All) - With Full Lyrics - For Part Practice - Covered by Singer micah

Beloved as a staple song for graduation ceremonies, this choral piece by Tomoko Yamazaki features lyrics that evoke everyday moments with friends—like cherry blossom season or the walk home at dusk.

It reminds us that the times we spent laughing together and sometimes struggling are irreplaceable treasures.

Its warm message—that even when we part, our hearts remain deeply connected—helps turn the sadness of farewell into hope.

Included in a song collection published in July 2010, the work was originally composed as a commemorative piece for a choral seminar.

Characterized by simple yet beautiful harmonies, it continues to be sung in various arrangements, such as three-part mixed chorus and two-part equal voices.

It’s a perfect song for graduation ceremonies and send-off gatherings, where an entire class can unite their hearts and sing as one.

crossroadYUI

crossroad

This is a song by YUI, included as the B-side to the single “LIFE” released in November 2005.

Centered around acoustic guitar, its warm sound and delicate lyrics—capturing everyday scenes—strike a deep chord.

The structure is superb, shifting from simple imagery like sunlit spots and splashes of water to the wavering of a heart that can’t quite smile, carefully portraying the resolve to keep moving forward even without clear answers.

The single “LIFE” served as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo anime BLEACH, reaching a peak of No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart and significantly boosting YUI’s profile.

In November 2008, it was also included on MY SHORT STORIES, an album compiling B-sides, where it received renewed recognition.

It’s a perfect song for graduates standing at life’s crossroads, or for anyone ready to take a step forward despite their doubts.

Unchanging Thingssakushi: yamazaki tomoko / sakkyoku: yamazaki tomoko

The Unchanging Things [Chorus] / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #Chorus #ClassChorus #GraduationSong #ChorusContest

The bonds nurtured during our days at school will never fade, even when we are apart.

This work is a choral piece that carefully weaves together those unchanging feelings.

The lyrics and music are by Tomoko Yamazaki, who has created many beloved songs such as “Taisetsu na Mono” and “Te no Hira o Kazashite.” It was newly written for the collection “Tomoko Yamazaki ~Original Songs~ (Mixed Voices),” published by Ongaku no Tomo Sha in July 2010.

While holding the sorrow of parting, it portrays the resolve to look ahead and take a step forward, set to a sincere and beautiful melody.

Both mixed choir and equal-voice choir versions are available, making it easy to choose according to the size and composition of your school.

Sung at graduations, farewell ceremonies, and other moments of parting from those dear to you, it will etch gratitude for the time spent together—and the bonds that will remain unchanged—into your hearts.

18imase

【imase】18（MV）

A pop tune celebrating the start of adulthood, crafted by singer-songwriter imase, who made his major-label debut in 2021.

Released in April 2023, it was written as the theme song for Suntory’s web video “Otonajan: Koko kara dane 04.” Aimed at a generation whose school life events were restricted during the pandemic, it blends scenes unique to mask-wearing life and delivers an uplifting message: “The real fun awaits in the life ahead.” With a light four-on-the-floor beat and refreshing melody, it gently embraces a wavering heart.

The track is also included on the album Bonsai, released in May 2024.

It’s a song we especially want you to hear at that moment after graduation, when anticipation and anxiety mix as you enter a new life—when you’d rather look forward to the future than lament lost time.