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

Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tomoe Gakuen (Full ver.)

This is a warm number whose beautiful string tones resonate in the heart.

The song was written as the theme for the drama “Totto-chan!”, which portrays Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s life.

It sings about the joy of being different and the importance of embracing individuality as it is, and listening to it feels like being wrapped in kindness.

Released in December 2017, the piece was both written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama himself.

It expresses gratitude to the places and people who taught us what matters in life, and will likely resonate with those graduating or looking back on the past.

It’s a moving track to listen to when you want to reaffirm the bonds with those you hold dear.

pedestrian overpassNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Footbridge”

An ambitious work by Nogizaka46 that delicately portrays the emotions of standing at a crossroads in life.

Set against the season of cold, wintry winds, the protagonist’s hesitation and resolve as they try to take a step toward the future are striking.

While burdened by worries about their path and dreams, the image of a young person attempting to take a new step forward, as if guided by the view from atop a pedestrian bridge, is something anyone can relate to.

Released in December 2024, the work features 4th-generation member Sakura Endo as center and includes a new song by the 5th generation.

It comes in multiple editions from Type-A to Type-D, and also contains footage from the Hong Kong concert.

Highly recommended as a song that gently nudges forward those who hold both hope and anxiety for an unseen future.

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

Beginning with light, airy piano tones, this song portrays the farewell moment of graduation in a bright, forward-looking way.

Little Glee Monster’s overwhelming vocal power and harmonies resonate deeply, and you can’t help but feel your tears well up.

Released as a single in March 2015, it’s also included on the album “Colorful Monster” and the best-of compilation “GRADATI∞N.” If it’s played at a graduation ceremony or thank-you party, it will surely bring the whole venue together in excitement.

It’s the perfect track for anyone who wants to reaffirm their bonds with dear friends before a new departure.

footprint(s)Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster “Ashiato” Music Video

Little Glee Monster’s vocals stir countless emotions at the important milestone of graduation.

In particular, their 16th single “Ashiato” (“Footprints”) is a song that touches many hearts.

When its crystal-clear harmonies and lyrics filled with a forward-looking message are performed at a graduation ceremony—the start of a new journey—they inspire you to cherish the unique “footprints” each person weaves.

Their powerful voices, brimming with feeling, warmly illuminate the graduates as they step into the future.

It’s a graduation song to remember across generations.

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

Sumika’s “Honne” moves hearts as a graduation song and has touched many listeners.

What stands out in particular is that it was cherished by many students as the support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

There’s no doubt it will continue to be listened to across generations.

The reason lies in its lyrics, which evoke bonds with friends and the days of hard work.

The group’s name embodies the concept of “becoming a dwelling place for many people,” and that idea is reflected in their music, filled with messages anyone can relate to.

It’s truly a song befitting a new era of graduation tunes.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

Heard as a new Reiwa-era staple graduation song, “Seishun to Isshun” is a masterpiece perfectly suited to our times.

The page of youth drawn by Macaroni Enpitsu, paired with a fresh, comfortable melody, gently resonates with listeners’ hearts.

Vocalist Hattori’s singing brims with emotion, evoking both the light and shadow of school days.

Since their major-label debut, “Ai o Shirazuni Mahou wa Tsukaenai,” their music has stirred deep empathy among many fans.

There may be no song more fitting to color those unforgettable graduation moments for young people than this one.

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

A song perfect for graduation season, “Last Song” captivates listeners with memorable lyrics and melody.

Included on Official HIGE DANDism’s 2019 album “Traveler,” it is also known as an insert song for the TV drama “I’ll See You Three More Times.” Carried by a light piano accompaniment, its message portrays both the bittersweetness and hope of embarking on a new journey at graduation.

Characterized by a low-placed climax and a wide vocal range, it’s enticing for singers to take on.

Satoshi Fujihara’s warm vocals gift a gently flowing sense of time, creating moments that linger in the heart.