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

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This is a ballad imbued with a warm message that gently accompanies the season of partings.

It paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of entrusting gratitude to a loved one and an inexpressible love to a “bouquet,” and offering it as a gift.

Released digitally in April 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s comeback work, it became familiar as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Totto-chan.

It resonated with those who had long awaited her return, earning high acclaim, including the Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards that year.

It’s perfect for moments like graduation ceremonies when you want to express thanks to teachers and friends.

This piece, which gently nudges you forward on a new path, will add color to a special day when you bid farewell with smiles through tears.

See you again.THE FRANK VOX

THE FRANK VOX – Let's Meet Again [Music Video]

The four-member male vocal group THE FRANK VOX from the Kansai region released a song in January 2025 that marks their first-ever graduation track.

It resonates with a heartfelt message that not only captures the poignancy of parting, but also carries hope for future reunions.

Centered on their signature harmonies and call-and-response style, the warm, comforting sound is imbued with the wish that the song might become a “bookmark” for cherished moments.

Released as a pre-distribution single from the album VOX BOX 2, the track was also selected as the ending theme for ABC TV’s Bukatsu People: Zenryoku Ouen Bukapi! and the TBS/MBS network show Prebat!!.

It’s recommended for those struggling to choose music for graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings, and for anyone seeking the perfect song to send off someone embarking on a new chapter.

Maplesupittsu

Spitz / Kaede

Spitz’s classic “Kaede” is a song you can’t help but crave when the season of partings arrives.

Released in 1998 as a single from the album “Fake Fur,” it has recently drawn attention as an insert song in the drama “silent.” The lyrics, which portray the resolve to walk on alone while holding tight to feelings for a cherished person you’ve parted from, really sink into the heart.

Masamune Kusano’s gentle vocals will wrap you in the bittersweet emotions felt for lovers or friends who drift apart at graduation.

It’s not only about the sadness of goodbye; the figure of someone moving toward the future with the warm memories given by the other person will surely give you courage.

It’s a song that will softly nudge you forward onto a new path—one to listen to carefully around graduation.

My friendZARD

My Friend (What a beautiful memory 2008)

A signature number by ZARD, famously known as the ending theme of the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

The lyrics woven by Izumi Sakai carry both the warmth of watching over “you” who keeps running straight ahead and the poignancy of a relationship that might one day change—each listen is enough to make your heart swell.

Released in January 1996 as their 17th single and opening the album TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY, this song became a million seller and is etched in the hearts of many fans.

It’s a perfect cheer song for those pivotal moments of youth—like retiring from a club activity or at a graduation ceremony.

Why not sing it at karaoke with friends you haven’t seen in a while, reminiscing about those days? Its unfading melody will surely bring those feelings from back then vividly back to life.

Joined handsMINAMI

[MV] MINAMI – The Hands We Held

A ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, “Tsunai da Te” (“Hands Held”), portrays the bond of two people walking hand in hand toward the future.

Conjuring youthful scenes like the after-school chime and a rainbow after the rain, this work is MINAMI’s major-label debut single, released in July 2023.

It’s a song you’ll want to send to a friend who feels the loneliness of parting during graduation season, when anxiety and hope mingle.

Its warm message—supporting one another’s existence—will surely resonate in the heart.

BFFMrs. GREEN APPLE

BFF

The loneliness of being separated from a dear friend, and the wish to stay connected no matter what.

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “BFF” gently embraces those complex feelings.

Released toward the end of their July 2023 album “ANTENNA,” this track bears a title that means “best friend,” yet it goes beyond a simple friendship song, becoming a profound ballad that tenderly accepts distance and the passage of time.

When you want to reaffirm the bonds you share with your companions, give it a listen.

Waiting for flowersKihara Rui

Rui Kihara / Waiting for Flowers Official Music Video

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Atsu Mizuno, this piece is a ballad distinguished by its warm melody.

It captures the loneliness of parting and a wish to meet again, offering comfort to those standing at the major milestone of graduation.

Released as a single in March 2025, it was also included on the first album, “REPLAY,” released the same year.

It’s a perfect song for spring, a season of new beginnings.