Resonating with Graduation Season! A Collection of Graduation Songs for Instagram Stories [2026]

GraduationKobukuro

Kobukuro “Graduation”

A heartwarming ballad that captures both the poignancy and hope of setting out on a new journey.

Crafted by the folk duo Kobukuro as a direct response to the theme of graduation, the song was released in March 2020 as their 31st single.

While past tracks like “Sakura” have long been beloved spring staples, this work conveys a more realistic sense of parting through concrete imagery such as classrooms and blackboards.

It also drew attention through a TikTok campaign and a collaboration with TWICE’s Sana.

The lyrics, which look forward while cherishing time gone by, make it a perfect BGM choice for Instagram Stories featuring photos of memories with friends.

This gentle melody is sure to color those moments that become treasures for a lifetime.

When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – When It Shines (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “The Heike Story” Opening Theme]

Hitsujibungaku is a rock band that captivates listeners with a sound that’s both delicate and powerful.

This track, which they released for streaming in January 2022, was written as the opening theme for the anime The Heike Story.

While resonating with the sense of impermanence found in historical tales, its clear vocals and band sound gently nudge us, who live in the present, forward.

The lyrics affirm that the world is beautiful no matter how difficult the circumstances, offering the courage to step into the future—something that may deeply move many listeners.

The song is also included on their April 2022 album our hope, making it a perfect pick for graduation and send-off season.

It’s also great for Instagram Stories—try posting it with photos of cherished memories with close friends or scenes filled with spring light.

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki, whose “Magic Carpet” became a huge topic on social media.

Released digitally in January 2021, this song is a heartrending number that portrays unspoken feelings of love at the milestone of graduation.

Comparing his timid, cowardly self to a small, endearing animal, you can almost picture him standing still amid the scattering petals.

The track is also included on his album “Nukumori,” and his trademark husky voice and beautiful vibrato are sure to move listeners to tears.

The fragile story of gazing at someone from afar while harboring three years of growing feelings is something anyone can relate to.

It’s a perfect springtime classic that makes you want to capture a precious memory and post it on Instagram.

Go, Sakura! / Cheer up, Sakura!THE SUPER FRUIT

THE SUPER FRUIT – Sakura Fure Fure [Official Music Video]

THE SUPER FRUIT is a boy group from Tsubasa Danshi Production.

Their second single, “Sakura Fure Fure,” released in March 2023, features a high-energy band sound that evokes the arrival of spring.

True to its title—which layers the image of “falling cherry blossoms” with the cheer of “fure fure” (go, go!)—it’s a gentle push forward during a season when anxiety and excitement about new beginnings are intertwined.

The song was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02” for March 2023 and is also included on the album “Aoi Kajitsu” (Blue Fruit).

Its message—that it’s okay to bloom in your own time, without rushing—will likely resonate deeply with those embarking on a new path after graduation.

Just like the memorable visuals featuring pink school uniforms, try using it as background music to brighten commemorative photos with friends.

Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Until Graduation” Music Video

This is the second single by Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora, an idol group formed as the official rivals of Nogizaka46, known for singing about relatable, real-life youth.

It’s a medium-tempo ballad tinged with melancholy, where the sounds of piano and strings stir the emotions.

The lyrics depict the frustrating subtleties of a heart that can’t confess its feelings to a first love as graduation approaches and time slips by—something that may remind anyone of a page from their own youth.

Released in January 2024, the song was also selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Sorette!? Jissai Dounanoka.” Pair it with story posts that capture everyday moments with friends or scenes from the classroom to heighten the emotional atmosphere.

It’s a graduation song that accompanies the season of partings and beautifully colors your memories.

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

It’s the season of farewells—you want to look back on memories with a melody that touches the heart.

Released by Nogizaka46 in November 2016, this song is a masterpiece that portrays the sorrow of parting and the hope for the future.

It’s also known as Nanami Hashimoto’s final single as center, and its lyrics—overlapping with her departure—brought many to tears.

Famous for being the group’s first million-certified single, it was also performed at the 67th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

With its dramatic progression, the song adds depth to smiling photos with friends or casual videos in the classroom.

Instead of letting farewells end as mere ‘sadness,’ this track turns them into gratitude for the encounters you’ve had.

Choose it as the BGM for a story post dedicated to your cherished friends.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Shunshu

Why is it that when graduation approaches, we’re overcome by so many different emotions? There’s a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that gently stays close to those complicated feelings.

It’s said that vocalist Motoki Omori wrote the track the day after his high school graduation ceremony, and it vividly portrays that uniquely adolescent heart that can’t quite be honest—where “I really hate you” and “I really love you” toward a friend blend together.

Released in February 2018 as part of the single “Love me, Love you,” it also became familiar as the song in Suntory’s Craft Boss commercial.

This piece feels like it teaches us the preciousness of days gone by.

Pair it with a story featuring photos of memories with friends, and it will surely make for a moving post.