[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.

cheerMarushii

Marcy – Yell (Official Music Video)

A new cheering song that gently nudges on the backs of those giving their all every day has arrived from Marcy, a three-piece rock band from Fukuoka.

Released digitally in February 2024, the track was written specifically as the 55th anniversary campaign song for Shinken Zemi’s High School Course.

Vocalist/guitarist Ukyo Yoshida handled both lyrics and composition, infusing the song with messages that validate the daily efforts that can’t be measured by scores and offer comfort for moments when you feel utterly alone in the world.

The school-set music video portrays the struggles of boys and girls and the scenery of youth as an ensemble drama, deepening the immersion into the song’s world.

It’s a number we especially hope will reach those about to take a new step after graduation, and those who are living each day earnestly even when the results don’t yet show.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This song is a beautiful ballad that portrays parting with someone dear and the wish to stay connected at heart beyond that farewell.

Released by Sukima Switch in March 2004 as their second single, it features a sentimental sound centered on piano and guitar that truly resonates.

It was used as an insert song for the film “Rough,” the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 was selected as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien.” The protagonist’s earnest desire to reach someone through voice and song even when apart mirrors the feelings of junior high school students facing the milestone of graduation.

It’s a track that, while looking back on days with friends, makes you want to cherish those bonds going forward.

Sung as a chorus, it would surely fill the entire venue with warm tears.

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.