[Graduation Song] A tear-jerking track sung by an idol! A moving piece depicting friendship and gratitude [2026]

Spring of departure has come.Sumairēji

S/mileage 'The Spring of Departure Has Come' (MV)

This is a S/mileage song that brightly sings about taking a fresh first step into a new life with the arrival of spring.

It cheerfully portrays young people parting ways as they walk different paths, holding sparkling memories and strong bonds in their hearts.

Released in March 2013, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Daily Singles Ranking.

Loved by many as a perfect cheer song for graduation season, it gives you the courage to keep moving toward your dreams, even while feeling anxious about diving into a new environment.

Recommended for anyone who wants to look back on cherished memories with close friends while feeling their heart swell with anticipation for a new chapter.

I feel like taking the long way home.Nogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'I Want to Take a Detour on the Way Home'

A song whose emotions—singing “I don’t want to leave the place I loved”—resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in 2018 as Nogizaka46’s 22nd single, it captured the hearts of many fans.

It also serves as Nanase Nishino’s graduation song, delicately portraying the anxiety and anticipation of farewells and new beginnings.

With its striking blend of clear piano tones and strings, the track evokes both the loneliness of winter and the hope of spring, resulting in a moving piece.

It’s a song I hope those who fear change yet need the courage to take a step forward will listen to.

An Unexpected ConfessionAKB48

Unexpected Confession Music Video / AKB48 65th Single [Official]

A refreshing coming-of-age story that begins with a sudden confession.

Set for release in April 2025 as AKB48’s first single of their 20th anniversary year, the track is crafted by Yasushi Akimoto, Masahiro Mizoguchi, and Yuichi Nonaka.

With a lively, springlike melody, the lyrics depict the feelings of a shy protagonist in love who, though flustered by an unexpected turn of events, takes a brave step forward.

The choreography features the adorable “Vegetable Pulling Pose,” expressing the joy of being chosen and confessed to from among many—a music video that’s sure to make you smile just by watching the dance.

It’s a perfect song for anyone starting a new chapter this spring.

Spring SwallowHey! Say! JUMP

Hey! Say! JUMP – Spring Swallow [Official Music Video]

A heartwarming song that expresses the feelings of a refreshing new start through music has been delivered by Hey! Say! JUMP.

Created by members of sumika, the piece warmly encourages those striving in new environments, using the image of swallows returning in spring.

Also chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Love All Play, it was included as one of the tracks on the triple A-side single released in May 2022.

It’s a song we hope will be heard by those feeling anxious about a new setting this spring, as well as by anyone who wants to cherish their bonds with friends.

One-room DiscoPerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume “One-Room Disco”

This is Perfume’s ninth single, which melodiously portrays the feelings of a young person starting to live alone in a studio apartment.

The lyrics, interweaving the mixed emotions of hope and anxiety with light and shadow symbolizing the beginning of a new life, leave a strong impression.

The arrangement, colored by refreshing electronic sounds, is wonderful as well, gently embracing the feelings everyone experiences at least once when embarking on a new chapter.

Released in March 2009, it was an ambitious work that earned Perfume their first No.

1 on the singles chart.

It was also included on the album “⊿” and performed at the 60th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a springtime anthem that resonates as a supportive song for those starting to live on their own or feeling the butterflies of a new life.

Aogeba Tōtoshi ~ from Sakura Gakuin 2014 ~sakura gakuin

Sakura Gakuin – “Aogeba Totoshi ~ from Sakura Gakuin 2014 ~” MV

This is Sakura Gakuin’s cover of the well-known graduation song “Aogeba Tōtoshi,” released in March 2015.

It was also created as a message to the members graduating from Sakura Gakuin.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Dreaming 15-year-oldSumairēji

S/mileage 'Yume Miru 15-sai' (Music Video)

S/mileage’s major-label debut captures the summer romances of 15-year-old girls, filled with gentle vocals and bittersweet feelings.

Eurobeat-style synths blend with a kayōkyoku-inspired melody, tenderly expressing the fluttery first loves unique to adolescence.

Depicting a girl’s heart swaying between idealized scenes—summer festivals, fireworks, seaside dates—and reality, the song was produced by Hello! Project’s renowned producer Tsunku♂.

Upon its May 2010 release, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon charts and went on to win the Best New Artist Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to relive the sweet-and-sour memories of youth or empathize with a down-to-earth teenage girl’s feelings of love.