[Instagram Reels] Moving J-POP and Heart-Touching Classics Perfect for Graduation Season [2026]
As graduation season approaches, many of you might be on the lookout for moving songs that are perfect for slideshows or Instagram Reels.
When you pair your photos with music, even ordinary moments from daily life can come back to you as special memories.
In this article, we’ve gathered heartfelt gems—centered on the latest J-POP hits born in the Reiwa era, along with nostalgic classics that never go out of style.
You’ll find tear-jerking graduation songs as well as uplifting anthems to support your next step.
Discover the one track that will convey your feelings in a video tribute for someone special!
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[Instagram Reels] Moving J-POP and Soul-Stirring Classics for Graduation Season [2026] (11–20)
We againSG
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.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
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.
18imase
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.
Good Luck!SixTONES
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.
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.