Memories come flooding back! Graduation songs recommended for the Yutori generation

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A graduation-themed song with a poignant love story layered over the cherry blossom season leaves a strong impression.

Hinatazaka46’s clear, pure vocals gently embrace memories of the past and feelings that were never confessed.

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

The music video, set on a graduation day, was released in December 2024.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to in the season when the arrival of spring brings back nostalgic feelings.

Highly recommended for students approaching graduation and for anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

GraduaterShiina Hekiru

Graduater

Known for its powerful vocals and uplifting message that champions youth, this is a must-have fan favorite at Hekiru Shiina’s live shows.

It vividly portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they cherish bonds with friends and companions while stepping forward toward their own future.

Even when faced with setbacks and doubts, the unwavering will to keep looking ahead and fighting on resonates deeply, carried by a passionate melody.

Since its release in January 1998, it has been widely supported by fans and was included on the album “Baby Blue Eyes.” The guitar work featuring DAITA from SIAM SHADE further enhances the song’s appeal.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone about to take a new step or for those who want to cheer on someone striving toward their dreams.

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

This is the second single by the five-member vocal group affectionately known as Little Glee Monster.

Set to sprightly piano and delicate strings, it captures the complex emotions of students facing graduation.

Released in March 2015, it was also used as the ending theme for MBS’s “Hayashi-sensei ga Odoroku Hatsumimi-gaku!” While lamenting farewells to friends, the lyrics convey anticipation for a new beginning, resonating with many graduates.

With over 11 million views on YouTube, it’s a popular track recommended for those who want to reminisce with friends over a graduation album.

Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb

absorb "Sakura no Ame" MV Full

A moving number that uses cherry blossoms—symbols of graduation season—as its motif.

Featuring Hatsune Miku, the song has garnered tremendous support online and among younger generations.

It’s also known as a choral piece frequently sung at graduation ceremonies.

Included on a maxi single released in November 2008, it comes in several different versions.

The lyrics, which symbolize the end of youth and a new beginning, offer comfort to students anxious about graduating.

With a beautiful melody and the warm sound of acoustic guitar, it’s a song that adds color to any graduation live performance and lingers in the ear.

Ode to YouthMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

[Momoiro Clover Z MV] Seishunfu / Momoiro Clover Z (Seishunfu / Momoiro Clover Z)

This is the 14th single by Momoiro Clover Z, chosen as the theme song for the coming-of-age film “The Curtain Rises,” which features all the members.

The track beautifully blends each member’s distinctive vocals with a piano-driven arrangement, and its lyrics—depicting a forward-looking farewell while cherishing irreplaceable memories—leave a strong impression.

Released in March 2015, it peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Produced by Keiichi Tomita, who also performed instruments such as piano and guitar, the song offers a slightly different vibe from Momoclo’s typically high-energy tunes, making it a recommended graduation song for students approaching commencement.

Graduationgagaga supi

Graduation

A bittersweet love song that likens a breakup between a man and a woman to “graduation.” Carefully crafted by the youth punk band from Kobe, Gagaga SP, the lyrics vividly capture the pain of heartbreak, lingering attachment, and the determination to move forward.

Released in January 2002 as their major-label debut single and peaking at No.

30 on the Oricon chart, this track has become one of their signature songs and a staple of their live shows, as the band is known for leading the youth punk boom.

With its straightforward lyrics and powerful sound, this song is sure to be a source of comfort when you’re healing from a breakup or trying to overcome a farewell with someone important.

10-year cherry blossomsAKB48

[MV full] 10nen Zakura / AKB48 [Official]

This is AKB48’s 11th major single, a song that overlays the life crossroads of graduation with the image of cherry blossom petals.

Released in March 2009, it created a major buzz, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Its lyrics—recounting school-day memories and friendships, and promising a reunion ten years later—beautifully capture the complex emotions of those facing graduation.

As suggested by the tagline, “In 2019, where will I be and what will I be doing?”, it’s a warm, comforting track that resonates with graduates’ mixed feelings of hope and anxiety for the future.

It’s a perfect number to mark a page of youth, ideal as background music for graduation ceremonies and thank-you parties.