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

When you think of graduation songs nowadays, what tracks come to mind? Many people may be looking for a chorus piece to sing at the ceremony or a song to color their memories.

Even in the Reiwa era, moving graduation songs continue to be created one after another.

In this article, we cover a wide range of songs perfect for elementary and junior high school graduation ceremonies.

From timeless classics that have been sung for years to new graduation songs destined to become standards, we’ve gathered works that sing of friendship, gratitude, and hope for the future.

We hope you find the perfect song to mark this important new beginning!

Playlist

[2026] Modern graduation songs: Reiwa-era staples and new tracks you should know
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		An anthem of encouragement depicting the struggles and self-acceptance of an 18-year-old
2	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		An anthem of encouragement that looks ahead and rises above our differences
3	Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu		Yuzu’s classic song about farewells at graduation
4	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		GReeeeN's moving high school baseball theme song
5	sunflowerAdo		A graduation song that looks toward the light with positivity—a track that gives you courage.
6	evening primroseNovelbright		Novelbright's heartbreaking breakup song
7	Prologue.Yuika		A song about resolving to take a new step forward before graduation
8	On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai		The moving, unforgettable impact of the graduation song “I WISH.”
9	HarukaYOASOBI		Haruka, who accompanies the farewells of graduation
10	spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s spring classic that portrays youthful emotions
11	Us, againSG		A heartwarming classic that accompanies the season of graduation
12	spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira		Graduation song of the virtual singer Kujira
13	Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya		Kawasaki Takaya’s poignant graduation song, unable to convey his feelings
14	Graduation (feat. Shuto)hannya		Hannya’s new song “Graduation” depicts the past and the future
15	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		EXILE’s moving graduation song becomes a social phenomenon
16	CorrectRADWIMPS		A RADWIMPS song that questions the meaning of graduation and resonates with the heart
17	OrangeSPYAIR		SPYAIR's moving graduation song: Let's face forward and move on.
18	We’re foreverKOGYARU		Introducing Kogyaru Graduation Songs
19	March 9Remioromen		A heartwarming classic that colors the memories of graduation ceremonies
20	Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46		A graduation song that portrays the bittersweetness and hope of youth
21	Heralding springyama		A poignant urban song portraying loneliness, resonating in the heart.
22	Dear,Snow Man		Snow Man’s moving gratitude ballad
23	See you again.THE FRANK VOX		From Kansai, a graduation song praying for a reunion
24	orangeMrs. GREEN APPLE		A coming-of-age song that embraces my past self once more
25	Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//		A graduation song of youthful joy and hope
26	A bouquet for meAdo		A song that encourages you and helps you take a new step forward
27	SignalWANIMA		A song of courage to move forward, even if it's unfinished
28	IchibanboshiSnow Man		Celebrating graduation with Snow Man’s “Brother Beat”
29	Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad		A song that expresses gratitude to friends and a positive outlook
30	Moon in CairoBoku ga mitakatta aozora		A graduation song resounding in the winter blue sky
31	German irisHinatazaka46		Depicting unfinished emotions and a farewell to youth
32	Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru		Soothe the sadness of parting with a song of friendship
33	Loved oneFOMARE		An emotional graduation song by the Gunma band FOMARE
34	Hey, senpaiTomei		The poignant emotions of youth that refuse to graduate
35	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		An anthem of encouragement for those who chase their dreams
36	Waiting for flowersKihara Rui		A ballad imbued with Atsu Mizuno’s wish for a reunion
37	To you, my best friend in the worldHakoniiwa Ririi		Youthful pop singing about the feelings of graduation
38	PasswordAina ji Endo		Aina the End’s soul-stirring songs
39	YuiriMurayama Yuiri		A moving ballad by Sayaka Murayama, who is graduating from AKB48
40	Embrace the presentsatō moka		A wistful song that embraces the present at graduation
41	When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku		An inspiring graduation song that captures the spirit of The Tale of the Heike
42	If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER		A moving song about bonds with people and gratitude
43	Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST		A song that gives you courage to send during graduation season
44	the first strong spring windnishina		A song of precious memories awakened by the spring breeze
45	Time-Limited Unrequited LoveNogizaka 46		An emotionally moving song in the Hokkaido music video that sings about feelings of graduation.
46	Song of the ChickHalf time Old		A youth punk anthem cheering for Half time Old
47	oneselfTani Yuuk		A song to cheer on a departure without confidence, giving a push from behind
48	Forget-me-notMarushii		A heartwarming song that portrays encounters and farewells in spring.
49	Hey, my friendMr.forute		Mr.Forte, a youth song about friendship and gratitude
50	Orangeakai kouen		Songs of graduation and departure, portraying poignancy and beauty
51	Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora		Expressing the bittersweetness of a secret first love before graduation
52	Bye, my friendbokula.		A popular song by the Hiroshima-born rock band bokula.
53	Stand by MeSaucy Dog		A moving song that sings of hopes for graduation and friendship
54	We againSG		A ballad depicting parting and reunion
55	Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu		Theme song of the Tetsuko Kuroyanagi drama, a moving track
56	one’s true feelingssumika		Sumika’s graduation song is a moving, heart-stirring masterpiece.
57	Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu		A song of youth, a moving piece that resonates in the heart
58	Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism		A moving song to give in the season of graduation
59	After the cherry blossomsTani Yuuki, cross-dominance Ryo‘LEFTY’Miyata		An encouraging song for departures and the changing seasons, resonating in the heart
60	JourneyFuji Kaze		The journey is a song of hope and farewell
61	footprint(s)Little Glee Monster		Little Glee Monster’s moving graduation song
62	CheeseSG		SG's new song is a heart-stirring work that depicts change and positivity.
63	Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster		An inspiring song that portrays graduation in a positive light
64	Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai		In the season when the cherry blossoms bloom, Dai Hirai’s songs resonate with my heart.
65	Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO		A heartwarming youth song that symbolizes graduation
66	MemoriesNiziU		A spring song celebrating the start of youth
67	1096Cody Rī (Ri)		A song depicting a youthful farewell and a new step forward
68	Sakura, You, and Ituki.		A bittersweet coming-of-age song that portrays cherry blossoms and the feelings of first love.
69	Futabaaimyon		An anthem for turning 18, with hope for growth and a new departure
70	Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro		Season of Departure: A Song of Hope and Courage
71	Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen		A ballad for the season when cherry blossoms dance, an emotional song
72	spring skySuzuki Suzuki		A heartwarming song that portrays youthful partings and hope
73	Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri		Yuri’s famous song “Sakura-bare,” which portrays the moving emotions of graduation
74	Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo		A graduation ballad that portrays the sadness of parting and the hope for reunion
75	Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei		A heartwarming song about youthful memories and parting
76	CorrectRADWIMPS		A moving graduation song that portrays youthful memories and friendship
77	Bring it on, spring.non		The arrival of spring, a song of hope and courage
78	Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM		Spring cheer song, a boost for the first step toward a dream
79	On nights when cherry blossoms fallaimyon		Graduation season: Aimyon’s moving song
80	People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke		Warm music that sings about the importance of encounters
81	The happiest treasuresutopuri		An inspiring graduation season anthem
82	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		The graduation song “365-Day Paper Airplane” connects hearts.
83	The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46		A powerful classic that helps you overcome the farewells of graduation
84	Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46		A song that expresses the beauty of cherry blossoms and farewell
85	pedestrian overpassNogizaka 46		A young person hesitantly taking a step toward the future