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

The season of farewellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

This work captures the bittersweetness of unrequited love during graduation season with striking realism.

Always watching your upperclassman from afar but never getting your feelings across—before you know it, the moment of goodbye arrives.

That sweet-and-sour kind of love so many of us have felt is portrayed alongside SHISHAMO’s characteristically unadorned band sound.

The loneliness of familiar scenery changing, and the preciousness of the memories of someone you loved—many listeners will feel their hearts tighten.

This song closes out the album “SHISHAMO 2,” released in March 2015, and at the time it was selected for features such as Space Shower TV’s Power Play.

Why not pair it with a sentimental Instagram Story—say, a post about the walk home with unspoken words still in your heart, or the last view from a classroom window?

far; distant; by farGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Haruka

When you leave your parents’ home and set out on your own, this song speaks the words of gratitude that are hard to say out loud.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “ROOKIES: Graduation,” it has been loved across generations.

Released in May 2009 as GReeeeN’s 11th single, this classic stands out with its gentle, rap-free melody line.

Its worldview—expressing the love received from one’s parents and the resolve to move forward into the future despite uncertainty—brings many listeners to tears.

Why not share it on your Instagram Stories with photos from graduation day or casual videos of everyday moments with friends? It’s a warm message song that gently nudges you into a new environment.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

If there’s one grand rock ballad that boldly sings of life’s splendor, it’s this song.

Released in January 2019 as Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s eighth single, it was written as the support anthem for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

The lyrics affirm that both the good and the bad are essential elements that shape who you are, making it a perfect finale to student life spent dedicated to club activities and entrance exam studies.

As of January 2021, it surpassed 100 million streams, capturing countless hearts.

Use it as the BGM for photos and videos of memories with friends in your Instagram Stories on graduation day, and your post is sure to be even more moving.

Choose it as a cheer for yourself as you step into the future.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

An emotional ballad delivered by Yuzu, the folk duo that started on the streets.

The song is based on an original piece created after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake for the staff involved in their tour, and was completed from that foundation.

Released as a single in September 2013, it became well known through its broadcast on the program “Minna no Uta” and its selection as the set piece for the junior high division of the 80th NHK National School Music Competition.

With its grand, skyward-reaching melody and warm message that hearts remain connected even when apart, it’s a perfect fit for graduation season.

It’s also an ideal track to celebrate new beginnings as background music for Instagram Stories featuring photos and videos of memories with friends.

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]

When spring arrives, this is the exhilarating, fast-paced anthem you can’t help but want to hear.

Released in March 2005 as Arashi’s 14th single, it’s also well-known as the CM song for “Jonan Prep School,” featuring Sho Sakurai.

Included on the album “One,” the track pairs powerful lyrics about shaking off doubt and leaping into the future with an up-tempo band sound that gives you a strong push forward.

More than dwelling on the sadness of parting, its greatest appeal lies in the positive energy of “Let’s move ahead.” Post it on your Instagram Stories alongside smiling photos with friends or nostalgic video clips, and it’ll become the perfect, hope-filled graduation message.

It’s a rock number that gives you the courage to step into a new world—truly essential for this season.

Dear,Snow Man

Dear,

A moving song from Snow Man, the now nationally beloved idol group known for their acrobatic dance and diverse personalities.

Included on their first best-of album, THE BEST 2020‑2025, released in January 2025, it’s a warm medium-tempo ballad that expresses gratitude to fans on their fifth anniversary.

The gentle piano and strings that seem to wrap you in a hug make it perfect for Instagram Stories that look back on memories with mentors and friends.

Centered on the themes of overflowing love and bonds, this track can convey your appreciation even more deeply when played over a simple slideshow of everyday photos.

It’s a number you’ll want to add as a message to someone special, one that leaves warmth rather than sadness during the season of farewells.

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?