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

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

This song, which Motoki Omori is said to have written the day after his own graduation ceremony, faithfully captures the complex emotions felt during the season of farewells.

It was released to the world in February 2018 as the B-side to the single “Love me, Love you.” It was also featured in a Suntory Craft Boss commercial, resonating with many listeners.

The inability to be honest with friends and companions, the moment you realize that the routines of everyday life were irreplaceable—these genuine feelings of graduates are conveyed over a gentle melody.

Chosen as an entrance piece for graduation ceremonies or as background music for reels that look back on memories, it will surely add color to a special day.

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

This song, included on the 2019 album “Traveler,” was used as an insert track for the special drama “U-NEXT presents Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (“I Can See You Three More Times”).

The lyrics convey feelings one wishes to express at the moment of parting and gratitude toward someone they may never meet again, imbued with the hope that saying “see you” can make farewells a little easier.

Expressing the transience of passing time and the bittersweetness of cherishing memories with someone important, this piece is perfect for scenes of bidding farewell to friends and teachers on graduation day.

Playing it while creating a yearbook or a retrospective video will help set a moving, emotional tone.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

A classic song for graduation season that continues to be loved, this Remioromen masterpiece was released in 2004.

It was originally created to celebrate a friend’s wedding, but its lyrics moved many listeners, and when it was used in the 2005 drama “1 Litre of Tears,” it began to be widely sung as a graduation chorus piece as well.

Warmly expressing memories to date and gratitude toward loved ones, it’s a song that brings tears just by listening.

It’s a deeply resonant track that gently accompanies graduation memory videos and farewell scenes with friends.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Road

An emotional ballad depicting encounters and farewells in special places.

It’s a song by EXILE, a group that captivates fans with a style fusing dance and vocals.

Released as a single in February 2007, it is also included on the album “EXILE EVOLUTION.” It was used as a theme song for NTV’s “Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER,” and is also known for becoming the 1,000th number-one song in Oricon chart history.

Its lyrics, which make you realize how precious everyday life truly is, likely resonate deeply with students on the verge of graduation.

Having also become a staple choral piece, this classic is sure to move audiences to tears when set to a memory video stitched together with smiling photos of friends.

Loved oneFOMARE

FOMARE “The One I Love” Official Music Video

This song by FOMARE, a rock band from Takasaki, Gunma, channels their overflowing feelings for the places and people they love in a straightforward way.

With a driving band sound, it powerfully sings of the preciousness of everyday life we once took for granted and of bonds that remain unchanged even when we’re apart.

Released in June 2021 and later placed as the opening track on the album “midori,” the song also drew attention as the CM song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uniharu 2022.” It’s a perfect track for graduates who want to express gratitude to friends, teammates, and the places that supported them.

As listeners leave their familiar days behind and step into a new world, the song offers a warm cheer to gently push them forward.

allyGReeeeN

Mikata

This work expresses gratitude for those who are always by our side and support us.

It was created by GReeeeN, a vocal group known for all its members holding dental licenses.

Written as the theme song for the 2022 film “Haw,” it’s included on the album “Rockin’ Beats.” Set to a warm, acoustic sound, it sings about the everyday moments and bonds shared with loved ones.

The lyrics, which portray the value of standing by someone’s side, make for a moving accompaniment to scenes reflecting on school memories before graduation.

Consider using it as BGM when creating a memory video that celebrates the bonds between friends and teammates.

Song SevenRADWIMPS

Nanoka

This classic RADWIMPS song opens with a warm, gospel-like chorus and flows into a gentle rap part—an impressive progression.

Included on the March 2009 album “Altcolony no Teiri,” it wasn’t released as a single, yet it has remained beloved by fans for years.

Its message—about a protagonist who lacks self-confidence but finds the world shining through the presence of someone precious—resonates deeply during graduation season, when we reaffirm our bonds with friends and lovers.

In recent years it has also enjoyed a resurgence on social media and is popular as background music for videos.

When you’re making a montage-style memory movie from photos and clips, its dramatic structure will only heighten the emotional impact.