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

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A song that can deeply move you at the farewell moment of graduation is “Haruka” by YOASOBI.

Released in 2020, the track ranked high on Billboard’s download chart.

Perfect for the milestone of a graduation ceremony, its melody and lyrics evoke looking back on the past while taking a step toward a new future.

While many YOASOBI songs are full of driving energy, “Haruka” has a slightly calmer tone with an irresistible, sing-along charm.

Let this song color your graduation in the Reiwa era.

evening primroseNovelbright

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

A love ballad by Novelbright that poignantly captures farewells with someone dear and the memories of days spent together.

Vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s clear, soaring high notes resonate deeply with listeners.

Built around a dramatic piano arrangement, the song delicately portrays the ebb and flow of emotion.

Released in December 2020, it aired the following year on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!” weather segment.

With total streams surpassing 300 million, it has earned widespread support.

The music video features actress Yumi Wakatsuki, and its depiction of shared days and parting became a hot topic.

Though it’s a love song, it’s also perfect for moments when you want to honor a farewell or gratitude to someone, or when you’re taking a new step forward.

Us, againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

SG’s song is a perfect classic for graduation season.

Its heartfelt lyrics and warm melody gently embrace both farewells and the hope of meeting again.

The longing to reunite truly strikes a chord.

Released digitally in April 2021, it became a long-running hit through social media and streaming.

Embraced especially by younger listeners, it’s recognized as a quintessential Reiwa-era graduation song.

SG’s unique sensibility—shaped by working in both Japan and Korea—really shines here.

It’s a track that supports not only students approaching graduation, but anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone important.

It’s sure to be a source of comfort.

Listening to this piece will bring back fond memories and open up hope for the future.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

A masterpiece by Mrs.

[Green Apple] that beautifully captures the fleeting nature of youth.

Set to a soothing melody that seems to accompany the season of cherry blossoms, it expresses, in a true-to-life way, the complex emotions that sway between “I hate you” and “I love you.” As a spring anthem and choral piece from Mrs., who have risen to the top tier of artists, it has captured the hearts of many.

It’s perfect not only for students about to graduate, but for anyone taking a new step with the arrival of spring.

Why not surrender yourself to Omori’s delicate vocals and let them soothe your spring melancholy?

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Live Video from “ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019”]

RADWIMPS is a four-piece rock band whose name is a coined word meaning “a cool coward” or “a splendid weakling.” The song Seikai (Right Answer), which closes their ninth studio album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, was written for NHK’s event “18-fes.” Its lyrics—about important things you don’t learn at school and the resolve to keep searching for them—are likely to resonate with people on the verge of graduation.

Featuring a piano-led, lyrical ensemble that pierces the heart, it’s a contemporary graduation song.

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Hoshino Takashi

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OrangeSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

SPYAIR’s songs, with their heartwarming messages and moving melodies, have captivated many listeners.

This work centers on meetings, bonds, and farewells within limited time.

It conveys the importance of not saying goodbye, holding onto the hope of meeting again, and continuing to move forward while carrying big dreams.

It also drew attention for being chosen as the theme song for the feature film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, released in February 2024.

It’s perfect not only as a club-activity anthem but also as a graduation song.

The track supports many listeners by conveying the importance of always facing forward and moving ahead—so please take this opportunity to give it a listen.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

A heartwarming number that vividly brings back memories of graduation ceremonies.

Wrapped in a gentle melody and warm vocals, you feel both the parting from dear friends and the excitement of a new beginning welling up inside.

Released in March 2004, this song has remained beloved by younger generations even in the Reiwa era and continues to stand by people’s hearts as a classic graduation song.

The powerful chorus feels like a gentle push on graduates’ backs.

It’s perfect not only for graduation ceremonies but for anyone taking a new step in life.

Listen to it with someone special, and it will surely become a treasured memory.