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

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Do you remember a classroom in graduation season, a schoolyard with cherry blossoms dancing in the air, and the memory of not being able to confess your feelings to the one you liked? This song by Takaya Kawasaki is a ballad that delicately portrays such timid love.

Swallowing the words “I like you,” which had grown over three years, and only watching from afar, the song likens that self to a timid rabbit.

His husky, warm voice vividly brings those bittersweet scenes back to life.

Released digitally in January 2021, the track was later included on the June 2023 album “Nukumori.” Published amid the attention surrounding his signature song “Mahou no Jutan,” it resonated deeply with students facing the spring of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is a masterpiece that gently stays by the side of those who still keep unspoken words in their hearts.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

This is a track that could be called the very origin of Road of Major, a rock band formed from a TV show concept! Released in September 2002 as their indie debut single, it set a remarkable record by entering the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks despite having no tie-in.

It has continued to be loved over the years, later even being used in a car commercial in Taiwan.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced sound and lyrics that depict an unshakable bond with irreplaceable friends, it’s a song that makes your heart burn every time you hear it.

Also included on the classic album “ROAD OF MAJOR,” this track is perfect for throwing your arms around your friends at karaoke and singing together as you each set off on different paths after graduation.

Its melody, where overflowing passion coexists with a touch of bittersweetness, vividly brings back the shining memories of youth.

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

http://www.youtube.com

As a powerful cheer song that gives you a strong push forward, this Arashi track has become a spring classic.

Released as a single in March 2005, it was also beloved as the CM song for Jonan Prep School featuring Sho Sakurai, and many people found encouragement from it at the time.

Its up-tempo, exhilarating sound and positive rap that feels like charging toward the future are striking—just listening to it fills you with courage.

Rather than a tearful farewell, it’s perfect for a graduation scene where everyone runs toward their dreams with a smile.

It’s also included on the acclaimed album “One,” and it has the power to blow away your anxieties.

If you sing it arm-in-arm with friends while cherishing your memories, or listen to it as a pep talk for yourself heading down a new path, you’re sure to take a hopeful first step!

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

When it comes to songs that depict straightforward affection for friends and the preciousness of everyday life, “By My Friend” comes to mind.

Set to an energetic band performance, it expresses the shifting emotions of youth with unflinching honesty.

Vocalist Ei uses down-to-earth words to remind us that all the time spent together becomes cherished memories.

The Hiroshima-born rock band bokula.

included the track on their mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022.

The song has been beloved by many fans, inspiring sing-alongs with the audience at live shows.

It’s a rock number overflowing with gratitude that words alone can’t fully convey.

It’s perfect for everyone to sing together at karaoke after a graduation ceremony, or to use in a montage of memorable photos as a gift for friends.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

An emotional ballad that portrays a heart holding back tears at the season of parting while believing in a reunion.

Sung by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, the song carries not only the loneliness of farewell but also gratitude for having met and hope for the future.

It is included on his album “Slow & Easy,” released in May 2015, and his gentle, warm vocals resonate deeply.

The lyrics trace growth alongside the changing seasons and convey a positive message of meeting again with a smile someday, softly encouraging listeners.

It’s a number that can bring both tears and warmth, perfect for graduation exit scenes or background music for videos reflecting on memories with friends.

If you’re feeling anxious about the days ahead, try listening while thinking of someone important to you.

spring skySuzuki Suzuki

【Graduation】Spring Sky – Suzuki Suzuki【Official Music Video】

A delicate portrayal of the feelings of farewell and new beginnings that come with the arrival of spring, this 2022 number by Suzuki Suzuki captures the protagonist’s wavering heart as they leave their familiar hometown for a new place, expressed through the warm harmonies only siblings can create.

The lyrics evoke scenes from school life—like chimes and notebooks—that overlap with listeners’ own memories and bring tears to their eyes.

The music video, featuring popular creators including ESPOIR TRIBE, also drew attention, and the song was later included on the album “313.” Its appeal lies in the gentle yet empowering push it gives to those feeling anxious or alone.

It’s a song that offers courage during graduation season, when parting with dear friends, and when taking the first step into a new chapter of life—be sure to give it a listen.

Spring comes, and we become a little more grown-up again.sanmyu~

[Sunst. myu~] 5th single “Spring Comes and We Become a Little More Grown-Up Again” [FULL] [MV]

For those seeking a song that gently accompanies graduation season.

Sanmyu~, who billed themselves as the “first pure-white idols of the 21st century,” released their fifth single’s title track in March 2014—a graduation song that delicately portrays the feelings of experiencing farewells with the arrival of spring, yet still finding the courage to look ahead and move forward.

At the time of release, the members themselves were graduating from junior high or high school, which made the emotions embedded in the song resonate even more authentically.

While rooted in classic ’80s idol pop, the vocals convey a subtle wistfulness, offering a different expression from their full-smile, upbeat tracks.

The song was also featured in a commercial for Karaoke BanBan and reached No.

4 on the Oricon daily CD single chart.

It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a song to perform at graduation ceremonies or farewell parties, or for anyone who wants a gentle push as they embark on a new chapter in spring.