[2026] Graduation Songs That Move People in Their 20s

I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48

[MV full] Let's Become a Cherry Tree / AKB48 [Official]

A gentle medium-tempo ballad by AKB48 that portrays the beauty of spring and memories of graduation.

As it likens eternal love watching over those who set out on a new journey to a cherry tree, it warmly sings of the courage and hope to take the first step forward.

Depicting the touching image of young people heading toward a bright future while carrying their anxieties, this work was released in February 2011.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “A Letter from the Cherry Blossoms” and also gained attention as a CM song for UHA Mikakuto.

With a message perfect for graduation season and a gentle melody line that evokes the arrival of spring, it will wrap you in the desire to revel in cherished memories.

graduation tripNMB48

graduation trip

Released in March 2015, this NMB48 song is a heartwarming piece that cherishes bonds with friends and shared memories.

It portrays scenes of looking out at the passing landscape from a train while reflecting on the time spent together, accompanied by gentle piano tones.

Blending the hopeful glow of a faintly lit future with the bittersweet feeling of setting off on separate paths, the track achieves a harmonious balance.

It was included as a coupling track for “Don’t look back!” and is also featured on the album “Namba Ai ~Ima, Omou Koto~.” It is sure to resonate with those bidding farewell to graduating friends or parting from someone special.

Graduation DaySasuke

Sasuke Graduation Day with Lyrics

Sasuke’s “Graduation Day” is a heartwarming ballad that accompanies many people facing the milestone of graduation.

The gentle melody woven by acoustic guitar and soft piano sets the scene for a down-to-earth portrayal of graduation, stirring memories of youth.

The memorable lyrics bring back days from student life, and listening to this song with friends on the day of the ceremony will make you feel the strength of your bonds that surpasses the sadness of parting.

Offering a sense that is both nostalgic and fresh, “Graduation Day” resonates with those about to graduate as well as those who fondly look back on their school days.

GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Road

EXILE’s 2007 song “Michi” (The Road) is a ballad that’s perfect for the graduation season.

The bittersweet yet powerful vocals of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO gently support everyone embarking on a new beginning and give them the courage to face forward.

The CD featuring a choral version was selected as a recommended graduation-season song by the National Karaoke Operators Association, and it has become a staple sung at many schools’ graduation ceremonies.

It’s truly a moving piece—one that evokes a special poignancy when listened to in the in-between of farewells and new encounters.