Popular and recommended graduation songs on YouTube Shorts: a special feature of memorable classics

To the futureKiroro

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

This song is a staple among graduation tunes.

It’s a track by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released as their second single in June 1998.

Originally, the songwriter composed it in middle school to express gratitude to her mother, but its warm lyrics also resonate with the feelings we have for those who supported us at graduation.

Its simple, heartfelt melody has been featured as an insert song in the anime “Tsuki ga Kirei” and in commercials.

Singing of hope for the new paths ahead, this moving piece gives courage in times of parting and new beginnings.

It’s sure to be a song that gently nudges someone forward.

We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter SG, who has gained popularity mainly on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

When it comes to his graduation song, it’s the piece released in April 2021.

The song expresses the hope of “meeting again,” gently embracing the sadness of parting.

Set to a simple rhythm that’s easy to enjoy with handclaps, the lyrics evoke everyday memories—like the day you ate ice cream or the walk home where you laughed together in the rain—making them resonate in your heart.

The track was also featured in a Calorie Mate commercial starting in November 2024.

It’s a warm, encouraging song that makes you want to promise a reunion in the future with friends who are graduating and heading down their own paths.

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

This is a heartwarming collaboration between YOASOBI and broadcast writer Osamu Suzuki.

Based on the original novel “Tsuki Ōji” (Prince of the Moon), the story unfolds from the unique perspective of a mug that watches over its owner’s life.

The pure joy of having met and the warm love wishing for happiness are sure to make your heart flutter.

Released in December 2020, the song became a hot topic when it surpassed 100 million streams in June of the following year.

It is also included on the album THE BOOK and is familiar as the CM song for Takara Tomy’s “Punirunz.” If you’re facing graduation and feeling the sadness of parting from someone important, listening to this piece will help you once again appreciate the wonderful time you shared and the miracle of having met.

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

An emotionally moving number by Ikimono-gakari, cherished as a staple graduation song.

Its lyrics don’t treat parting as something merely sad, but as a new beginning toward each person’s dreams—words that are sure to bring tears to your eyes.

Even while burdened by anxiety and inner conflict about the future—like having wings but being unable to fly—the image of confronting one’s own weakness and moving forward into tomorrow stirs everyone’s heart.

Released in September 2009 as a double A-side single alongside the bright, poppy “Joyful,” the song was also selected as a required piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Though gentle in tone, this powerful track resonates deeply, encouraging those taking a new step forward with the bonds of their friends in their hearts.

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

Welcoming a new beginning with memories that will stay in your heart forever—this is a song that stays by your side in that very moment.

Written by Okayama-born singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, this track was composed in 2021 as the theme song for the drama “Nijiiro Karte.” Its relaxed, soulful sound is so quintessentially Fujii.

The lyrics, which suggest that everything we experience on the journey of life has meaning, gently encourage you as you take your first steps into the future at a milestone like graduation.

Also included on the acclaimed album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” this song may remind you to feel gratitude toward those who have supported you.

Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

This song, which begins with the gentle sound of piano, is based on a letter Angela Aki wrote to her future self when she was 15.

The lyrics feel like an exchange of letters between a troubled 15-year-old “me” and the future self who replies—an especially moving piece.

It gently stays close to the emotional ups and downs of a sensitive time and seems to encourage you, reminding you that the future isn’t only dark.

Released in September 2008 as her eighth single, the track is also included on the album ANSWER.

It was chosen as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Contest, and is also known as a song featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta and as the theme song of the film “Have a Song on Your Lips.” It’s an inspiring anthem that will resonate with your heart as you graduate and set out on a new path.

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

Originally written and composed by CreepHyp’s Seikai Ozaki as a campaign song for FM802 and TSUTAYA in 2018, this track is included on the album “Nakitakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni.” Its lyrics juxtapose the image of falling cherry blossoms with a “bookmark” tucked into a half-read book, evoking lingering feelings for a relationship one isn’t ready to end—sentiments many graduates may relate to.

While the song portrays the sorrow of parting, the music itself is a bright, fast-paced rock tune.

That contrast gently pushes listeners forward into the future, even as they hold on to their loneliness.

It’s an emotional track that tenderly accompanies the wavering heart at the milestone of graduation.