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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.