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

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

When graduation season arrives, the familiar melody flowing through the streets—Remioromen’s “March 9th”—is a classic engraved in many people’s hearts.

Released on March 9, 2004, this song conveys friendship and hope for new beginnings, and gained even wider support through its use in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” As a song that colors the day of departure, it enriches irreplaceable memories.

How about listening again to Remioromen’s warm message that accompanies each person’s graduation? It will surely bring back memories of that day when you stood shoulder to shoulder and sang.

Us Again (Brass Band ver.)SG

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

This work by SG has gained support as an encouraging song that resonates deeply during graduations and farewells.

Its gentle melody, which accompanies young people as they overcome partings and take new steps forward, and its lyrics filled with hope for reunion are especially appealing.

Released in April 2021, it has become a popular track with a cumulative 150 million streams.

Starting in November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a concert band version by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble has been making waves.

It’s a heartwarming song for farewells, graduation ceremonies, and moments when you long to see someone special again.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to cherish your memories while looking ahead and doing your best.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Shunshu

It’s included on rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s sixth single, “Love me, Love you,” released in February 2018.

The song is said to have been written by vocalist Motoki Omori the day after his high school graduation ceremony, capturing his feelings exactly as they were at the time.

There’s a tenderness for days that, in hindsight, went by in a flash, and a loneliness you carry when you can’t quite be honest.

Many listeners may relate to the contradiction of thinking you hate your friends when, in truth, you really love them.

The track also became well known as the song used in Suntory’s “Craft Boss” commercial.

It’s a number that gently stays by your side if you’re feeling the sadness of parting with friends before graduation.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A song by Hinatazaka46 themed around graduation.

It gently sings of the bittersweet feelings of the cherry blossom season and the love that went unspoken.

Memories and regrets sealed in graduation photos resonate deeply, intertwined with clear, transparent vocals.

Set for release on January 29, 2025, the track features Nao Kosaka as center and will be available in five editions: limited first-press versions and a regular edition.

It was premiered at their Tokyo Dome concert on December 26, 2024.

It’s a recommended listen not only for students entering graduation season, but also for anyone who wants to reflect on past loves.

far; distant; by farGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Haruka

GReeeeN’s song Haruka, also known as the theme for the film ROOKIES: Graduation, was released in 2009.

The song portrays the feelings of people taking their first steps toward graduation and a new future, and many in their twenties keep listening to it while overlapping it with their own departures.

Its melody and lyrics, which evoke each person’s graduation ceremonies and moments of farewell, resonate deep in the heart.

GReeeeN’s warm vocals gently envelop the anxieties and hopes of a new life, which is why this song brings tears to your eyes no matter when you hear it.

It’s a special graduation song for people in their twenties—one you want to listen to while thinking of family and friends as you set off for a town far away.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Yuuri “Sakurabare” Lyric Music Video (1-chorus ver.)

A heartwarming number by Yuuri that empathizes with those facing graduation and new departures.

Set to gentle melodies of piano and strings, it beautifully expresses gratitude to family and the resolve to take a new step forward.

The lyrics, which capture everyday, ordinary scenes, convey the protagonist’s delicate emotional shifts on the verge of graduation.

Since its release in February 2021, the song has gained buzz primarily on social media and was included on Yuuri’s album “Ichi.” It has earned tremendous support from younger listeners entering graduation season.

A gem of a ballad that quietly stays by the side of anyone grappling with mixed feelings before leaping into a new environment.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.

Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.

It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.

Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.

After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?