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

loveback number

back number – Love (Short ver.)

Among the many Japanese rock bands, back number is especially popular.

They’re practically synonymous with unrequited love songs.

Their track “Koi” is one of their fan favorites.

Its melody, which evokes the feel of “Wata-gashi,” has a distinctly Japanese flavor that surfaces here and there.

The lyrics are crafted to be very catchy and resonate with anyone.

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Senpai.HoneyWorks meets TrySail

Senpai. / HoneyWorks meets TrySail

“Senpai,” a collaboration between HoneyWorks and TrySail, as the title suggests, features lyrics crafted with a crush on an older schoolmate in mind.

For anyone actually in love with a senior at school, it’s an irresistible song.

Although it’s about unrequited love, the melody is bright.

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Time capsuleRinu

[MV] Time Capsule / Rinu [Original]

Time Capsule stands out with lyrics addressed to someone important in the future.

Its melody is extremely catchy, making it a great recommendation even for those who aren’t into quirky songs.

While the lyrics are abstract, they also depict genuine feelings that resonate with teenage listeners, so there’s no doubt it will strike a chord.

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By your side.riria.

riria. / By Your Side [Audio Video]

This is a song by Riria that portrays tender first love and a touch of heartache.

It weaves complex feelings toward an unrequited crush together with a clear, translucent singing voice.

The song is characterized by a melody that moves listeners and lyrics that evoke empathy.

Released in May 2022, it was featured as an insert song in ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita: Hatsu-Niji Edition.” The piece encourages facing the self that can’t be honest and conveys the importance of having courage in love.

It’s a perfect track for those who, on the verge of graduation, still haven’t been able to express their feelings to someone they like.

Why not let the bittersweetness of youth give you the push you need to be brave?

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

tuki. 'Sakura Kimi Watashi' Official Music Video

A heartrending love song perfect for graduation season, likening a fleeting crush to cherry blossoms.

Tuki.’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully capture both the sorrow of parting and the beauty of love.

Released in January 2024, the track paints nostalgic scenes—classrooms on graduation day, familiar routes to and from school—while singing of the regret of wishing time could rewind to say more.

It’s a recommended song for anyone who has experienced a springtime farewell or carries unspoken feelings.

When you listen, you’ll inevitably overlay it with your own memories, and feel your heart tighten.

pupilŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Hitomi (Music Video Short ver.)

Hitomi, the second single by Sakurako Ohara released in 2015, is a refreshing song brimming with the beauty and vibrancy of youth, chosen as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It’s the kind of track that makes you want to listen to it through shared earphones with someone you love.

I miss youAdo

I Miss You by Ado

A refreshing love song that portrays the parting of youth.

Many listeners will relate to the lyrics that sing of missed connections and the heartache of long-distance love.

Ado’s overwhelming vocal power brilliantly expresses the complex emotions of being in love.

Released digitally in August 2021, it also drew attention as an insert song in the film “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.” It’s a recommended track for those deciding to confess before graduation or facing a farewell with someone important.

Why not listen to this song and find the courage to share your feelings? It’s sure to become a wonderful memory.