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

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.

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.

We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter SG, who has garnered attention through his activities on TikTok and YouTube.

Released in April 2021, this song gently sings of the sadness of parting and the hope of reunion—truly a track worthy of being called a “Reiwa-era graduation song.” Simple yet irreplaceable memories—like the day they both got drenched after forgetting an umbrella—are sure to vividly resurface in listeners’ hearts.

The piece also made waves when its brass band version was featured in a Calorie Mate commercial supporting exam-takers.

Pair it with moving ceremony footage or a slideshow of photos with friends, and make your graduation unforgettable—try using it in your Instagram Stories.

The clap-along rhythm makes it perfect for everyone to sing together.

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

RADWIMPS, a rock band whose name means “cool cowards.” The song they wrote for NHK’s event and special program “18 Fes” is one you’ll especially want to hear during graduation season.

Its lyrics, infused with the resolve to find answers in life to the questions school never teaches you, are likely to resonate with many.

A version sung with a thousand young people was included on their 2018 album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, and a studio-recorded version was released on CD in February 2024.

The moving ensemble of piano and chorus will make that graduation moment—where farewells to friends intersect with hopes for the future—unforgettable.

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

YOASOBI, who perform as a unit that turns novels into music.

Released in December 2020, this work was created based on scriptwriter Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Ōji” (Moon Prince).

Also included on their debut EP “THE BOOK,” the song tells a heartwarming story from the perspective of a single mug as it watches over its owner—a young girl—growing up, portraying the eventual parting and gratitude that follow.

The gentle message of “thank you” for the irreplaceable time spent together and the wish for the other’s happiness may resonate with the feelings that come with graduation.

With a pop yet somehow wistful melody that stirs emotion—also featured in Takara Tomy’s “Punirunz” commercial—it’s a perfect number to use as BGM for a memory movie with dear friends.

Time ParadoxVaundy

Time Paradox (Theme Song of the Movie Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony) / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

With a musical style that freely crosses a wide range of genres, Vaundy has gained immense support, especially among young people.

Among his songs, this one carries a warm quality that gently resonates with the feelings of graduation season.

Despite its deliberately pared-down, simple arrangement, the melody—somehow nostalgic yet full of hope for the future—truly strikes a chord.

Released in February 2024 as his first CD single, it was written as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony.

The music video, directed by Vaundy himself and featuring Shota Sometani, also drew major attention.

Its message, which seems to connect the past and the future, makes it perfect for the season of new beginnings.

It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to while reflecting on the days spent with friends.

spring skySuzuki Suzuki

【Graduation】Spring Sky – Suzuki Suzuki【Official Music Video】

This is a ballad by the brother duo Suzuki Suzuki, featuring beautiful harmonies that resonate deeply.

Written in down-to-earth language, the song captures the anxiety and excitement of leaving your hometown at graduation to head somewhere new, along with the sadness of parting.

Rather than pushing you forward, its appeal lies in the gentle warmth that softly stays by your side through shifting emotions, making it a supportive companion for anyone starting a new chapter.

Released digitally in February 2022, it is also included on the album “313.” The music video drew attention for featuring popular video creators, and karaoke service DAM even ran a scoring battle campaign, offering not just a listening experience but plenty of ways to enjoy singing it as well.

Give it a listen when you’re bidding farewell to a dear friend, or as a cheer for yourself.