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

See you.o nyanko kurabu

See you.

Released in February 1986, this is Onyanko Club’s third single.

It was produced as a send-off song for Miharu Nakajima, who served as the main vocalist and was graduating from the group, and it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.

The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto and the music composed by Ken Takahashi, with words that condense the lingering afterglow of farewell into a short title, delivering a powerful emotional impact.

The song has been featured on TV Asahi’s Kamen Rider Kiva and NHK’s morning drama Amachan, and it continues to be loved today as a symbol of the 1980s.

It’s recommended not only for those approaching graduation, but for anyone experiencing a parting with cherished friends.

The frustration of being unable to put “goodbye” into words—and the resolve to face forward and take the next step—are feelings this song will gently support.

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

An emotionally moving song that portrays the growth of embracing farewells in a positive light.

With a heartrending piano line and a beautiful melody that resonates deeply, this work was released in November 2016 as Nogizaka46’s 16th single.

Its lyrics, which encourage listeners to overcome the sorrow of parting and take a new step forward, leave a strong impression.

It was also performed at the 67th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, stirring the hearts of many.

A perfect song to hear at farewells such as graduation ceremonies and send-off gatherings.

Highly recommended for those setting off on a new journey or anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

Graduation of Unrequited LoveAKB48

Unrequited Love Graduation (Team K Ver.)

Let me introduce an AKB48 number that marks the passage of time at graduation and portrays an unspoken one-sided love.

Released in March 2007 as part of Team K’s 3rd Stage “Nounai Paradise,” it’s a song that has been passed down in theater performances.

You can laugh within your circle of friends, yet say nothing in front of the person you like as graduation day draws near.

Those bittersweet feelings are carefully spun over a gentle, mid-tempo melody.

Rather than flashy production, the arrangement treasures the afterglow of the words, quietly seeping into the listener’s heart.

This work captures a moment of youth swaying between the fear that love might end unfulfilled and the desire to express your feelings anyway.

It’s a number we recommend not only to those about to graduate, but also to anyone who wants to remember who they were back then.

Flower of youthKobushi Fakutorī

Kobushi Factory 'Seishun no Hana' (Magnolia Factory [The Flower of Youth]) (Promotion Edit)

Kobushi Factory, part of Hello! Project, was formed in 2015.

Comprising elite members who came up through the trainee program, they drew attention right from their debut, winning Best New Artist at the 57th Japan Record Awards that same year.

Featured on their final single released in March 2020, this song is a graduation anthem that simultaneously portrays the brilliance of youth and the poignancy of parting.

Interweaving the imagery of the flower that inspired the group’s name, it affirms the beauty of a fleeting farewell while singing of the resolve to move forward.

The arrangement, enriched with strings, heightens the emotion, and the harmonies honed by the five-member lineup resonate deeply.

It’s a must-listen not only for those graduating, but for anyone who has experienced a farewell with cherished friends.

GraduationHikaru GENJI

Hikaru GENJI Graduation (1988)

Let me introduce a classic by Hikaru GENJI, released in November 1987 as the B-side to the single “Garasu no Jūdai.” With lyrics by Ryo Asuka and music by CHAGE—a truly star-studded team—this work is a coming-of-age ballad that movingly captures the milestone of graduation.

The lyrics not only convey the sorrow of parting but also weave in the hope of taking a new step forward, leaving a deep impression on the heart.

On Music Station in September 1995, the group performed the song with a memorable staging in which the members removed their roller skates and placed them on the stage, bringing many fans to tears.

It’s a track that showcases the group’s delicate emotionality—another facet of their appeal beyond their dazzling performances.

A deeply moving song recommended not only for those facing graduation, but for anyone experiencing a farewell with cherished friends.

uniformMatsuda Seiko

uniform

Originally released in 1982 as the B-side to the eighth single “Akai Sweet Pea,” this song has long been cherished as one of Seiko Matsuda’s hidden masterpieces.

With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, music by Kureta Keiko (the pen name of Yumi Matsutoya), and arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was created by a stellar team.

The lyrics portray the feelings of the protagonist walking beside the person they like amid a sea of umbrellas on graduation day, brimming with the bittersweet tension between the desire to confess and the urge to hold back.

It masterfully condenses the universal theme of the end of student days into just 3 minutes and 33 seconds.

Despite being a B-side, its quality is such that Seiko Matsuda herself said it was “as complete as an A-side.” In 1984, it was included on the compilation album Touch Me, Seiko, which collected coupling tracks and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a song I highly recommend to those setting out on a springtime journey or anyone nostalgic for their school days.

A Lonely Graduation CeremonyAsaka Yui

Hitoribocchi No Sotsugyoshiki (2015 Remaster)

On the morning of graduation, feelings that end without ever being spoken—here’s a song that Yui Asaka renders with delicate nuance.

Included on the album “Star Lights,” released in February 1987, the record marked a major leap in her career, peaking at No.

8 on the Oricon charts.

This track is a gently paced ballad that carefully sketches scenes of school life—classroom seats, yearbook messages—while quietly tracing the emotions of someone who couldn’t confess their love.

Though not showy, its structure beautifully conveys the spring atmosphere and the subtle flutter in one’s chest.

It’s a number that gently stands beside anyone facing graduation, and anyone carrying feelings they couldn’t put into words.