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

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

Let me introduce a song that paints the springtime emotions of farewells and new beginnings with a clear, translucent tone.

Released as Hinatazaka46’s 13th single in January 2025, this work features Nao Kosaka as center and became a hot topic after debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly chart.

Its charm lies, of course, in the poignant lyrical world where unspoken feelings are entrusted to a single photograph.

Regret tucked deep in the heart coexists with the precious flow of time that moves us forward, and by the end, you’ll likely feel a gentle warmth.

The sound, filled with the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom season, seems perfect as BGM when posting commemorative shots with friends from graduation day or scenes from the classroom, don’t you think?

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.

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.

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

Set to a heartrending melody, this moving ballad questions the meaning of parting and setting out.

The message embedded in the lyrics—that “goodbye” is not sadness but hope for the future—will deeply resonate with graduates who, despite their anxieties, are ready to spread their wings toward their dreams.

Released in September 2009 as Ikimono-gakari’s 15th single, the song was created as the compulsory piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high division.

Many listeners may find memories returning of singing it in unison with their classmates back then.

Pair this song with smile-filled photos with friends or videos from tearful graduation ceremonies, and your gratitude will shine through even more.

Use it in your Instagram Stories as a cheer for yourself as you take your next step forward.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

A warm message that says you can move forward at your own pace without comparing yourself to others gently resonates in this season of new beginnings in this AKB48 medium-tempo ballad.

With its soothing acoustic tones, this track—despite being a coupling song on the single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” released in December 2015—became widely known as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asadora “Asa ga Kita.” With Sayaka Yamamoto as the center, it has transcended the idol-song category and is also beloved as a choral piece.

During graduation season, when anxiety and anticipation about the future mingle, posting it to your Instagram Story alongside a photo of looking up at the sky or a video of laughing with friends is sure to deliver a fresh, moving feeling to everyone who watches.

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.

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.