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

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.

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.

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.

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Sakura

It’s one of the quintessential “sakura songs” you want to listen to when spring arrives.

Virtually synonymous with Naotaro Moriyama, this track was released as a single in March 2003 and sold over a million copies.

Its lyrics superimpose farewells to dear friends and moments of new beginnings onto the image of cherry blossoms that bloom beautifully and fall all too quickly, resonating deeply in the heart.

Beyond the sadness of parting, the song also conveys a warm, resilient strength, pledging to reunite in the future while holding onto unchanging feelings.

It was also beloved as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki.” It’s a classic you’ll want to play on the day of graduation, reminiscing about the days spent with your friends.

Graduation (feat. Shuto)NEW!hannya

Hannya / Graduation (feat. Shuto) / Official Music Video

Partings and new departures that come at life’s turning points.

Hannya’s new song “Sotsugyo” (“Graduation”) takes on this universal theme.

Released for streaming in February 2026, the track features Hiito, an artist based in Okinawa.

Over a calm, piano-centered beat, Hannya recounts past memories with restraint yet palpable heat.

It’s a reality—far from mere platitudes—that only he could portray after building his career since the 2004 album “Ohayo Nippon” and even headlining a successful Budokan show; it really hits home.

With Hiito’s gentle vocals added, the song leaves a bittersweet yet forward-looking afterglow.

Carrying all of the past and still striving to move on to the next stage, it feels like a quiet push on the back for anyone on that path.

Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Until Graduation” Music Video

This song portrays the bittersweet feelings of a high school student on the verge of graduation.

The protagonist’s wavering emotions, unable to confess their feelings, resonate deeply with listeners.

It was released in January 2024 as the second single by Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora.

The music video, set against a melancholic fishing port, has also drawn attention.

The group introduced its first-ever selection system, with the 12-member Aozora-gumi handling the vocals.

It’s recommended for anyone holding onto feelings for someone special in the limited time before graduation.

I think it’s also a song that offers comfort to those struggling with a relationship that’s more than friends but not quite lovers.

spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira

[Suite] KAFU × Kujira #97 “Spring Sunlight” [Original MV]

This song skillfully captures the pleasant warmth of spring sunshine and the bittersweetness of parting.

Kaf’s clear, transparent voice conveys the emotion of the graduation season to the fullest.

Released in March 2022, the track drew attention as a collaboration between Kaf and Kujira.

It beautifully expresses the contrasting feelings of spring’s brightness and the loneliness of farewell through both its sound and lyrics.

It’s perfect not only for students about to graduate, but also for anyone taking a new step in life.

Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody will resonate with listeners, offering comfort and the courage to look forward.