[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 Heart-Touching Classics Perfect for Graduation Season [2026] (31–40)
proofflumpool
A song by flumpool, a four-member rock band known for their refreshing vocals and strong messages.
Released as a single in September 2011, it is also included on their fourth album, “experience.” It’s also known for having been created as the compulsory piece for the Middle School Division of the 78th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
The lyrics, which capture the days spent with friends, the bonds you’ve forged, and the resolve to move forward into the future, make it perfect for the major milestone of graduation.
Its grand, warm melody—beloved as a choral piece—will lend a moving touch to each photo and video.
It’s an excellent choice for the background music of a movie filled with memories of your club activities and classmates.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
A signature number by Road of Major that powerfully sings of irreplaceable bonds with friends and the bittersweet pain of parting.
Released as an indie single in August 2002, it set an astounding record by staying in the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks.
It’s also known for being completed by members who had been brought together for a TV show project, after enduring a grueling tour with their breakup on the line.
Their passionate spirit crossed the sea, and in 2009 the song was even used in a Taiwanese commercial.
Its driving rock sound and warm melody make it perfect as BGM for a graduation video when you want to express gratitude without getting too sentimental.
Revisit this classic—also included on the album “ROAD OF MAJOR”—alongside your cherished memories with dear friends.
Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism
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.
Dear,Snow Man
A moving song from Snow Man, the now nationally beloved idol group known for their acrobatic dance and diverse personalities.
Included on their first best-of album, THE BEST 2020‑2025, released in January 2025, it’s a warm medium-tempo ballad that expresses gratitude to fans on their fifth anniversary.
The gentle piano and strings that seem to wrap you in a hug make it perfect for Instagram Stories that look back on memories with mentors and friends.
Centered on the themes of overflowing love and bonds, this track can convey your appreciation even more deeply when played over a simple slideshow of everyday photos.
It’s a number you’ll want to add as a message to someone special, one that leaves warmth rather than sadness during the season of farewells.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
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.