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

Loved oneFOMARE

FOMARE “The One I Love” Official Music Video

This song by FOMARE, a rock band from Takasaki, Gunma, channels their overflowing feelings for the places and people they love in a straightforward way.

With a driving band sound, it powerfully sings of the preciousness of everyday life we once took for granted and of bonds that remain unchanged even when we’re apart.

Released in June 2021 and later placed as the opening track on the album “midori,” the song also drew attention as the CM song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uniharu 2022.” It’s a perfect track for graduates who want to express gratitude to friends, teammates, and the places that supported them.

As listeners leave their familiar days behind and step into a new world, the song offers a warm cheer to gently push them forward.

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

tuki. 'Sakura Kimi Watashi' Official Music Video

Layered over the gentle melody woven by the acoustic guitar, tuki.’s vocals—imbued with a level of expressiveness hard to believe for a teenager—vividly evoke the bittersweet scenes of graduation season.

Released in January 2024, this piece was written as an insert song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.

Graduation Edition 2024.” Its lyrics, which trace the farewells that come with cherry blossoms and the fleeting end of a young love, convey the universal ache of youth, portraying a protagonist who accepts the end of a relationship while striving to cherish the memories.

Much like the music video on YouTube that has surpassed 10 million views, it’s a sentimental acoustic number you’ll want to pair with a story compiling memories with friends.

Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Homeward Road in March

Singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, who has been attracting attention for his acoustic sound and sweet vocals.

This song features an arrangement highlighted by clear, spacious piano and strings that leaves a strong impression.

It portrays the mixed feelings at the end of youth marked by graduation and the poised resolve felt in the moment of stepping into a new world, even amid loneliness.

Even though you should be closer to your dream, the tears won’t stop—because the days spent with your friends are too precious.

That message is sure to gently resonate with hearts on the brink of graduation.

Released in February 2022, this moving ballad is also included on the album “LOVE＋PEACE.”

Graduation Song ~Let Me Say Thank You Over and Over~GReeeeN

Sotsugyounouta Arigatouha Nanndomo Iwasete

I wish I could stay like this forever, but I have to set off…

This is a message song that sings of the bittersweet feelings and gratitude right before graduation.

Created by GReeeeN, it’s the coupling track to the single “Aisubeki Ashita, Isshun to Isshō o,” released in March 2014, and it’s also included on the best-of album “C, D desu to!?”.

It was featured in an AOKI commercial, cheering on the first steps into a new chapter of life.

Carried by a refreshing, warm melody, the straightforward lyrics make you want to say “thank you” over and over again, striking straight to the heart.

The harmony woven by the four voices is moving, making it a perfect song for a slideshow of memories with friends or an Instagram story to express your gratitude.

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

Bokula is a rock band based in Hiroshima whose down-to-earth music has won strong support from younger listeners.

This track, included on their mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, is a fan favorite with over 8.5 million streams.

Its lyrics, which seem to affirm all the ordinary days and memories shared before a parting, will likely resonate with many who are about to graduate.

The album featuring this song won the Chugoku Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards.

Pair this emotional rock tune with an Instagram Story packed with memories of your friends to create a truly moving post!

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

Originally written and composed by Seikaikan Ozaki of CreepHyp as the 2018 FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS campaign song, this track features poignant lyrics that overlay the falling of cherry blossoms with parting, resonating with the feelings of many graduates.

The scenes of looking back on the past—like memories left between the pages of a book you stopped reading—are deeply moving, yet the song still depicts a determination to face forward.

Included on the album “Nakitaku Naru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” it’s an up-tempo, fast-paced number that, strangely enough, lifts your spirits as you listen.

A perfect song for graduation season, where the sadness of farewell mingles with hope for the future.

StoryAI

AI – Story

A ballad that sings of the reassurance of having someone precious by your side and of an overflowing, profound love.

It’s a single released in May 2005 by AI, a singer-songwriter who captivates listeners with her husky, soulful voice.

The dramatic melody that begins with a piano intro gently wraps around the listener’s heart.

Also included on the album “Mic-a-holic Ai,” this beloved classic stayed on the charts for over 70 weeks after its release.

It’s also known as the Japanese ending theme for the Disney film Big Hero 6.

Carrying the message that you are not alone, this song is perfect for graduation-season memory videos that express gratitude to friends and mentors.

Be sure to give this warm, moving number a listen.