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

Have you ever had tears well up when a song suddenly started playing on your way home from graduation after parting with your friends? The graduation season that arrives with the coming of spring is a special time when joy and bittersweet feelings mingle.

The songs that gently embrace those emotions are graduation songs that stay close to the heart.

This time, we’ll introduce a wide range of Japanese tracks—from timeless classics that have been loved for years to the latest hits.

They’re perfect for reminiscing about memories with friends or listening as you set your resolve for a new beginning.

You’re sure to find a song that will accompany your most precious moments.

Playlist

[Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	FanfareTamaki Kōji		An anthem for life that cheers you on to move forward beyond winning and losing.
2	The season of farewellSHISHAMO		A moving song that sings of the bittersweetness of graduation
3	Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST		An inspiring song that supports a new beginning
4	Us Again (Brass Band ver.)SG		An inspiring youth anthem, cheering on exam-takers
5	spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE		A bittersweet song that sings about the complex emotions of graduation
6	Dropkick&TEAM		A youth walked with friends, a song of courage to move forward
7	Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie		A poignant masterpiece about graduation and setting off on a journey
8	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song that embraces dreams and setbacks, cheering you on through life
9	bondYamazaki Tomoko		Graduation song, a song of friendship and hope
10	sunflowerAdo		Ado’s heartwarming cheer song, toward a new step
11	When I turn around…Janne Da Arc		Janne Da Arc’s moving graduation song
12	KanadeSukima Suichi		A song that portrays farewell and bonds with a precious person
13	Unchanging Thingssakushi: yamazaki tomoko / sakkyoku: yamazaki tomoko		The bonds nurtured at school will never fade.
14	cheerMarushii		An anthem for those who strive, delivered by Marcy.
15	18imase		A forward-looking youth, an encouraging song by imase
16	crossroadYUI		YUI’s warm songs portray life’s crossroads.
17	OrangeSPYAIR		SPYAIR’s moving song that depicts friendship and courage
18	cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro		A famous song that depicts the beauty of cherry blossoms and the emotions of parting.
19	Graduation (feat. Shuto)hannya		Hannya’s new song “Graduation” depicts the past and the future
20	Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora		A blue sky of bittersweet love on the verge of graduation
21	spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira		Kaf’s spring graduation song expresses both parting and hope.
22	Time ParadoxVaundy		Vaundy's graduation song resonates with my heart.
23	Amazing GraceTeshima Aoi		Aoi Teshima showcases her beautiful singing voice in a film’s theme song
24	Thank youKagura SCOPE		A heartwarming song from Kagura SCOPE filled with gratitude
25	It’s okayji ma ma		A heartwarming classic by jimama from Okinawa
26	If you laugh at the skywacci		A tear-jerking wacci masterpiece that cheers on your efforts
27	Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN		Song of friendship, even when apart our hearts remain connected
28	Futabaaimyon		An anthem of support that portrays the anxieties and hopes of being eighteen
29	MiracleGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s classic hit “Kiseki,” a song of youth
30	Song of ThanksV6		A youthful song by V6 singing of gratitude, resonating in the heart
31	Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro		A masterpiece that sings of memories like cherry blossoms in spring
32	Dear, boyHump Back		A message song for people who chase their dreams
33	cherry blossomberii guddoman		An uplifting farewell song that captures the warmth of spring
34	Bye, my friendbokula.		The bittersweetness of youth, bokula.’s masterpiece
35	footprint(s)Little Glee Monster		A song of courage whose moving vocals shake the heart
36	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		Mayo Okamoto’s classic that gives courage and hope
37	A bouquet for meAdo		A song that encourages you and helps you take a new step forward
38	BFFMrs. GREEN APPLE		A heartwarming song that portrays the distance and bonds between friends.
39	When the fleabanes bloomNogizaka 46		Nogizaka46’s famous song that sings of springtime farewells and new departures
40	Moon in CairoBoku ga mitakatta aozora		A graduation song resounding in the winter blue sky
41	Loved oneFOMARE		An emotional graduation song by the Gunma band FOMARE
42	Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad		A song that expresses gratitude to friends and a positive outlook
43	See you again.THE FRANK VOX		From Kansai, a graduation song praying for a reunion
44	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		Bouquet, Hikaru Utada’s masterpiece of farewell and gratitude
45	Maplesupittsu		Kaede: a poignant song for the season of farewells
46	Precious FeelingsRIEHATA		RIEHAT conveys emotions through song—an anthem of support filled with gratitude for their teammates.
47	See you again.kawanishi natsuki		Kawanishi from Nara sings a song of his hometown.
48	one’s true feelingssumika		I don’t want to give up! Resolve and the power of comrades
49	GloriousBE:FIRST		An anthem that celebrates effort, with the powerful push to keep you moving forward
50	YuiriMurayama Yuiri		A moving ballad by Sayaka Murayama, who is graduating from AKB48
51	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		An anthem of encouragement for those who chase their dreams
52	Joined handsMINAMI		A coming-of-age ballad that holds hands and heads toward the future
53	This is me ~Poem of Promise~RIKU		RIKU writes an original poem of self-affirmation
54	ContrastTOMOO		A graduation song that portrays the bittersweetness of youth
55	Embrace the presentsatō moka		A wistful song that embraces the present at graduation
56	Waiting for flowersKihara Rui		A ballad imbued with Atsu Mizuno’s wish for a reunion
57	Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako		A spring song that recalls youthful love, resonating in the heart.
58	My friendZARD		The moving ending theme of Slam Dunk.
59	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata’s moving ballad gently portrays a farewell.
60	The Story of the Wind and MeAdo		A moving piece: a film theme song written for Ado
61	EverlastingSixTONES		An emotional ballad from Idemitsu’s commercial, for life’s milestones
62	Time-Limited Unrequited LoveNogizaka 46		An emotionally moving song in the Hokkaido music video that sings about feelings of graduation.
63	Thank youikimonogakari		A song of departure filled with gratitude, toward a new step forward
64	Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri		Moved by Yuuri’s graduation song “Dry Flower.”
65	Promise ~promises~EXILE		A moving ballad of parting and reunion, bound by a strong bond
66	DreamerJO1		An anthem cheering on those who chase their dreams, the courage to move forward
67	Song of SpringFujihara Sakura		A moving song that expresses hope and farewell in a spring melody
68	Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//		A famous daphne song that sings of gratitude for graduation and farewell
69	CorrectRADWIMPS		Traces of Youth and a Song of Hope for the Future
70	Until we meet againHirai Dai		Dai Hirai’s graduation song: hope for parting and reunion
71	Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism		A poignant masterpiece that captures the emotions of graduation
72	Helloyama × bocchiboromaru		A graduation song by yama and Bocchi Boromaru
73	Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI		Singing of the courage to pursue dreams by overcoming hardships
74	HarukaYOASOBI		YOASOBI’s “Haruka” is a song that cheers on graduation.
75	horizonback number		A song that supports students who lost their dreams during the COVID-19 pandemic
76	Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro		A masterpiece that makes you think deeply about the meaning of graduation
77	We againSG		A warm song that sings of farewells and reunions in the season of cherry blossoms
78	Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai		A moving song that resonates with graduation season
79	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		A classic graduation song: Yuzu's cheering anthem.
80	Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO		A SHISHAMO masterpiece that captures the bittersweet feeling before graduation
81	The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46		A Nogizaka song that views parting in a positive light
82	Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM		A moving new song to cheer on graduation has arrived
83	SAKURAikimonogakari		A spring cheer song that walks together with the cherry blossoms
84	Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46		Hinatazaka46's new song, infusing feelings of graduation into cherry blossoms
85	bookmarkkuriipuhaipe		A graduation song that portrays unfinished emotions and relationships
86	Best FriendNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s classic song “Best Friend” sings about friendship.
87	Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone		Mone Kamishiraishi’s song paints a picture of the future
88	oneselfTani Yuuki		A moving song that accompanies the start of graduation
89	The happiest treasuresutopuri		Strawberry Prince’s new song is a moving graduation anthem.
90	Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki		Noriyuki Makihara’s graduation song: scenes of cherry blossoms and farewells
91	Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks		A graduation song that expresses gratitude to a mentor and a sense of growth
92	Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī		A graduation song that sings of Chatmonchy’s youth
93	Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya		Kawasaki Takaya’s graduation song “Sakura Usagi”
94	Bring it on, spring.non		A cheer song for a new spring life
95	Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A moving song that’s perfect for graduation
96	Kitearashi		Arashi’s graduation song, a moving piece crafted by Kenshi Yonezu
97	THANXWANIMA		Encouraging the heart with a song of gratitude and hope
98	GraduationKobukuro		A moving song that gently sings of the feelings of graduation
99	Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro		Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura,” a moving song about graduation
100	On the Day of Departure		The moving choral song “On the Day of Departure” sung at graduation ceremonies
101	Sakura, You, and Ituki.		A poignant song that depicts springtime farewells and the radiance of youth.
102	Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu		A poignant song depicting springtime farewells and new encounters
103	graduation ceremonySARD UNDERGROUND		SARD UNDERGROUND’s graduation song
104	graduation songerica		A timeless song that gently colors the emotion of graduation
105	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		An uplifting anthem that encourages and supports the anxieties of youth.
106	Live in the present.Saucy Dog		A song of courage that looks ahead, coloring graduation
107	Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu		A heartwarming song that cherishes the radiance of youth
108	At any timeYugeda Kensuke		A gentle song that expresses gratitude at the milestone of turning ten
109	Everyone, everyone is shining.Yugeda Kensuke		A message of encouragement to children singing of spring's hope
110	1096Cody Rī (Ri)		A masterpiece that portrays youth with a sentimental piano
111	A Poem for YouDUFF		Into the future, carrying the memories with my clubmates in my heart
112	DepartureGReeeeN		An uplifting message song depicting love after graduation
113	Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen		A ballad for the season when cherry blossoms dance, an emotional song
114	Friend ShipHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino’s Heartfelt Song of Friendship
115	March 9Remioromen		The graduation song “March 9th” is a moving piece.
116	south wind		A moving choral piece perfect for graduation ceremonies: “Minamikaze” (South Wind)
117	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		A classic song that teaches the importance of living true to yourself
118	my graduationSPEED		A song of the heart that grows alongside memories
119	sentimentalculenasm		culenas sings of memories and regrets
120	On nights when cherry blossoms fallaimyon		Graduation season: Aimyon’s songs resonate with the heart
121	Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo		A moving, heart-touching song befitting a graduation ceremony
122	Goodbye, graduation.haji→		A moving song that sings of the anxieties and hopes of graduation
123	Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa		Let your heart dance to the beat of youth and rock!
124	pedestrian overpassNogizaka 46		A young person hesitantly taking a step toward the future
125	bondKamenashi Kazuya		A coming-of-age song that portrays the anxieties of graduation
126	GraduationOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s message of youth, expressing a longing for freedom
127	People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke		Warm music that sings about the importance of encounters
128	Sakuraayaka		Putting memories of graduation into a gentle melody
129	Graduation PhotoArai Yumi		A classic of youth and memories, painted with a gentle singing voice
130	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		A famous EXILE song that portrays the moving emotions of graduation and new encounters
131	Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI		A warm ballad that flips through a photo album of memories
132	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		A moving song by GReeeeN that depicts youth and graduation
133	cherry blossomKALMA		An inspiring song that supports new beginnings in spring
134	To the futureKiroro		A classic hit from the ’90s that sings of gratitude to a mother
135	Good Bye,Good LuckTOTALFAT		A hopeful song depicting the moment of graduation
136	proofflumpool		A moving song that portrays hopes for graduation and friendship
137	Heralding springyama		yama's debut song, a collaboration with Kujira
138	Prologue.Yuika		Yuika’s moving song about graduation
139	Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji		The first graduation song by the folk duo Sakura Shimeji
140	Goodbye, thank you.chanyu i		A moving song that sings of the bittersweetness of graduation and the bonds we share
141	Azure Swimnishina		A song that sings of hope for the future on the eve of graduation.
142	Letter ~Dear fifteen-year-old you~Anjura Aki		A graduation song that resonates with my 15-year-old self
143	Lingering Snowiruka		A classic graduation song, a famous hit by Iruka
144	YellKobukuro		A song that cheers on the arrival of spring and a new step forward
145	cherry blossomKobukuro		Face your weaknesses and live steadfastly.
146	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		A pleasant Spitz classic that sings of the joy of meeting
147	To you, my best friend in the worldHakoniiwa Ririi		A song that accompanies the season of graduation, moving from friendship to love.
148	Dear you,roodo obu mejyaa		A heartfelt ballad that conveys gratitude to one's parents
149	On the Day of DepartureGasshou Kyoku		“Tabidachi no Hi ni” is a famous song that conveys the moving emotions of graduation.
150	Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei		A song of youth and graduation sung by Hoshimachi Suisei
151	Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46		A cherry blossom–themed graduation song, the bittersweetness of parting and hope
152	Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru		A song that portrays memories from school days and the bonds of friendship
153	JourneyFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s “Tabiji” gives a push to those who are setting out on their journey.
154	spring skySuzuki Suzuki		A graduation song filled with youthful emotions, deeply moving
155	Spring ~spring~Hysteric Blue		Graduation season, the joy of a new beginning
156	Graduation song, friends’ song19		Graduation song, a track of support and courage for friends
157	Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s moving song “Tomoe Gakuen” brings back memories of school.
158	Song of DepartureAAA		AAA’s masterpiece with poignant lyrics that touch the heart
159	Best FriendKiroro		A graduation song that sings of friendship and gratitude, a moving masterpiece.
160	Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster		Little Glee Monster's moving song
161	C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK graduation song that sings about bonds with friends
162	Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb		Popular Vocaloid songs with the theme of graduation
163	YELLikimonogakari		A song of hope to live positively beyond regret
164	Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu		A moving graduation song about friendship and farewell
165	Even if we forget springaibii karaa		A graduation song filled with the emotions of youth
166	I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko		A moving song filled with gratitude to a friend
167	spring songamasaki annainin		A spring song that sings of cherry blossom scenes and feelings for dreams
168	Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster		Little Glee Monster, an upbeat graduation song
169	On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai		Ai Kawashima's graduation song, a moving work that resonates with the heart
170	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		Scenes of nature and love in Tota's music