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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.