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

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.

Absolute ProtagonistChou 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.

Last chance, last dance≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 1st Album Lead Track 'Last Chance, Last Dance' [MV full]

It’s a heart-wrenching song where the brilliance of youth coexists with a touch of sadness.

Produced by Rino Sashihara for the idol group ≠ME, it was included as the lead track on their album “Springtime In You,” released in March 2024.

Nanaka Tomita serves as the center for this song.

The lyrics, written from the perspective of “me” gazing from afar at the school’s Madonna, evoke a scene of unrequited love that is beautiful yet tinged with pain.

Takahiro Furukawa’s exhilarating, classic pop sound is also striking.

You might even be moved to tears by the contrast between the bright melody and the heartrending lyrics.

The album, which includes this track, also reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Give it a listen when you want to sink into a sentimental mood in the springtime.

GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48, who built an era as “idols you can go to meet” and hold numerous glittering records.

Released in February 2012, this song drew major attention for featuring the members taking on instrumental performance as the band “Baby Blossom.” Although the title doesn’t include the word “sakura,” it centers on springtime farewells and new departures, delivering an uplifting message that resonates: wipe your tears and share a high-five with a smile.

Its 34-minute, drama-style music video and use in various advertising campaigns also became hot topics.

Graduation season can feel somber, but this is a go-to cheer song that gives a push toward a new world—perfect for getting everyone fired up with friends at a reunion karaoke session.

Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI

Hikaru Genji - Paradise Galaxy (1988)

A sparkling track that seems to invite you into a world of adventure filled with dreams and hope.

Lyrics by Ryo Asuka depict the pure hearts that only children possess and fantastical scenes, filling listeners with excitement.

Released in March 1988 as Hikaru GENJI’s third single, this historic hit won the 30th Japan Record Award and topped the year-end charts.

Their dashing image on roller skates became the envy of children at the time and sparked a social phenomenon.

Listen to it when you’re standing at the new starting line of school, caught between anticipation and anxiety.

It’s an eternal anthem of encouragement, beloved across generations, that gives you the courage to take a step toward a shining future.

I heard the sound of cherry blossoms blooming.＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 1st ALBUM track 'I Heard the Sound of Cherry Blossoms Blooming' MV [YouTube ver.]

When you sense the arrival of spring, doesn’t the everyday suddenly start to sparkle? This work vividly portrays the beginning of love that visits at such seasonal turning points.

It’s a refreshing number sung by =LOVE, the idol group produced by Rino Sashihara.

Included as the lead track on the May 2021 album “Zenbu, Naisho.” it topped the Oricon weekly chart.

The expression of “the sound of cherry blossoms blooming”—a sound we shouldn’t be able to hear—brilliantly overlaps with the shock of falling in love.

In the music video, the rapid costume changes that transform the members’ outfits in an instant became a hot topic, visually conveying a sense of “blooming.” As you dive into a new environment this season, adding it to a video compiling precious memories will surely give your footage an even more dramatic flair.

Color contacts winkAKB48

Color Contacts Wink Music Video / AKB48 63rd Single [Official]

This dazzling number was created as the culmination of Yuki Kashiwagi’s idol career, with Kashiwagi—who has long led the group—serving as center for the first time on her own.

You can practically picture the bittersweet scene of unrequited love, where feelings are conveyed not through words, but through glances and gestures.

Released as a single in March 2024, it was composed by Yoshimasa Inoue, the hitmaker behind numerous chart-toppers.

The melody, blending nostalgia and freshness, is sure to set listeners’ hearts dancing.

In the music video, a world surrounded by colorful flowers beautifully portrays the “life of an idol.” Perfect for the spring season, this work gently encourages those embarking on a new chapter.

It’s an ideal track when you want to immerse yourself in a classic idol song.