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

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

When it comes to graduation songs, isn’t this the definitive one? Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura” was released in 2002 and has enjoyed strong support from many listeners ever since.

It made headlines again when a remade version was released in 2019.

Set over a gentle piano, Moriyama’s soft voice can be heard, resulting in a calm and soothing piece.

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What I want to tell you before graduationerica

erica – “What I Want to Tell You Before Graduation” PV (Full)

Included in the album “Koku-uta 2: Things I Want to Tell You Before Graduation” is Erica’s song “Things I Want to Tell You Before Graduation.” It expresses, in song, the feelings one wants to convey precisely because you’ll be parting from the important, beloved people in your life after the graduation ceremony.

budKobukuro

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Kobukuro’s smash hit song “Tsubomi.” I think many people were captivated by its emotional chorus melody at the time.

While the A and B sections follow a fairly typical pop progression, the moment it hits the chorus, the melody suddenly becomes intensely emotional.

It’s crafted into a highly dramatic piece.

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Time-Limited Unrequited LoveNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Time-Limited Unrequited Love'

A gentle, coming-of-age love song that tenderly embraces the fragility of unrequited feelings.

It’s an original track by the 6th generation members, included on Nogizaka46’s 38th single “Navel Orange,” released in March 2025.

The scenes painted by Yasushi Akimoto’s spun lyrics and the sound crafted by 3grass and Yuta Asao feel like a moment from a film.

If you’re about to graduate and can’t find the courage to confess to the one you like, this song might give you the push you need.

HarukaLACCO TOWER

LACCO TOWER “Haruka” TV anime “Dragon Ball Super” ending theme song

LACCO TOWER, the band behind “Haruka,” is a long-running group now celebrating its 15th anniversary.

They were also chosen to perform the ending theme for the TV anime Dragon Ball Super.

It’s an empowering song packed with impulsive energy and a sense of openness toward the future.

PrologueUru

[Official] Uru “Prologue” YouTube ver. — Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Chugakusei Nikki (Junior High School Diary)”

Singer-songwriter Uru, known for her impressionistically languid vocal style, delivers one of her signature works in “Prologue.” Its chorus has such a strong melodic impact that many listeners likely find it lingering in their ears.

The song begins quietly, but when the chorus hits, the energy surges all at once—an emotionally direct number that feels like it speaks straight to the heart.

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Ryo

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Blue BenchSasuke

Blue Bench / Sasuke

You can feel the painful, heartrending emotion of regret in the repeated refrain, “If only I had been able to clearly tell you I loved you back then.” Even though time has passed, the way the person still keeps thinking about them only intensifies the poignancy.