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

FanfareTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki “Fanfare” MUSIC VIDEO (Theme song for TBS Sunday Theater ‘The Royal Family’)

With a driving melody and a soul-stirring, overwhelming vocal, this song Koji Tamaki released in November 2025 is an anthem written as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “The Royal Family.” Layering in memories from his childhood in Hokkaido, it sings not of winning or losing, but of the importance of moving forward in your own way.

Filled with encouragement for those who keep living for what matters, even while getting hurt, this piece is perfect for graduates about to embark on a new path.

It will gently nudge the backs of those feeling uncertain or alone.

The season of farewellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

Even after the graduation ceremony ends, the feelings that won’t quite settle and the regret over words left unsaid… SHISHAMO’s song gives voice to that bittersweetness everyone has felt.

It’s the closing track on their album “SHISHAMO 2,” released in March 2015, and centers on an unrequited love for an upperclassman who’s graduating first.

The lyrics carefully trace the protagonist’s heart as they face parting without ever confessing their feelings.

When the music video was released, it drew significant attention, including being selected as SPACE SHOWER TV’s “POWER PUSH!” for March 2015.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those who are parting from someone important due to moving on to further studies or work, or who still haven’t managed to express their feelings.

Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Bye-Good-Bye -Music Video-

The title track of BE:FIRST’s second single gives you the courage to take a step toward a new beginning.

Released in May 2022, the song was written as the theme for the drama “Before Goodbye: Fantastic 31 Days” within the TV program ZIP!.

Its perspective—seeing parting not as an ending but as a beginning—is striking, delicately portraying both the pain of letting go of the past and the resolve to move forward.

The track debuted at No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs chart and surpassed 100 million streams in September 2022.

It also won an Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a song that gently gives you a push on the way home after a graduation ceremony, when anxiety and anticipation about a new environment are all mixed together.

A timeless piece that deserves to reach everyone who has experienced saying goodbye to someone important.

Us Again (Brass Band ver.)SG

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

Singer-songwriter SG’s song is a moving piece that captures the bittersweet emotions of graduation and parting, while expressing the hope of meeting again.

In the wind ensemble version, a collaboration with the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble, it transforms into a youthful, refreshingly vibrant sound of adolescence.

Released in November 2024, the song was also featured in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate commercial supporting exam-takers.

With the rich resonance of wind instruments and a melody full of hope, this piece touches the heart—perfect for those facing life’s milestones such as graduation or entrance exams.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s tear-jerking graduation song “Shunshuu.” This track expresses the complex emotions felt before graduation, and many listeners are sure to relate to its lyrics.

No wonder—it was written by vocalist Motoki Omori the day after his high school graduation ceremony, which is why such raw feelings are embedded in the song.

Let this track help you feel the bittersweetness of graduation.

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Dropkick&TEAM

&TEAM ‘Dropkick’ Official MV

A song that kicks hardships away together with your friends and gives you the courage to move forward.

It’s included on &TEAM, the global boy group from HYBE LABELS JAPAN, and their first full album “First Howling : NOW,” released in November 2023.

This work is a youth anthem portraying young people who keep running toward their dreams.

Its message—reaching out to each other when you’re about to fall and standing up again—resonates alongside a refreshing pop sound.

Ryan Tedder, known for his work with Beyoncé and Maroon 5, participated in the production, and the stadium-ready scale and bright melodies leave a strong impression.

The music video, featuring dynamic performances in sportswear, is also a must-see.

It’s a recommended track for those facing graduation and feeling anxious about stepping into a new environment.

Listen to it when you want a push on your back, keeping the bond with your precious friends close to your heart.

Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie

Harunanoni

This is a poignant, emotionally rich song that conjures up scenes from a graduation ceremony.

Released by Yoshie Kashiwabara in January 1983 as her 14th single, the song was written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima.

While those around her are thrilled by the arrival of spring, the lyrics delicately portray—through a restrained vocal delivery—the feeling of being left behind.

It peaked at No.

6 on the Oricon charts and won the Gold Prize at the 25th Japan Record Awards.

The song also led to her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Rather than relying on flashy climaxes, this ballad draws you in with the spaces between the words and the shadows in its melody, making it perfect for the walk home after a graduation ceremony or for quietly gathering your thoughts before a new beginning.