[2026] Songs for Graduation Season: Exquisite Japanese Unrequited Love and Breakup Tracks

graduation ceremonySARD UNDERGROUND

SARD UNDERGROUND “Graduation Ceremony” MV

SARD UNDERGROUND is a three-piece band that debuted as a ZARD tribute act, gaining attention for their covers of classic hits.

Their 5th single, “Sotsugyoushiki” (“Graduation Ceremony”), true to its title, features a refreshing melody and ensemble perfect for the graduation season.

Its lyrical message, evoking the world of Izumi Sakai’s lyrics, is likely to resonate even with today’s younger generation who didn’t experience ZARD in real time.

While a tribute band, their sound reflects a modern evolution that strikes a chord, making it a track listeners of all ages should hear.

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Hoshino Takashi

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We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

When it comes to songs you want to hear during cherry blossom season in full bloom, this is the one! Sung by SG, this heartwarming track centers on the themes of parting and reunion.

It carries messages that support life’s turning points—like graduation or changing jobs—and resonates deeply with listeners.

It was also featured in a Calorie Mate commercial cheering on exam-takers, and a wind ensemble version was released digitally in November 2024.

The lyrics are memorable, reflecting on past memories while inspiring hope for the future.

It’s the perfect song to play at graduations or during farewells with friends.

Listen to it while viewing the spring blossoms, and it’s sure to warm your heart.

Hey,SHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Hey,”

The refreshing rock number “Nee,” so characteristic of SHISHAMO, is truly a song about unrequited love.

It captures the feelings of a girl who wants to confess, and you can really feel how hopelessly she’s in love! Confessing is something you do for yourself.

I bet many people were struck by those lyrics.

Feelings that go unspoken won’t be noticed—so you have to find the courage to say them.

When you want to confess but can’t find the courage, listen to this song and let it give you strength.

Take that step for your own happiness—cheering you on!

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sasashina

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Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Atarayo – Sorrowful Sakura (Music Video)

Choosing the right song for a graduation ceremony—a celebration of a new beginning—is never easy.

Among the songs that can truly move people, I’d like to recommend “Urei Zakura” by Atarayo.

This ballad resonates with lyrics that depict parting and hope amid fluttering cherry blossoms.

Its message and sound arrangement evoke a poignant yet forward-looking energy.

It’s the perfect song to color the important day of “graduation” in one’s life.

The happiest treasuresutopuri

[MV] The Most Wonderful Treasure / Strawberry Prince

As a heartwarming song that adds color to the graduation season, Sutopuri’s vocals resound.

Vividly depicting the March scenery of dancing cherry blossoms, it gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.

Released in March 2023, the song was unveiled as a surprise during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.

Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, the fresh melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but everyone taking a new step forward.

If you’re experiencing farewells with loved ones or embracing new encounters, please give this song a listen—it’s a sincere cheer from the heart.

Say goodbye to the love I clung to.matsuri

Say goodbye to clinging love. / Matsuri (Good bye, toxic love) [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Matsuri that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman breaking free from a past dependence on love and trying to take a new step forward.

Released digitally in June 2022, it features striking lyrics about the struggle between telling herself she’s forgotten her former partner and the bittersweet memories that occasionally resurface.

The track gained popularity on TikTok and resonated with younger listeners, and a music video starring Yuu Miyazaki was also produced.

It’s a warm breakup song that offers comfort to those trying to face forward despite heartache and to those who still feel lingering attachment to past love.

Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

A heartwarming coming-of-age story by Mafumafu that vividly captures the emotion of spring as cherry blossoms dance in the air.

The song’s structure is striking, beginning with gentle piano melodies and unfolding into an exhilarating, fast-paced rhythm.

It delicately weaves universal themes of school-day memories, friendship, and farewells, highlighted by a warm vocal delivery that feels close to the listener’s heart.

Included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” released in October 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the website Shonen Janmaga Gakuen.

It’s a track to listen to when you want to feel the tender memories of student days, the arrival of spring, or when you’re going through a parting from someone important.