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

Dear you,roodo obu mejyaa

Road of Major / To My Dear You…

Graduation is also a time to express gratitude to the parents who raised you.

How about taking courage from this song and conveying feelings that you usually find too embarrassing to put into words? Known for hits like “Kokoe” and “Taisetsu na Mono,” the rock band Road of Major released this track as a single in 2005.

It’s a grand ballad featuring resonant acoustic guitar and strings.

From the vocals, you can feel an overflow of emotion poured into each and every word of the lyrics.

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Araki Jakkan

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On the Day of DepartureGasshou Kyoku

[Chorus Song] On the Day of Departure / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #chorus #classchorus #graduationsong #choruscontest

When it comes to choral songs about graduation, “Tabidachi no Hi ni” is indispensable.

Composed in 1991 by teachers at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture, the song became known nationwide after it was used in an NTT East Japan commercial in 2007.

In a 2008 Oricon survey of “graduation songs people have sung,” it ranked first among junior high and high school students.

For those who actually sang it at their graduation ceremony, it’s surely one of those masterpieces that brings you to tears.

It’s a song you’ll definitely want to sing with your irreplaceable friends and the teachers who supported you!

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Hamada Takuya

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Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei

[MV] A Classroom in Blue / Suisei Hoshimachi (hololive × HoneyWorks) [#HoloHani Original]

This song, included on the Hololive × HoneyWorks collaboration album “Horohani-gaoka High School,” is a youth- and graduation-themed track sung by virtual YouTuber Suisei Hoshimachi.

Set in an atmosphere reminiscent of the end of a school festival or a campfire gathering, it portrays memories and bonds shared with classmates.

Hoshimachi’s emotionally expressive vocals enhance the song’s heartfelt appeal.

The track appears on the album released in February 2024, and a collaboration campaign with JOYSOUND was also held.

It’s a recommended listen for anyone looking to reflect on their school days or for students approaching graduation.

Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Sakuzuki'

It’s a lovely graduation song with a cherry blossom theme.

Released by Sakurazaka46 in February 2023, the track sold about 349,000 copies in its first week and gained widespread popularity.

The lyrics portray a love that parts ways like falling cherry blossoms—something graduates will surely relate to.

The song captures the bittersweet feeling of seeing a loved one off as they leave for Tokyo upon graduation.

By comparing it to the graceful way cherry blossoms fall, it expresses both the loneliness of parting and deep feelings for the other person.

It’s a song we especially recommend to anyone feeling anxious before starting a new chapter in life.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

Student days are packed with memories, and the moment of parting is both beautiful and tinged with melancholy.

Wataru Ochiai’s “Tomodachi Yakarane” richly conveys those feelings.

Along with its warm melody, it portrays everyday life at school and farewells to close friends, celebrating the strength of those bonds.

Sweeping away the anxiety of growing distant, this song makes you feel a connection that won’t change, and it resonates especially deeply when listened to during graduation season.

Its sincere lyrics give courage and hope to listeners, offering a cheer for taking a new step forward.

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

Fujii Kaze’s “Tabiji” intertwines a heartfelt message with a warm melody, resonating deeply with listeners.

For everyone stepping out of their familiar surroundings into new horizons, it’s a song that gives a gentle push forward.

Its lyrics blend the traces of youth with hopes for the future, offering comfort to those taking a new step with gratitude and optimism in their hearts.

Fujii’s gentle yet powerful vocals capture the emotions of graduation with honest clarity—truly a highly recommended track.

spring skySuzuki Suzuki

【Graduation】Spring Sky – Suzuki Suzuki【Official Music Video】

The graduation-themed ballad delivered by Suzuki Suzuki brilliantly captures the blend of youthful joy, anger, sorrow, and delight.

The lyrics, filled with memories of school days—chimes ringing, tears, crumpled notebooks, and days spent under the spring sky—are sure to move your heart.

Released digitally in February 2022, the song also drew attention for its music video featuring three popular video creators.

It’s a perfect track to play on graduation day, resonating with the loneliness of those leaving their hometowns to start a new life.

Sing it with your friends, and it will surely become an unforgettable memory.