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

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

Official HIGE DANDism’s “Last Song” delicately weaves the emotions born in the space between the end of graduation and a new beginning, set to a bittersweet yet warm melody.

Included on their 2019 album “Traveler,” it became a hit that has stayed in many listeners’ memories.

This song, sure to resonate with students, conveys the lingering feelings that surface when something ends, along with gratitude for the time spent.

It was also used as an insert song in the TV drama “Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (“I Can See You Three More Times”), adding another layer of poignancy when paired with the show’s scenes.

The gentle brass layered over the band’s sound is soothing, making it a perfect track to color the moment of graduation.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

A quintessential graduation song! It became a massive hit after being chosen as the theme for NHK’s Athens Olympics coverage.

Created by the musical duo Yuzu, it was released in 2004 as their 21st single.

The message—“Believe in everything you’ve built up so far and move forward into the future”—is truly encouraging.

Even when you’re feeling down, this song makes you think, “I’ll be okay as long as I have this.” It might be perfect to sing together at karaoke after graduation.

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Loved oneFOMARE

FOMARE “The One I Love” Official Music Video

This song by FOMARE, a rock band from Takasaki, Gunma, channels their overflowing feelings for the places and people they love in a straightforward way.

With a driving band sound, it powerfully sings of the preciousness of everyday life we once took for granted and of bonds that remain unchanged even when we’re apart.

Released in June 2021 and later placed as the opening track on the album “midori,” the song also drew attention as the CM song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uniharu 2022.” It’s a perfect track for graduates who want to express gratitude to friends, teammates, and the places that supported them.

As listeners leave their familiar days behind and step into a new world, the song offers a warm cheer to gently push them forward.

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

A ballad by My Hair is Bad filled with a warm message of gratitude to friends who shared irreplaceable time together, and of turning even painful experiences into strength for the future.

The sincere words penned by vocalist Tomohito Shiiki affirm the days that have passed in their entirety and give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Released in June 2024, the song also drew attention for being written as the theme for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary.

It’s an important track that closes out the album ghosts, featuring a grand band sound worthy of a story’s end credits.

It’s a song that gently supports graduates as they etch their memories into their hearts and move on toward tomorrow—why not listen to it together with your cherished friends?

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

This is a gem of a song from bokula., a rock band based in Hiroshima, filled with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.

The lyrics, which remind us that the time and memories spent with friends—things we took for granted—are never wasted, resonate deeply alongside Ei’s straightforward vocals.

Included on the mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the track has won fervent support especially among junior and senior high school students, and has become beloved by many listeners, surpassing a total of 8.5 million streams.

It’s the perfect song for those moments when you’re facing the sadness of going your separate ways but want to reaffirm an unchanging bond.

Why not send this track to your cherished friends as a token of gratitude at the milestone of graduation?

Futabaaimyon

Aimyon – Futaba [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is Aimyon’s warm, encouraging song, woven from and embracing the real emotions of 18-year-olds.

Created based on message videos submitted by 1,000 young people from across Japan, it delicately depicts the unique anxieties and hopes of the transition into adulthood.

Written as the theme song for NHK’s project “Aimyon 18 Festival,” it was released digitally in March 2022.

Later, it was included as the opening track on the album “Hitomi e Ochiruyo Record,” marking it as an important number.

It’s a perfect song for those about to leap into the unknown, or for graduates who, while carrying a touch of loneliness, are determined to look forward.

Be sure to listen to this piece on your special day of new beginnings—you’ll find the courage to break out of your shell and move ahead.

Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Feelings of gratitude that are too embarrassing to express on ordinary days might be easier to convey honestly at graduation.

This song, which portrays the warmth of holding someone’s hand, the happiness of everyday life, and the resolve to walk toward the future, is truly a classic befitting a new beginning.

Ikimono-gakari’s single “Arigatou,” released in May 2010, was widely loved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyōbō.

Thanks to its universal appeal, it was also selected as the entrance march for the 2011 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

The words woven by Yoshiki Mizuno and the vocals of Kiyoe Yoshioka gently resonate with listeners’ hearts.

Why not listen to this perfect piece for expressing gratitude to parents and teachers at graduation and find the courage to take your next step?