[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prologue.Yuika

Prologue. / “Yuika” [MV]

When it comes to heartwarming graduation songs themed around the end of high school and a new beginning, this one stands out.

Written by Yuika to coincide with her own high school graduation, the song treats all the days up to now as a story’s prologue and boldly sings of a resolve for the future.

Released in March 2023, it was featured as an insert song on ABEMA’s “Koisuru Weekend Homestay 2023 Spring ~Sweet Orange Memory~,” resonating with many listeners.

The lyrics are sprinkled with memories like casual classroom chats and snapping photos together, linking to the listener’s own recollections.

It’s not just about the sadness of parting—it’s a cheer song that gives you the courage to leap into a new world.

Give it a listen when you’re making a video with close friends or when you want to give yourself a push forward.