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

DreamerJO1

JO1 | ’Dreamer’ Official MV

It’s a ballad that gives you the courage to take one step at a time toward your dreams.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Short Program,” in which all the members starred, it was included on the album “KIZUNA,” released in May 2022.

Created as an anthem to support those pursuing their dreams, the song stays close to people who, despite their anxieties and doubts, try to look ahead.

Its melody, which blends gentleness with fragility, builds dramatically toward the end and truly moves the listener’s heart.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear on the day you set off on a new journey.

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.

Precious FeelingsRIEHATA

RIEHATA “Precious Feelings” Official Music Video

This exquisite ballad by RIEHATA—renowned worldwide as a choreographer—deliberately sets aside dance performance to convey emotion solely through her voice.

Released in August 2023 to coincide with her birthday, the song gently stands beside those carrying pain or loneliness, offering encouragement that says, “You’ll be okay.” It’s a tear-jerker that expresses gratitude to friends and family who are parting ways after graduation, and serves as a cheer for oneself embarking on a new path.

This is me ~Poem of Promise~RIKU

This is me ~Poem of Promise~

RIKU from THE RAMPAGE wrote “This is me ~Yakusoku no Uta~” for his solo tour.

Released as a single in November 2025, it was created to express his true, authentic self.

It embodies a resolve to accept his weaknesses and past, and to live as he is.

The song is filled with a universal message of self-affirmation that encourages listeners to be proud of themselves.

For graduates about to embark on a new world, it will surely resonate as if it were their own story.

EverlastingSixTONES

SixTONES –「Everlasting」from LIVE DVD/BD「Feel da CITY」(2022.1.6 YOKOHAMA ARENA)

This piece is included on the album CITY, released in January 2022.

It was also used as the corporate CM song for Idemitsu Kosan, so many of you have probably heard it on TV and elsewhere.

It’s a grand ballad befitting life’s milestones such as weddings and graduations, carrying a warm message that evokes eternal bonds and trust.

The rich, layered sound featuring a choir is sure to move listeners to tears.

It’s a number we hope you’ll listen to when you want to express gratitude to someone important.

ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It beautifully captures the sparkle of youth and that heart-tightening sense of bittersweetness.

Written as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime “Blue Box,” which aired starting in January 2025, it’s included on the album “DEAR MYSTERIES.” On the verge of graduation, struggling with unspoken feelings and the delicate distance with friends—especially younger listeners are sure to relate.

It’s a song you’ll want to play as BGM for graduation season, to etch those precious memories into your heart.