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

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.

Graduationkyandīzu

Graduation – Candies Treasure

Introducing a classic song about youthful farewells by the legendary 1970s idol group Candies.

Included on the album “Toshishita no Otokonoko,” released in April 1975, this track gently weaves the bittersweet feelings of two people who will be separated after graduation.

Unspoken emotions and memories of walking home in school uniforms evoke the aching stirrings of an unfinished love at the end of youth.

Ran Ito serves as the main vocalist, delivering the song with a slightly mature tone that leaves a strong impression.

Used as the theme song for the youth drama segment within the TV show “Migoro! Tabegoro! Waraigoro!,” it etched itself into the hearts of many viewers together with the visuals.

It’s a number we especially recommend to those who have experienced a love that ended as just friends or carry feelings they were never able to express.

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]

Arashi’s song delivers a bright, forward-looking message that’s perfect for cherry blossom season.

With lyrics themed around challenge, growth, and hope, it conveys the determination of “nothing will start unless we do it now,” and the encouragement that “if we keep challenging ourselves without fearing failure, flowers will bloom.” Released in March 2005, the track was also used as the commercial song for Jonan Preparatory School, featuring Sho Sakurai, and has been embraced as a cheer song especially among students.

It’s a must-listen for those starting a new chapter in life or facing a major turning point.

Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Until Graduation” Music Video

A refreshing song that portrays the bittersweetness of a first love swelling in the cherry blossom season and the struggles of a girl on the verge of graduation.

It delicately expresses the feelings for someone she likes and the frustration of being unable to confess them.

Released in January 2024, it was also chosen as the ending theme for the Chukyo TV/Nippon TV program “Sorette!? Jissai Dōnano Ka.” It debuted at number one on Billboard JAPAN’s Top Singles Sales with first-week sales of 47,086 copies.

It’s a track that evokes a page of youth—perfect for listening to during graduation season.

Recommended for those moments when you want to face the complex emotions in your heart before parting with someone important.

Your third button＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 16th single B-side “Your Third Button” [MV full]

When it’s graduation season, the sight of cherry blossoms brings back bittersweet memories, doesn’t it? At times like these, I find myself wanting to listen to songs by the idol group =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara.

They delicately portray that uniquely youthful, complex feeling of choosing to swallow the words “I like you” precisely because you want to remain friends.

Kiara Saito, who takes center position, delivers a fresh, expressive vocal that seems to gently embrace those unspoken feelings of love.

This track is included as a B-side to the single “Norotte Norotte,” released in March 2024.

It’s a warm song that quietly stays by the side of anyone facing graduation without the courage to confess, or those taking a new step forward while holding their precious memories close.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A Hinatazaka46 song that portrays a bittersweet love themed around graduation.

The lyrics capture memories that resurface during cherry blossom season and the regret of not being able to confess, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s the group’s 13th single, released on January 29, 2025, with Nao Kosaka as the center.

The music video, themed “a parade that announces spring,” has also been released, so be sure to check it out.

It’s a perfect song for graduation season, recommended not only for students but also for anyone who wants to look back on their youth with a sense of nostalgia.