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

Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM

ASOBOiSM / The First Step of KADODE feat. CHICO CARLITO

A spring anthem teamed up by ASOBOiSM and CHICO CARLITO.

It’s a song that gives you a push to take that first step toward your dreams.

ASOBOiSM’s true-to-life lyrics pair perfectly with CHICO CARLITO’s powerful rap.

Released in March 2024, this track is sure to encourage not only those graduating or starting a new chapter, but anyone standing at a turning point in life.

Self-produced by ASOBOiSM, it showcases her musicality to the fullest.

A song that stays close to the mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety that come with a new environment.

Give it a listen!

On nights when cherry blossoms fallaimyon

Aimyon – On the Night the Cherry Blossoms Fall [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

As if symbolizing the arrival of a new season and the partings it brings, Aimyon’s “Sakura ga Furu Yoru wa” is a richly emotional song perfectly suited to the milestone of graduation.

While delicately portraying encounters and farewells, the track also carries a charm that inspires the hopes of spring.

In the lyrics Aimyon weaves, anxiety and anticipation for the future coexist, adding color to graduation ceremonies and offering warm comfort to listeners.

Hearing this song may help you prepare your heart for a new departure.

For this spring’s graduation, be sure to lend an ear to the beautiful melody Aimyon has crafted.

People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke

"Hito to Hito" (Lyrics: Tomohiro Iwai, Music: Kensuke Yugeda, Performance: Toin Gakuen Elementary School) — a choral piece for a music concert

This is a warm piece that sings about the importance of encounters through music.

The fresh melodies woven by Kensuke Yugedate carry a gentle calm while conveying a moving message.

In clear, resonant words, it speaks of the joy born from human connections and the inevitable meaning hidden within chance meetings.

Delivered by the pure voices of the Toin Gakuen Elementary School Choir, the work is also slated to appear in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Its kind, uplifting message is perfect for children who are about to meet new people in a new environment.

As they take their next step in school life, this wonderful song will give them courage and hope—please give it a listen.

The happiest treasuresutopuri

[MV] The Most Wonderful Treasure / Strawberry Prince

As a heartwarming song that adds color to the graduation season, Sutopuri’s vocals resound.

Vividly depicting the March scenery of dancing cherry blossoms, it gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.

Released in March 2023, the song was unveiled as a surprise during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.

Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, the fresh melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but everyone taking a new step forward.

If you’re experiencing farewells with loved ones or embracing new encounters, please give this song a listen—it’s a sincere cheer from the heart.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

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

As time turns and graduation season arrives, songs beloved by Gen Z connect hearts.

Among them, AKB48’s “365 Nichi no Kamihikouki (365 Days of Paper Airplanes)” has etched its name as an unforgettable graduation song.

With Sayaka Yamamoto as the center and its selection as the theme for the NHK morning drama Asa ga Kita, its fresh, gentle melody lingers in the hearts of many.

Though AKB48 is often associated with idol pop, this song’s transparent, pure approach has been embraced across generations.

A heartwarming track for a season that looks to and hopes for the future, it’s a graduation anthem especially worth recommending now.

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

Nogizaka46’s “Sayonara no Imi” is a graduation song that blends the sadness of parting with the strength to move forward.

Since its 2016 release, it has become a staple played at many graduation ceremonies.

Its heartfelt lyrics and melody cheer on students standing at the moment of goodbye.

It’s a song that gives courage to everyone who has experienced farewells to face forward.

A recommended track for anyone standing on the new starting line that is graduation.

Though bittersweet, it gives you the strength to step into tomorrow, and songs like this are cherished as timeless classics that remain in our hearts.

Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Sakuzuki'

A song that reveals a new side of Sakurazaka46.

It delicately mirrors the feelings of young people facing graduation with the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Released as a single in February 2023, it topped both the Oricon and Billboard Japan charts.

The choreography and costumes in the music video also drew attention.

The lyrics portray the bittersweet emotions of a protagonist seeing their lover off as they leave for Tokyo.

Using cherry blossoms as a motif, it artfully expresses the beauty of parting and the joy of growth.

It’s perfect not only for students about to graduate, but for anyone at a turning point in life.

With heartfelt lyrics and a refreshing melody, it’s a song that will celebrate a new beginning.