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

Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako

Tomorrow, when spring comes

When you feel the spring breeze, don’t you sometimes find yourself remembering a youthful romance? Lyrics that bring back those sweet and bittersweet memories—like watching your crush chase a white ball around the school field—can really make your heart skip a beat.

This was the debut single released by Takako Matsu in March 1997, and it also became well-loved as the CM song for NTT’s “Waku-Waku New Life Campaign.” There’s even a surprising tidbit that its working title during production was “Negitoro Tamago.” This song carries both the ache of going separate ways and a faint hope of reunion.

It’s perfect for those parting ways at graduation or for anyone who wants to tuck away their memories with care.

With the arrival of a new season, it’s a song that will give you the courage to face forward and start walking—so please give it a listen!

A person who loves springGLAY

GLAY / A Person Who Loves Spring

The warmth of spring that finally arrives after harsh cold feels a bit like hope in life, doesn’t it? GLAY’s song is a heartwarming number that overlays the changing seasons with the preciousness of love.

Included on the classic album “BELOVED,” released in November 1996, it also became widely known at the time as the theme song for Mitsubishi Motors’ Pajero Jr.

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Its straightforward message about the meaning of living and loving gently embraces the anxieties of lovers parting ways at graduation.

Even on nights when you can’t meet, it makes you believe that, like the spring that will surely come, your hearts are always close.

As we welcome this season of new beginnings, why not listen closely while wishing happiness for someone dear to you?

Graduationsaitou yuki

Yuki Saito “Graduation” MV

Yuki Saito’s “Sotsugyo,” covered by many artists and cherished across generations.

The graduation scene written by Takashi Matsumoto—where an underclassman asks for the buttons from a senior’s school uniform—is the very essence of youth.

Released in February 1985, the song also became beloved as the commercial tune for Myojo Foods’ “Ramen Called Youth.” While those around her are in tears, the protagonist chooses not to cry—putting on a brave face even as her heart trembles.

Set to Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s beautiful, heartrending melody, Yuki Saito’s clear, translucent voice resonates deeply.

This classic is also included on the album AXIA.

It’s recommended for those who want to savor the bittersweetness of youth or quietly linger in the afterglow of graduation.

Feel the timeless emotions that never fade, no matter how the times change.

Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko

Graduation -GRADUATION-

This is Momoko Kikuchi’s fourth single, released in February 1985.

It became a classic, serving as the song for Shiseido’s “Acne” commercial and as the theme song for a drama in which she starred.

It is also included on the album “TROPIC of CAPRICORN.” Set against scenes like an empty classroom after graduation and a familiar tree-lined path, the lyrics express a poignant reflection on unspoken feelings of love and youthful days.

Tetsuji Hayashi’s gentle, beautiful melody and Kikuchi’s translucent vocals resonate deeply.

Many listeners find that, when they revisit the song as adults, bittersweet memories from that time come vividly back to life.

With warmth and wistfulness coexisting like spring sunlight, this piece quietly accompanies the season of new beginnings.

uniformMatsuda Seiko

uniform

On graduation day, walking beside the person you like in the rain… Perhaps that bittersweet scene comes to mind for some of you.

This classic by Seiko Matsuda was created by a dream team: lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and composition by Kureta Keiko, the alternate name of Yumi Matsutoya.

Although it was the B-side to the single “Akai Sweet Pea,” released in January 1982, it has remained a staple graduation song in many hearts.

The protagonist’s earnest choice to part ways without confessing, staying merely classmates, is heartrending.

The contrast between the feelings of seeing him off as he heads to the city and the springlike melody is exquisite, and each listen revives sweet-and-sour memories.

This piece gently accompanies you when you want to turn an unfulfilled love into a beautiful memory.

It will wipe your tears and give you the courage to move forward.

SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Soranin'

With their emotional wall-of-sound and literary lyrics, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION continue to lead Japan’s rock scene.

Their 14th single “Soranin,” released in March 2010, is a masterpiece written as the main theme for the film Soranin starring Aoi Miyazaki.

It’s also known for having the original author Inio Asano pen the lyrics.

Embracing the word “goodbye,” the song sends a message about parting with your past self or someone dear and moving forward into the future—one that resonates in the chest with a poignant yet powerful melody.

It’s a perfect number for lovers who go their separate ways upon graduation, or for anyone taking a new step with youthful memories in their heart.

In this season where anxiety and hope intermingle, this song may gently—and firmly—push you forward.

When I turn around…Janne Da Arc

Janne Da Arc – If I Turn Around…

When it comes to heartwarming graduation ballads that transcend the bounds of visual kei rock and continue to be widely loved, this is the one.

Released in February 2006, it’s Janne Da Arc’s 25th single.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the film HIRAKATA, in which the band members themselves appeared.

Its lyrics—about parting with familiar school buildings and friends, and setting off on a new journey—are sure to bring listeners to tears.

Yasu’s emotionally rich vocals and the beautiful strings gently embrace the ache in your heart.

The true charm of this song lies in how it’s not only sad, but also filled with gratitude for days gone by and hope for the future.

It’s recommended not only for students about to graduate, but also for adults who want to reminisce about their youth.

Be sure to listen to it alongside your cherished memories.