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

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.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

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.

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.

Absolute ProtagonistNEW!Chou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

Absolute Protagonist

An emotional, heart-stirring cheer song! Released in March 2026 by the idol group Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu, known for their euphoric, joy-filled performances.

It was selected as the official MBS theme song for the 98th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Their signature shimmering, youthfulness-tinged vocals carry a powerful message.

If you’re giving your all to something and need a push on your back, give it a listen.

Late-blooming cherry blossomsAKB48

Nagorizakura

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.

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.