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

Among idol songs, many of the ones themed around graduation are especially memorable.

Every year as the March graduation season approaches, idol graduation songs are released—tracks that capture the feelings of graduates about to set off on a new journey, or songs created for members leaving their groups—each one deeply moving and tear-jerking.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended graduation songs from the many idol tracks out there.

From lyrics that depict gratitude and friendship to songs that look back on cherished memories, there’s a wide variety.

Find the one that perfectly matches your feelings right now!

[Graduation Song] A Tearjerker Sung by Idols! A Moving Piece Depicting Friendship and Gratitude [2026] (11–20)

Graduationkyandīzu

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.

Late-blooming cherry blossomsNEW!AKB48

It’s a song that makes you want to pause for a moment in the season where meetings and farewells intersect.

Sung by AKB48, it captivates with a nostalgic atmosphere that evokes familiar images of school routes and classroom scenes.

Released in February 2026 as their 67th single, it also marks the opening of a new chapter in the group’s 21st year.

Momoka Ito from the 19th generation serves as center for the first time, and her fresh yet somehow wistful vocals resonate deeply.

The single also includes a track originating from the TV special “Yasushi Akimoto vs AI Yasushi Akimoto,” giving it plenty of buzz.

Depicting the wavering emotions of young people who look back on the past while striving to face forward, it’s perfect for those starting a new life this spring or for moments when you want to immerse yourself in memories of your youth.

I wish you lots of happinessnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – Sachi Are [Official Music Video] YouTube ver.
I wish you lots of happinessnaniwa danshi

It’s a song filled with a positive message, radiating a warmth that feels close to the listener’s heart.

The lyric “An ordinary today will surely lead to a shining future!” is striking and seems like it could energize you from the morning.

It was included on a single released in April 2022 and was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s morning information program Mezamashi TV.

Written and composed by Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu, it’s a track where Naniwa Danshi’s style and Kitagawa’s signature touch blend beautifully.

It’s perfect to listen to right after waking up, and it will surely give you courage when you’re feeling down or low on energy.

Your third buttonNEW!=LOVE

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

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.

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]
Sakura, Bloom!arashi

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.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]
365 Days' Paper AirplaneAKB48

This song, which portrays life through the theme of paper airplanes, is unusual for AKB48 in that it features a warm, acoustic guitar-centered sound.

The lyrics, which celebrate the importance of the journey, give listeners the courage to move toward their goals.

Released in December 2015, it was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Asa ga Kita” and was loved by people across generations.

As a song that accompanies life’s milestones—such as graduation and weddings—it will continue to resonate in many hearts.

[Graduation Song] A tear-jerking track sung by an idol! A moving piece depicting friendship and gratitude [2026] (21–30)

Blossom declaration!NEW!chou tokimeki sendenbu

This work features a sparkling sound that seems to carry a hint of spring.

It’s a track released by Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu in January 2026, written as the theme song for the film “Secret Aipri: Full Bloom Buzzrium Live!” The lyrics depict buds transforming into flowers and convey a strong will to make dreams come true, offering a gentle warmth that gives listeners a supportive push.

Created as a key song to color the film released in March of the same year and the album “Tokimeki Egao,” it also plays a role in energizing the group’s 10th-anniversary year.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to take a step into a new season or spur yourself on.

An essential track for any spring playlist, it makes you want to listen under fully blooming cherry blossoms while envisioning a future full of hope.