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

Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb

absorb "Sakura no Ame" MV Full

The original song is the Vocaloid track “Sakura no Ame,” but it’s sung by the unit absorb, which includes the original uploader on Niconico, Haruyoshi Mori.

It’s a graduation-themed song that conveys the wish for students to create beautiful memories.

It’s so popular that many cover versions are posted during graduation season.

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zunx2P

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YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

This song, YELL, was composed as a set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

It also won the 51st Japan Record Award.

There’s virtually no brightness to it; instead, it is a piece that conveys raw regret and sadness with poignant sincerity.

Yet from those feelings of frustration emerges a strong resolve to turn them into a springboard and move forward positively from here on.

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utatane

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Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

Released in 2013, this song is widely known as a choral piece for the NHK National School Music Contest and as a feature on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” It’s a moving song sung for friends who will part ways at graduation.

It feels like we can keep doing our best from here on with this song as a good-luck charm.

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utatane

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Even if we forget springaibii karaa

Ivy Color [Even If We Forget Spring] Music Video

This song, “Even If We Forget Spring,” has a fresh, quintessentially youthful feel, and it seems like it could bring back, in vivid images, those casual yet unforgettable moments from our student days.

With a breezy voice and melody that evoke the lightness of spring, it’s a track that powerfully heightens the emotions and sentiment of graduation.

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utatane

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I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue – “I’m Glad I Met You” (short ver.)

The loneliness of someone who was always by your side no longer being there… just imagining it is painful, yet this song conveys a positive feeling.

It’s a message song filled with heartfelt gratitude to friends.

Created by Sonoko Inoue, who is also active as an actress, it’s included on her first album, “Hello,” released in 2016.

The sparkling sound arrangement perfectly complements Inoue’s cute vocals.

Graduation isn’t only about crying and sorrow—this moving number makes you feel that way.

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Araki Jakkan

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spring songamasaki annainin

Amesaki Annainin “Haru no Uta” (Spring Song) [Official Music Video]

With the arrival of spring comes a song that’s perfect for a new beginning.

In this work from Amasaki Annainin, the swirling cherry blossoms are vividly portrayed while gently singing about the heart’s movement toward its dreams.

Released in February 2023, the track has drawn attention as a quintessential “sakura song” brimming with spring atmosphere.

The music video, set in a wooden school building, vividly captures memories of graduation.

It’s a must-listen for anyone feeling anxious about a new environment or wanting to reminisce about their school days.

Its warm, comforting vocals will surely give you a gentle nudge forward.

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

Little Glee Monster, known for their energetic, cheerful image, have delivered a graduation song that’s just as bright and uplifting.

While it looks back a bit sentimentally on the fun times and school life up to now, it’s a song that turns those memories into something joyful and encourages you to keep moving forward with positivity.

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