[2026] Recommended love songs for graduation season: Love songs you’ll want to hear at the graduation ceremony

many timesAoyama Teruma

Thelma Aoyama / Nando mo

As graduation approaches, some of you may find yourselves looking back on past memories more often.

As a companion for those moments, I highly recommend listening to “Nando mo.” It’s performed by singer-songwriter Thelma Aoyama.

The song reflects on past memories, expressing both the wish to do things over again and the resolve to look forward.

It also conveys the regret of not being able to confess one’s feelings, so if you’ve had a similar experience, you’re sure to relate.

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DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This song features a light rhythm that evokes the warmth of spring and a melody that gently embraces personal doubts and inner conflict.

It portrays, from Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s characteristically down-to-earth perspective, the emotional wavering everyone experiences in youth—wondering whether it’s okay to be one’s true self.

Created as a symbol of the band’s new phase, it was produced as the theme song for the NHK General special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival” in January 2025, and its collaboration with 1,000 18-year-olds generated a huge response.

This track warmly and gently nudges forward those beginning a new chapter in life or searching for their authentic selves.

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

This is a captivating song with lyrics that resonate and a warm, comforting melody.

The lyrics, which support those graduating or taking a new step forward, convey the importance of living true to yourself.

Showcasing RADWIMPS’ delicate sensibilities, the track was released digitally in January 2024, followed by a limited CD in February.

It also includes a version featuring a student choir, making it a song you’ll want to hear during memorable moments like graduation ceremonies.

It’s recommended for those standing at a crossroads in life or when you want to send encouragement to someone special.

graduating from loveCHIHIRO

CHIHIRO – Graduation from Love (Short ver.)

Singer-songwriter CHIHIRO is known for creating many songs themed around sad love and unrequited feelings.

Because of this, her works are often described as “tear-jerkers,” gaining attention for being deeply relatable and moving.

One of her songs themed around graduation is ‘Koisotsu’ (Love Graduation).

Told from a woman’s perspective, it portrays a girl who decides, at her graduation ceremony, to also graduate from her unrequited love.

With lyrics that give you a gentle push forward, it also makes a great encouragement song.

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A Song for Youerica

erica – A Song for You

Erica’s “A Song for You,” released digitally in 2013, is a track packed tightly with feelings for someone you love, making you feel as if you’re reading a letter addressed to someone special.

It traces how the singer’s feelings have changed since they first met, conveying that “I love you” as strongly as possible.

How about, just as the title suggests, gifting this song to the person you love who will be separated from you at graduation? There’s also “A Song for You 2,” which imagines five years later.

Be sure to listen to them together.

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utatane

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SAKURAikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “SAKURA” Music Video

Ikimono-gakari’s debut single, released in 2006, is “SAKURA.” It’s a nostalgic ballad that sings of the bittersweet farewells of graduation season.

In 2021, as part of Sony’s “Entertainment Club 2021” project for elementary, junior high, and high school students, six teenage creators selected from across Japan produced a music video based on “SAKURA,” which became a hot topic.

It’s a classic song that combines the strength to move forward while holding memories close to your heart, so please give it a listen!

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Hamada Takuya

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KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

A graduation song that is widely loved across generations is Kanade.

It’s a track sung by Sukima Switch.

The lyrics depict the parting of a couple as spring arrives and they go their separate ways.

Rather than focusing solely on sadness, the song conveys the message that even when far apart, it’s not a final goodbye—likely a key reason for its popularity.

It also became a staple graduation song after being used as the theme for the drama Sotu Uta.

If you’re curious, be sure to check it out as well.

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