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

Graduation (feat. Shuto)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.

Time ParadoxVaundy

Time Paradox (Theme Song of the Movie Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony) / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

With a musical style that freely crosses a wide range of genres, Vaundy has gained immense support, especially among young people.

Among his songs, this one carries a warm quality that gently resonates with the feelings of graduation season.

Despite its deliberately pared-down, simple arrangement, the melody—somehow nostalgic yet full of hope for the future—truly strikes a chord.

Released in February 2024 as his first CD single, it was written as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony.

The music video, directed by Vaundy himself and featuring Shota Sometani, also drew major attention.

Its message, which seems to connect the past and the future, makes it perfect for the season of new beginnings.

It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to while reflecting on the days spent with friends.

Thank youKagura SCOPE

Kagura SCOPE – Thank You [Official Music Video]

A solo artist known as a “Rapsinger” who fuses rap and singing, Kagura SCOPE has been winning support from street performances.

This single, released in December 2024, is a heartwarming pop number that straightforwardly expresses gratitude.

Its lyrics reflect on the appreciation we often overlook in everyday life and the miracle that encounters are never to be taken for granted, resonating deeply with those facing seasons of farewells and new beginnings.

It’s easy to project feelings for loved ones—partners, family, and friends—and the music video, now available, heightens the emotion visually as well.

Perfect as background music for graduations and farewell parties, this gentle, empathetic song feels like it speaks the words of thanks we can’t fully convey ourselves.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).

The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.

Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.

Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.

footprint(s)Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster “Ashiato” Music Video

An emotional number where delicate piano melodies intertwine with powerful vocals to move the listener’s heart.

Written by the members themselves, the lyrics portray the strength to trust the path you’ve walked, even while carrying anxiety and doubt.

Its gentle message—that every past experience can become nourishment for the future—resonates not only with students at the milestone of graduation, but also deeply with us as adults.

Released in September 2020, the song was created as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High School Division).

Its acclaim is unquestionable, having won the Excellence Work Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.

Also included on the album “GRADATI∞N,” it’s an encouraging anthem that gives you courage—perfect for anyone embarking on a new journey or for moments when you feel like you might come to a halt.

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

This song by Hump Back, a three-piece girls band from Osaka, is a heartfelt message to everyone who keeps chasing their dreams.

Its passionate lyrics, urging the self who’s about to forget a once-held dream that it’s not over yet, strike a powerful chord with listeners.

Carried by a simple yet powerful rock sound, and highlighted by Momoko Hayashi’s straight, earnest vocals, this track was their major-label debut single released in June 2018, and it was also used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02.” It’s the perfect song to listen to when parting ways with friends after graduation or when you feel anxious about a new challenge.

It will steady a wavering heart and give you a firm push forward.

If you laugh at the skywacci

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

Let me introduce a motivational song packed with a powerful message: when you feel like crying, look up at the sky and smile.

This track by the five-member band wacci was released digitally in July 2018 and was later included on their album “Gunjo Refrain,” released in November of the same year.

While hard work doesn’t always lead directly to results, the warm perspective that the days you’ve built up are never wasted gently encourages listeners.

Starting in August 2019, it was also selected as the support song for the “Japan Tsunagaru Project” segment on the TV program Mezamashi TV, moving many people alongside the images of those doing their best.

It’s a perfect recommendation for graduation season—an uplifting song that stands by students retiring from club activities and anyone setting out on a new path.