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

Do you remember that melody that echoed through the gym on graduation day? The song we sang with our arms around friends, holding back tears—the nostalgic BGM that played in the classroom.

Graduation songs are a special presence that distills youth itself, aren’t they? In this article, aimed at people currently in their 20s, we’ll deliver a rich selection of moving graduation songs that will bring back memories—focusing on tracks released during the 2010s through the pandemic era of the 2020s, when this generation experienced graduation.

Please enjoy to the end, soaking in the nostalgia as if you’re going back to meet your past self!

Playlist

[2026] Graduation Songs That Move People in Their 20s
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		A grand, life-affirming anthem of encouragement
2	Thank youikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s heartfelt masterpiece of gratitude
3	Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster		A positive graduation song, along with memories
4	Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//		People become stronger when they have a place to return to.
5	HarukaYOASOBI		Musicalize a novel and evoke emotion
6	Sakura, You, and Ituki.		tuki.’s moving song that portrays a heartrending farewell and lingering attachment
7	KanadeSukima Suichi		A song that portrays farewell and bonds with a precious person
8	Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu		A classic song that portrays the youth of Macaroni Empitsu
9	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		A classic song that conveys the importance of living positively
10	Highschool loveE-girls		A classic E-girls song that captures the exhilaration of youth
11	Orangeakai kouen		A powerful rock number of determination and hope
12	cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro		Naotaro Moriyama’s famous song that depicts parting and reunion with the cherry blossoms.
13	The season of farewellSHISHAMO		A moving song that sings of the bittersweetness of graduation
14	CorrectRADWIMPS		A heartwarming song by RADWIMPS that resonates in the graduation season
15	March 9Remioromen		The graduation song “March 9th” is etched in my heart.
16	Us Again (Brass Band ver.)SG		A cheering song that overcomes parting and hopes for a reunion
17	spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE		A graduation song that sings about feelings for cherished friends
18	Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46		Singing of the bittersweet feeling of graduation and of love in the season of cherry blossoms
19	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		A classic that depicts graduation and the hope for a new life
20	Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri		Yuuri’s song that expresses gratitude and determination for those who are graduating
21	Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi		A poignant song depicting the bonds with a friend and a farewell
22	Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya		A classroom where cherry blossoms dance, a love I couldn’t confess
23	Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa		A classic rock band song that portrays the passion and bonds of youth
24	Sakura, Bloom!arashi		Cheer Song of Arashi, Courage to Push Forward into the Future
25	Bye, my friendbokula.		A song depicting love for a friend and the emotions of youth
26	Until we meet againHirai Dai		A moving song of farewell and hope with warm vocals
27	spring skySuzuki Suzuki		Spring departure, a brothers' song supports the heart.
28	Spring comes, and we become a little more grown-up again.sanmyu~		A moving song that resonates with graduation season
29	C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK		A song that celebrates the brilliance of friendship and youth
30	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		A moving song that portrays the struggles of youth and self-acceptance
31	YELLikimonogakari		An inspirational song that delivers the emotions of youth, “YELL”
32	Graduation Song ~Let Me Say Thank You Over and Over~GReeeeN		A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of graduation and gratitude
33	March 9Fujimaki Ryota		A song of departure resonates in the heart, a melody of hope.
34	To the futureKiroro		Graduation song, an anthem cheering for farewells and new departures
35	The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46		A heartfelt song that portrays farewell and hope
36	Best FriendKiroro		The classic friendship song “Best Friend” resonates in the heart.
37	Just the two of usRADWIMPS		A moving song by RADWIMPS that depicts eternal love
38	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		A classic filled with hopes for graduation and friendship
39	On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai		The landscape of parting and hope painted by graduation songs
40	Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro		“Sakura” is a masterpiece that conveys the emotions of graduation.
41	Best FriendNishino Kana		Celebrate friendship with Kana Nishino’s “Best Friend.”
42	Blue BenchSasuke		A bittersweet trail of love—Sasuke’s famous song stirs the heart.
43	Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A heartwarming classic that conveys gratitude
44	AgainWANIMA		WANIMA's message song of renewed challenge and hope
45	On the Day of Departure		Memories and emotions of graduation songs
46	I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48		A song that sings of graduation memories and the beauty of spring
47	graduation tripNMB48		A song that cherishes the bonds and memories with friends
48	Graduation DaySasuke		A heartwarming song that portrays the moving emotions of graduation
49	GraduationOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s message of youth, expressing a longing for freedom
50	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		A classic by EXILE, “Michi (Road),” that delivers the moving emotions of graduation
51	DepartureFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		The graduation song “Tabidachi” is a symbol of youth.
52	proofflumpool		flumpool’s “Akashi” is the song that reminds me of graduation.
53	Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu		Yuzu’s heart-stirring masterpiece depicting graduation and parting
54	cherry blossomKetsumeishi		A classic song that sings of the joy and sorrow of graduation.
55	friendKetsumeishi		A moving song that portrays the bonds of friendship and personal growth
56	Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro		An emotional ballad portraying graduation, a song of departure
57	FlowerORANGE RANGE		A classic masterpiece about the beautiful story of life and love
58	Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		An encouraging song by Angela Aki that resonates with youth
59	Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī		A heartwarming song that portrays graduation and a new beginning