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

When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – When It Shines (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “The Heike Story” Opening Theme]

Hitsujibungaku is a rock band that captures listeners’ hearts with story-driven songs.

The track they released in January 2022 was written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime The Heike Story.

Vocalist and guitarist Moeka Shiotsuka reportedly immersed herself in the script and crafted the song to honor the human and beautiful sides of the Heike people.

The band’s sound—delicate yet powerful—melds with words that resemble a prayer, leaving a striking impression of eyes fixed on the light while still carrying pain.

Growing in popularity as a new graduation song, it’s a number meant for everyone who, at the milestone of graduation, experiences loss or parting yet wishes to keep moving forward.

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] A Bouquet for Me

In March 2025, the song by Ado that became a hot topic as the CM track for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Georgia” is a cheer anthem newly written by HoneyWorks.

It carries a warm message that doesn’t deny failures or regrets, instead embracing both who you were yesterday and who you are today.

The theme of offering blessings to oneself harmonizes beautifully with Ado’s powerful yet gentle vocals, giving listeners a gentle push forward.

It’s a number we especially hope those standing at the milestone of graduation—feeling anxious or uncertain—will hear.

Brimming with positive energy, it’s the kind of work you’ll want to gift yourself as a morning pep talk when taking that first new step.

Loved oneFOMARE

FOMARE “The One I Love” Official Music Video

This song by FOMARE, a rock band from Takasaki, Gunma, channels their overflowing feelings for the places and people they love in a straightforward way.

With a driving band sound, it powerfully sings of the preciousness of everyday life we once took for granted and of bonds that remain unchanged even when we’re apart.

Released in June 2021 and later placed as the opening track on the album “midori,” the song also drew attention as the CM song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uniharu 2022.” It’s a perfect track for graduates who want to express gratitude to friends, teammates, and the places that supported them.

As listeners leave their familiar days behind and step into a new world, the song offers a warm cheer to gently push them forward.

Moon in CairoBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Moon in Cairo” Music Video [4K]

This number by “The Blue Sky I Wanted to See” features a melody that seems to dissolve into the crisp winter air.

The lyrics tenderly yet poignantly capture the preciousness of student life on the verge of graduation, layering unspoken words with the warmth of a pocket warmer.

Included as the coupling track to the single “That’s a Fairy,” released in December 2025, this song is performed by the non-selected-member unit “Kumo-gumi,” and the music video drew attention for spotlighting Yua Kudo in the lead role.

Its depictions of savoring the little time that remains will likely resonate with anyone about to set off on a new journey.

It’s a gentle graduation song that gives you a quiet nudge forward amid the winter chill.

SignalWANIMA

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

It’s okay to be unfinished—let’s line up shoulder to shoulder and start running.

With that straightforward message that hits you right in the heart, this WANIMA song is one I’d love people at a turning point to hear.

Released in January 2018 on their major-label first full album “Everybody!!,” it was written specifically for NHK General’s large-scale project “18-sai Matsuri (18 Fes).” Born from the special experience of building a stage together with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds gathered from across Japan, the song vividly portrays the feelings of young people facing anxiety and uncertainty about the future, while its lyrics give you the courage to move forward.

It was also used in Lotte’s “Sou” commercial, reaching many people alongside a spot featuring Suzu Hirose.

At the milestone of graduation, it will gently nudge those who want to take a step forward in their own way.

German irisHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “German Iris” Music Video

We all have those memories from our youth—walking past flowers by the roadside without even knowing their names, feelings we never quite managed to express.

Hinatazaka46’s new work sets those unfinished emotions and the moment of graduation—one chapter ending—against a beautiful mid-tempo melody.

It’s the first original song for the 5th generation, included on the single “Love yourself!” released in May 2025.

With the center Aimi Ono and the other members delivering raw, wistful vocals, the song gently wraps around those wordless feelings deep in your heart.

Its blue-themed visual world also drew attention.

It’s a song that will stay close to you when you want to pause in the season of farewells and look back, or when you need courage to take a new step forward.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Wataru Ochiai, whose warm voice and down-to-earth words resonate with many listeners.

Perfect for graduation season, “Tomodachi Yakarane” is a friendship song written in unpretentious language with a touch of Kansai dialect.

Its warm message—that even if you’re apart, the relationship doesn’t end—helps ease the sadness of parting.

Released as a digital single in February 2022, the song was also chosen as the tie-up track for Tokyo Dome City Attractions’ spring event “Welcome, Graduates 2023.” The lyrics, sprinkled with concrete memories from student days, are sure to awaken each listener’s own recollections.

How about giving it to a friend who’s graduating to convey your unchanging bond?