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

Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Sakura Roll” Official Lyric Video

With the arrival of spring, the song that makes me want to listen is Masho Funatsu’s “Sakura Roll,” released in March 2021.

The title is a coined word that blends “sakura” (cherry blossoms) with a smartphone’s “camera roll,” a clever touch that layers the fleeting season with the enduring nature of memories.

This piece, graced by the soothing sound of acoustic guitar, features high school singer Ren on chorus; the overlap of their voices creates a beautiful harmony where warmth and wistfulness coexist.

The lyrics capture a contemporary feeling—the desire to etch fleeting moments into the heart like photographs—and gently resonate with those facing graduation or a new chapter in life.

It’s a highly recommended song to send with gratitude, while reflecting on days spent with friends or a loved one.

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.

Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako

Tomorrow, when spring comes

When you feel the spring breeze, don’t you sometimes find yourself remembering a youthful romance? Lyrics that bring back those sweet and bittersweet memories—like watching your crush chase a white ball around the school field—can really make your heart skip a beat.

This was the debut single released by Takako Matsu in March 1997, and it also became well-loved as the CM song for NTT’s “Waku-Waku New Life Campaign.” There’s even a surprising tidbit that its working title during production was “Negitoro Tamago.” This song carries both the ache of going separate ways and a faint hope of reunion.

It’s perfect for those parting ways at graduation or for anyone who wants to tuck away their memories with care.

With the arrival of a new season, it’s a song that will give you the courage to face forward and start walking—so please give it a listen!

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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MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

When it comes to youth anthems, you just can’t leave this one out! Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the drama “ROOKIES,” GReeeeN’s signature track “Kiseki” is a pure love song that celebrates the joy of meeting the person you love and the resolve to walk into the future together.

True to its title, the lyrics call the couple’s meeting a “miracle” (kiseki) and describe the path they’ve walked as a “trace” or “trajectory” (also kiseki)—a wordplay that stirs the heart every time you listen.

In 2009, it was also chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it beloved across generations.

It’s a moving song you’ll want to play at graduations, thank-you parties, and those final moments with dear friends or a loved one, to express your gratitude.

The Story of the Wind and MeAdo

The Story of the Wind and Me [Ado]

This work was chosen as the theme song for the film “The Silent Service: The Great Battle in the Arctic Ocean,” released in September 2025.

It’s also known for being the first time Hiroji Miyamoto provided a song to a female artist.

Inspired by Ado’s love of taking walks, the lyrics and melody evoke the sparkle of the wind and the city, leaving a strong impression.

The grand sound stirs emotions perfectly suited to the season of farewells and new beginnings.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on the way home from a graduation ceremony or when expressing gratitude to a beloved teacher.