[2026] Modern graduation songs: Reiwa-era staples and new tracks you should know

Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sakura Photograph” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Sakura Photograph)

It’s a moving ballad perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

Released in April 2025, this song is the theme for the season event “Sakura-Mau Start Line” in the game Gakuen Idolmaster.

The gentle harmonies of the trio—Liliya Katsuragi, Sayaka Shiun, and Saki Hanami—leave a lasting impression.

It’s as if the tender melody rides the spring breeze and soars into the sky.

The lyrics, which portray meetings, farewells, and irreplaceable friendship, will especially resonate with those graduating from school.

Be sure to give it a listen during cherry blossom season.

spring skySuzuki Suzuki

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

A ballad themed around graduation by the sibling duo Suzuki Suzuki.

It captures the feelings of looking back on memories from their school days.

Words that recall youthful times—like the school chime, tears, and crumpled notebooks—really resonate.

Released digitally in February 2022, it also drew attention for its music video featuring three popular video creators.

The audio was pre-released on TikTok, generating buzz.

It’s perfect for students facing farewells with friends or anxiety about new environments.

A single packed with hearts-full memories and a future filled with hope.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

To You Graduating This Year [Sakura Clear Skies] [First Performance of New Song]

Yuri’s “Sakurabare” vividly captures the emotions of graduation with immersive lyrics.

Since its digital release in February 2021, it has been played at many graduation ceremonies and has resonated with listeners.

Expressing gratitude to family, the song serves as a reassuring support especially for students leaving home.

Its moving melody and Yuri’s powerful vocals intertwine exquisitely, enriching the listener’s emotions.

It’s a memorable graduation song that colors the Reiwa era.

Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Atarayo – Sorrowful Sakura (Music Video)

Atoyoi’s graduation ballad beautifully portrays the feeling of wishing to reunite someday in the same place, while savoring familiar scenery and bittersweet memories.

It expresses the emotion of how an ordinary spring landscape suddenly feels special as the moment of parting draws near, through a gentle melody and emotionally rich lyrics.

Released in March 2023, the song tenderly accompanies listeners with vocals and sounds that are at times heartrending and at times warm.

It’s a track for those taking a new step with the arrival of spring, and for anyone experiencing a farewell with a dear friend.

Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei

[MV] A Classroom in Blue / Suisei Hoshimachi (hololive × HoneyWorks) [#HoloHani Original]

This song centers on memories of youth and friendship.

Suisei Hoshimachi’s clear, transparent vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

While it captures the loneliness and anxiety felt before graduation, it also conveys gratitude for the days spent with friends.

It’s included on the Hololive × HoneyWorks collaboration album “Horohani-gaoka High School.” Released in February 2024, the album feels like it speaks for today’s graduates.

It’s perfect for those who are reluctant to part with friends or anxious about a new environment—you’re sure to find courage in it.

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

This song was written for the 2018 NHK special program “RADWIMPS 18-sai.” It’s packed with youth, and it vividly conveys friendship, the many emotions we feel toward friends, and shared memories.

A newly recorded version was released digitally in advance in January 2024.

It’s a graduation song that will move listeners to tears, especially those taking a new step forward.

Many of us felt that school life didn’t change much day to day, that time just kind of slipped by.

But when graduation comes, we realize those unremarkable moments were precious.

This song captures that feeling perfectly.

Bring it on, spring.non

[Official Music Video] Non – I’ll Stand to Face Spring

The spring-themed song crafted by Non is a work that offers hope and courage for the start of a new season.

It’s filled with the many feelings that come with the arrival of spring, and its lyrics leave a strong impression as if gently nudging listeners forward.

Released digitally in January 2025, this popular track had long been requested by fans to be officially recorded each time it was performed live.

In the music video, Non portrays a student band, capturing the sparkle of youth and lifting your spirits just by watching.

It’s a perfect song for anyone about to embark on a new chapter in life or looking to refresh their mindset.