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

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

An emotional number by Macaroni Empitsu, a rock band formed by music college graduates whose unique style—fusing diverse musicality—firmly captures the hearts of the younger generation.

Set to a driving, exhilarating sound, it delivers a message that hits home: youth is fleeting, gone in a flash, and even the moments that felt boring back then are precious treasures in hindsight.

Written in March 2019 as a song for a McDonald’s commercial, it was later included on the mini-album “season,” released in September of the same year.

Portraying both the anxiety and hope of tumbling toward an uncertain future, this track vividly revives the emotions of youth and makes a perfect soundtrack for the graduation season as you look back on memories with friends.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

A heartwarming classic ballad by AKB48 that teaches the importance of looking up at the sky and living with a positive outlook.

Its charm lies in a simple, folk-like melody that feels a bit different from the typical glamorous idol sound.

Although it was a coupling track on the single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” released in December 2015, it gained nationwide popularity as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Asa ga Kita,” starring Haru.

Rather than competing to keep your distance from others, its affirming message says it’s enough to fly in your own way—something that gently supports those stepping into a new chapter of life with uncertainty.

Now a standard in choral repertoires, this moving song is perfect for creating graduation memories and for moments when you want to cheer on your cherished friends.

Highschool loveE-girls

E-girls / Highschool ♡ love

It’s a bright, energetic dance track that feels like a concentrated burst of youthful sparkle.

It captures the endless conversations with friends reunited after a long time and the heart-pounding excitement of a class reunion, instantly bringing back vivid memories just by listening.

Released as a single by E-girls in September 2014, it became well known as the theme song for the drama GTO 2nd Season.

It was also used in the “Samantha Vega meets E-girls” commercial, so many will remember its catchy melody from TV.

Included on the album E.G.

TIME, this song holds a special place for the generation that practiced dance routines for school festivals and sports days.

Give it a listen when you want to reminisce about those irreplaceable days spent with friends.

Orangeakai kouen

Red Park “Orange” Music Video

An emotional rock number that blends the bittersweetness of dusk with the exhilarating rush of stepping into the future.

It’s included on the four-piece band Akai Ko-en’s single “Orange / pray,” released in November 2020.

Created as the opening theme for the drama “A Band Leap Through Time,” the song powerfully portrays a forward-looking resolve, even while dealing with themes of farewell and new departures.

Vocalist Riko Ishino’s straightforward voice is sure to give you the courage to move forward without fearing change.

It also feels like a work packed tightly with the musical passion left behind by the band’s central figure, Maisa Tsuno.

As spring arrives—a season when we part from familiar friends and dive into new worlds, full of both anticipation and anxiety—why not listen to it as a BGM to rally yourself?

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Sakura

This song, a massive hit in 2003, is a masterpiece that depicts parting and reunion through the beauty and transience of cherry blossoms.

Naotaro Moriyama’s clear vocals and the simple, piano-centered arrangement resonate deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, which liken cherry blossoms scattering at the very moment they are in full bloom to the turning points of life, evoke both the poignancy of a departure and a forward-looking hope.

Chosen as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki,” it sold over one million copies.

In 2019, it was revived with a new arrangement as the theme song for the drama “同期のサクラ” (Synchrony’s Sakura), and it continues to be loved across generations.

Sung at a graduation ceremony—one of life’s important milestones—it will etch memories with friends and a resolve for the future even more deeply.

The season of farewellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

Even after the graduation ceremony ends, the feelings that won’t quite settle and the regret over words left unsaid… SHISHAMO’s song gives voice to that bittersweetness everyone has felt.

It’s the closing track on their album “SHISHAMO 2,” released in March 2015, and centers on an unrequited love for an upperclassman who’s graduating first.

The lyrics carefully trace the protagonist’s heart as they face parting without ever confessing their feelings.

When the music video was released, it drew significant attention, including being selected as SPACE SHOWER TV’s “POWER PUSH!” for March 2015.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those who are parting from someone important due to moving on to further studies or work, or who still haven’t managed to express their feelings.

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

A song by RADWIMPS that resonates with students’ hearts.

It delivers a powerful yet warm message to young people standing at the crossroads of graduation.

Originally created for the 18 Fes, an event for 18-year-olds in 2018, it was released digitally in January 2024.

Its lyrics delicately portray the journey of searching for the right answers in life and the shifting nature of friendship, sure to deeply touch students on the brink of graduation.

It’s a perfect track for the spring graduation season—why not give it a listen?