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