[Instagram Reels] Moving J-POP and Heart-Touching Classics Perfect for Graduation Season [2026]

We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

A gem of a number that gently sings of the sadness of parting and the hope of meeting again at the milestone of graduation.

Released in April 2021 and hailed as a “Reiwa-era graduation song,” this track has surpassed 150 million total streams and continues to be loved by listeners of all ages.

Warm depictions of past memories and days filled with carefree laughter resonate alongside a resolve to set out on our own paths and a hopeful message of talking through the night when we reunite someday.

Starting in November 2024, a brass band version was featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, adding a fresh appeal.

It’s a song that tenderly envelops farewells with cherished friends, perfect for processions at graduation ceremonies or as background music for memory videos.

exceed; surpass; go beyond; cross (over)[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Transcend (MV) (Anime “Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray” Season 1 Opening Theme)

“Koeru” by [Alexandros] is a fiery story about surpassing your limits and breaking through the wall of your former self.

Its rock sound, which expresses the determination to fight yourself and move forward, is sure to give a powerful push during graduation season as you dive into a new environment.

Released in April 2025 as an advance track from the album “PROVOKE,” it also drew attention for being chosen as the opening theme for the anime Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray.

With a structure that intertwines tension and release, this song goes beyond a simple pep anthem, transforming even inner turmoil into strength.

It’s a perfect fit for retirement-from-club activities videos or reels that look back on memories with friends.

If you want the courage to take a new step forward, give it a listen!

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

With the arrival of spring comes a season of farewells, and many people may be holding onto feelings they were never able to express.

Capturing those bittersweet yet warm emotions is Hinatazaka46’s “Only the Graduation Photo Knows.” Released in January 2025 as their 13th single with Nao Kosaka as center, the song drew attention for coinciding with the major milestone of a first-generation member’s graduation.

Debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking, it has resonated with many listeners.

Its beautifully classic J-pop melody vividly evokes scenes from graduation day.

Try pairing it with videos that capture everyday moments with friends or quiet times in the classroom.

It’s the perfect song for this season—one that offers the courage to move forward, even amid the sadness.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Sakura Clear Skies

Sparked by an email from a fan, Yuuri’s “Sakurabare” is a graduation ballad that truly touches the heart.

Released digitally in February 2021, it was later included on the 2022 album “Ichi.” Carried by a beautiful melody woven from piano and strings, the song delicately expresses gratitude to parents and friends, as well as the complex emotions of leaving the nest.

Its imagery—even the everyday scenes and familiar scents—deeply resonates with listeners’ memories and is sure to bring tears to their eyes.

It’s a perfect choice for creating a slideshow or video to say “thank you” to someone special during graduation season.

The song will gently nudge you forward as you take your next step.

sunflowerAdo

[Ado] Sunflower

This is a moving number that captures a single-minded desire to become as strong as someone you admire.

Released by Ado in July 2023, the song was written as the theme for the TBS drama “18/40: Dreams and Love, If We’re Together.” Using a flower that turns toward the sun as its motif, the lyrics depict the resolve to face forward by the side of someone important—perfect for the season of new departures.

The warm melody crafted by Miyuhan intertwines with Ado’s delicate yet powerful vocals to light a spark of courage in listeners’ hearts.

Paired with an Instagram Reel of cherished photos and videos, it’s sure to convey your gratitude to friends and mentors.

An inspiring track we hope everyone taking a new step will listen to.

Good Luck!SixTONES

SixTONES – Good Luck! [YouTube ver.]

SixTONES is a six-member group that showcases each member’s talents across a wide range of fields, including dramas, variety shows, and music.

This track, included on their double A-side single released in November 2022, is a motivational song created as the theme for the TV Asahi drama “Saisho wa Paa,” starring member Jesse.

Kicking off with energetic English phrases right from the start, the structure instantly whisks listeners into a brighter world.

Its straightforward lyrics—saying that if you have a dream you want to achieve, it’s okay to stumble or be laughed at—are sure to give you the courage to take a step forward during graduation season, when anxiety and excitement mix.

It’s an exceptionally positive number we hope you’ll listen to with friends as BGM for reel videos that look back on your memories.

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

This song by bokula., a rock band from Hiroshima, is perfect for a scene where you part ways with a dear friend, smiles and all.

It’s included on their mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, and it resonated especially with young people of the social media generation.

Set to a driving band sound, it sings about how every passing day becomes an irreplaceable memory.

It’s also noteworthy that the album earned solid recognition, including the Chugoku Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards.

The song carries a sentimental yet forward-looking message, making it a lovely choice for background music in a video shot after a graduation ceremony.

It’s a track you’ll definitely want to pair with a movie dedicated to someone you want to thank for everything so far.