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

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

Let me introduce a song that reminds us that farewells are not just endings, but precious moments that teach us the miracle of having met.

Nogizaka46’s single “Sayonara no Imi,” released in November 2016, is known as the last single centered by Nanami Hashimoto and remains a deeply memorable masterpiece.

Carried by a beautiful melody woven by piano and strings, its message turns parting into strength, sure to move listeners to tears.

Their moving performance at the 2016 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen also drew great acclaim, and the single became the group’s first million seller.

This song is perfect as background music for graduation memory videos or Instagram Reels, especially in the season of farewells and new beginnings.

Even if you carry anxieties, it will gently yet powerfully nudge you forward into the future.

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.

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.

18imase

【imase】18（MV）

This is a track by imase that sings, over a light, upbeat groove, about the complex feelings of standing at the threshold of adulthood at 18.

In the graduation season, when anxiety and anticipation mingle, it’s sure to give you the courage to take a new step.

It was written as the theme song for Suntory’s “Otona Jan” web video series released in April 2023.

The song is also included on the album Bonzai, released in May 2024, and has been embraced as a work that resonates with the generation that lived through the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s perfect as BGM for reel videos connecting your memorable photos and clips, and it inspires a sense of hope for the future.

Its positive message—affirming youth behind masks and days under restrictions, and vividly coloring the life that begins now—really strikes a chord.

Rock this Partytimelesz

timelesz ｢Rock this Party｣ (YouTube Ver.)

In the graduation season that marks a new beginning, timelesz’s song is the kind of number that makes you want to overlay your hopes for the future.

Released for streaming in February 2025, this track is a celebration-filled party tune sung by the group, now an eight-member lineup after an audition process! The lyrics, which sing about chasing dreams and finding the courage to take the first step, fill you with positive energy just by listening.

It was also chosen as the theme song for Universal Music’s “#OurSpringSong Campaign” Phase 4 commercial, adding color to the arrival of spring.

The song is slated to be included on their album “FAM,” set for release in June 2025.

It’s perfect for videos looking back on the best days spent with friends, or scenes that pledge to new challenges! Why not see your own next step reflected in their determination to make their dreams come true with new companions?

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

A song produced as the official cheer anthem for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Rather than irresponsibly telling people who are striving to “hang in there,” it carries a message that every single day is a miracle, including the experiences of broken dreams and discouragement.

It sensitively portrays the feelings of acknowledging differences between oneself and others and the resolve to move forward despite anxiety, leaving listeners with a refreshing, positive outlook—an ode to life.

In 2022, an orchestral arrangement was featured as the song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate commercial, drawing renewed attention as a track that supports exam takers.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those marking the milestone of graduation or standing on the brink of a new challenge.

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.