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

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

The song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, released in January 2025, was created as the theme for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival.” It also garnered attention for being performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.

The lyrics are filled with phrases that question one’s individuality, powerfully singing about the importance of being true to oneself.

The message—encouraging listeners to tune in to the genuine voice rising from within even while grappling with the conflicts and uncertainties of youth—truly resonates.

It’s a track that offers the courage to accept yourself and move forward, free from societal expectations and labels.

Perfect for those facing the milestone of graduation and preparing to take a new step.

It’s an anthem of support meant for everyone who, despite feeling anxious about the future, wishes to believe in themselves and keep moving ahead.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

What is the difference between myself and someone else? Beginning with that question, this song is Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s eighth single, released in 2019.

Created as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it’s an expansive rock ballad infused with marching elements.

Vocalist Motoki Omori is said to have written the lyrics with the hope of affirming not only the victors but also the lives of those who lose.

The lyrics portray people living earnestly while carrying daily anxieties and inner conflicts, delivering a resonant message that every experience is a vital part of shaping who we are.

In 2023, an orchestral arrangement was featured in a Calorie Mate commercial supporting exam-takers, bringing the song back into the spotlight.

It’s a track we hope reaches anyone facing the milestone of graduation and feeling uncertain about the road ahead.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

When graduation season comes around, it’s hard not to feel the weight of parting from friends.

This song, released in September 2013 as Yuzu’s 38th single, gently embraces those bittersweet emotions.

Chosen as the required piece for the middle school division of the 80th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition and also broadcast on “Minna no Uta,” many people may have sung it in music class.

It originated from a song written right after the Great East Japan Earthquake to encourage the tour staff, and that warm message evolved into a theme of setting out on a new journey.

Even when apart, our hearts remain connected—an idea tenderly wrapped in acoustic tones and the duo’s harmonies.

It’s a song I’d love to dedicate to anyone taking a new step forward, carrying the bond with a close friend in their heart.

far; distant; by farGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Haruka

GReeeeN provided the theme songs for both the TV drama and film adaptations of a popular high school baseball series.

Released in 2009 as their 11th single, this track was chosen as the theme for the movie “ROOKIES: Graduation.” It was the group’s first fully fledged ballad, created without their signature rap parts.

The arrangement is striking, beginning with piano and building grandly as strings and multiple instruments layer in.

The lyrics carefully depict the resolve of a protagonist setting off to chase their dreams, along with heartfelt gratitude toward their father and mother.

The members themselves pursued music while aiming to become dentists, and the many conversations they had with their parents reportedly influenced the songwriting.

The song drew a huge response, including ranking first for the year in the full ringtone category.

It’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants to express thanks to their parents at a graduation ceremony.

sunflowerAdo

[Ado] Sunflower

Like a flower blooming straight toward the sun, this song delivers an uplifting, positive feeling.

Released by Ado in July 2023, it was written as the theme song for the TBS drama “18/40: Dreams and Love If We’re Together.” It carefully depicts the wish to gradually change one’s timid self and gratitude toward someone important, gently accompanying those who are facing the milestone of graduation.

The lyrics and composition are by Miyuhan, with arrangement by 40mP, and Ado’s powerful vocals resound over a bright, up-tempo melody.

This piece is perfect for anyone struggling with self-confidence or trying to take a new step forward.

Holding close the days spent with friends, it’s a graduation song that gives you the courage to walk toward the light—why not give it a listen?

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.

Prologue.Yuika

Prologue. / “Yuika” [MV]

This is a song by Yuika, released in March 2023 to coincide with her high school graduation day.

After pausing her activities for about 10 months to focus on her studies, she marked her own new beginning by resuming her music career with this track.

It was also featured as an insert song on ABEMA’s romance reality show “Koisuru Shuumatsu Homestay 2023 Spring ~Sweet Orange Memory~.” The lyrics delicately depict scenes of school life, like classrooms and blackboards, alongside hope for an unseen future, blending tenderness for the past with determination to take a new step forward.

Centered on piano and acoustic guitar, it’s a mid-tempo pop ballad with a striking build-up of emotion toward the chorus.

It’s the perfect graduation song for those looking for a track to play at a graduation ceremony or class farewell party, or for anyone who wants to quietly reflect on their own departure.