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

The season of farewellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

SHISHAMO captures young people’s hearts with realistic lyrics that slice into everyday life.

This song portrays the aching unrequited love of only being able to follow an upperclassman with your eyes at graduation.

It appears as the final track on the album “SHISHAMO 2,” released in March 2015, and was selected at the time as a SPACE SHOWER TV “POWER PUSH!” It’s a love where you’re never even in the same class as the person you like, and all you can do is gaze at them from afar.

Once you graduate you won’t be able to meet again, but the wish that at least you won’t be forgotten comes through so painfully clearly.

Why not listen to it while overlaying your feelings for classmates parting ways in 2026 or for loved ones setting off on separate paths? It’s a song that offers comfort to everyone who keeps the words they couldn’t say tucked away in their heart.

evening primroseNovelbright

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

Is there anyone carrying the pain of an unforgettable love? This work by Novelbright is a love ballad that gently stays close to such aching feelings.

Yudai Takenaka’s overwhelming vocals and the heart-wrenching piano melody vividly portray the lingering attachment to days that will never return.

Released digitally in December 2020, it was later included on the album “Kaimaku Sengen.” Many of you may have heard it in February 2021, when it played during the weather segment of Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!” It also made headlines for surpassing 300 million streams.

For those suffering from unrequited love or trying to overcome a farewell with someone dear, this is sure to be a song that brings you to tears.

Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie

Harunanoni

Written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima, this song captures the unique sense of helplessness that comes with the season of partings.

As graduation time approaches, it becomes one of those songs you can’t help but want to hear—a classic filled with scenes of aching unrequited love and farewell.

In contrast to the cheerful air of spring, the lyrics evoke a world where only the heart is left behind, vividly expressed through Yoshie Kashiwabara’s delicate vocals.

Released as a single in January 1983, it became one of her signature works and led to her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The album of the same title, “Haru nanoni,” also drew attention as a collection of Miyuki Nakajima’s works and received major acclaim, including the Gold Prize at the 25th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a standard number that will resonate not only with those who feel a pang at words like “the second button of a school uniform,” but also with anyone currently carrying feelings they can’t quite express.

Winter and Springback number

back number – Winter and Spring

This is a back number ballad about bittersweet love that you’ll want to listen to as the winter chill begins to ease.

Released as a digital single in January 2024, it was produced by Masanori Shimada, who also teamed up with the band on the hit “Suiheisen.” It also drew major attention for marking vocalist Iyori Shimizu’s first time directing a music video, with actress Anna Ishii appearing in it.

With total streams surpassing 100 million, the song has resonated with many listeners.

Its portrayal of relationships shifting with the seasons and emotions that overflow beyond words is sure to offer deep comfort during this time of graduations and farewells.

Why not take a moment to listen closely while reflecting on your cherished memories?

To my dear youInoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue – To My Precious You

When you want to convey your feelings of love straight from the heart, isn’t this the perfect song to give you courage? Sung by Sonoko Inoue, this track rides on the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, expressing overflowing feelings for someone special in down-to-earth words.

It was included as the lead track on the mini-album “#17,” released in July 2015, marking Inoue’s major-label debut at the age of 17.

It’s become widely beloved, receiving airplay on programs like YBS Radio’s “Oh! My Hits.” The music video, created in collaboration with a film director of the same generation, also drew attention.

It’s a must-listen during graduation season for those holding on to unspoken feelings or feeling the sadness of parting from close friends.

Graduationsaitou yuki

Yuki Saito “Graduation” MV

When it comes to Yuki Saito’s debut single, surely this classic comes to mind.

With Takashi Matsumoto and Kyohei Tsutsumi teaming up, it beautifully portrays the poignant scenes of graduation.

The imagery of the uniform buttons, the gap between the tears others expect and one’s own feelings—these subtle shades of youth resonate through her crystal-clear voice.

Released in February 1985, the song also drew attention as the CM track for Myojo Foods’ “Ramen Called Youth.” It was included on the acclaimed album AXIA and later self-covered on the 2021 album Suikyo-kyoku (Water Capriccio).

The lyrics convey a realism that isn’t just sweet; there’s a slightly cool, detached perspective that set it apart from typical idol songs of the time.

It’s a track for anyone who wants to savor the unique atmosphere of graduation season or sink into bittersweet memories.

Because I like you.Yuika

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

A bittersweet love song that captures the real, heartfelt feelings of teenagers in love, carried by the sound of an acoustic guitar.

Released in June 2021 as the debut work of singer-songwriter Yuika, who enjoys massive support especially on TikTok.

Its unique structure presents the first verse from a girl’s perspective and the second from a boy’s, tightening your chest with the frustration of mutual but unspoken feelings that keep missing their mark.

The way they’re elated or deflated by each other’s small gestures is pure youth itself.

It’s a song that gives a gentle push to those who want to confess their feelings before graduation but can’t quite find the courage.

A re-recorded version featuring her voice at age 20 was released in May 2025, and it continues to be cherished as an unfading bible of love over time.