[2026] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Moving J-POP Graduation Songs
Graduation songs that color farewells with friends and new beginnings are beloved across generations, no matter the era.
In this article, while focusing on the theme of graduation songs, we’ll introduce a wide range of tracks sung by female artists that we especially recommend for women.
From nostalgic tunes to songs that mark fresh encounters, we’ve selected pieces from the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras across genres and periods, so you’re sure to find a song that resonates with your heart.
Use this as a reference not only for choosing BGM for graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, but also for karaoke at after-parties following the ceremony!
- Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
- [Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
- [For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
- A Collection of Moving Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke! [Farewells, Friendship, and Fight Songs]
[2026] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Moving J-POP Graduation Songs (31–40)
Take off the uniform and say goodbye…Nogizaka 46
A Nogizaka46 song that portrays the feelings of a girl saying goodbye to the special time called “uniform” and taking her first step into adulthood.
Sung by Asuka Saito and Minami Hoshino, who were both in high school at the time, their true-to-life voices further enhance the song’s fresh, innocent charm.
Listening to this track—which conveys not only hope for the future but also a tinge of sadness at leaving a familiar place—may bring back nostalgic memories of your own youth.
It’s included on the single Taiyo Knock, released in July 2015.
A refreshing, hope-filled anthem that gently supports hearts swaying with expectation and anxiety at the major milestone of graduation.
To my dear youInoue Sonoko
Inoue Sonoko often writes songs that capture her real feelings and high school life, and I’m sure this song will resonate with people around the same age.
Although “To My Precious You” isn’t a graduation song, it’s a youth anthem packed tightly with fun student-life memories.
When you listen, who comes to mind—someone you love, a secret crush, a dear friend? It’s a bright, upbeat track, but if you hear it in a graduation setting, all those happy memories may come flooding back one after another, and you might start to feel a little bittersweet.
Sakuraayaka
Ayaka, whose voice speaks straight to the heart, has fans of all ages and genders.
As the title suggests, the song “Sakura” is a number about graduation set in the cherry blossom season.
Looking at the lyrics, the first verse sings about the graduates’ present moment, while the second verse looks back on graduation from a distance, as if reminiscing with nostalgia.
Though it’s only an instant in the span of a long life, that instant—graduation—leaves a vivid, lasting impression, and this song expresses it beautifully and movingly.
- Recommended coming-of-age songs for women
- [Great Lyrics!!] Recommended Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs with Heartfelt, Moving Words [2026]
- [Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]
- A farewell song for a dear friend—an uplifting graduation song that conveys heartfelt gratitude.
It’s okayji ma ma
Many of you probably remember that gentle singing voice from the commercial! This song by jimama, a singer-songwriter from Okinawa, is a warm ballad that seems to wrap listeners’ anxieties in comfort.
The words, inspired by “the precious person who always supports you,” resonate deeply with hearts facing graduation or a new departure.
Released as a single in April 2009, it was featured in a Taiyo Yakuhin Kogyo TV commercial at the time and played in living rooms across the country.
It topped the charts in Okinawa and was rediscovered after a 2014 TV appearance, remaining a beloved classic.
It’s also included on the album “BEST OF jimama ~Kimi ni Okuru Uta~.” As spring brings changes, it’s perfect for friends who are feeling anxious.
Rather than forcing encouragement, it’s filled with a gentle presence that simply stays by your side—sing it at a farewell party or karaoke, and the whole room is sure to be wrapped in a warm atmosphere!
[2026] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Moving J‑Pop Graduation Songs (41–50)
GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48
As graduation approaches and countless memories come flooding back, I’d like to recommend AKB48’s “GIVE ME FIVE!” as a song that truly resonates.
It drew attention for featuring the members actually playing instruments.
The music video, full of smiles, brings back fun times with childhood friends and at school, and it can help turn farewells with friends into something you can face positively.
It’s also perfect for karaoke and a great way to reaffirm the bonds with the people you care about.
- A graduation song that's trending and popular on TikTok. A perfect track for memory videos.
- [Emotional Song] A classic wishing for a child’s growth — a love song dedicated to my child
- [2026] A Collection of Graduation Songs Recommended for Gen Z [A Page of Youth]
- For Your Karaoke Picks! Recommended Graduation Songs Sung by Male Artists [2026]
graduation songwhiteeeen
Released in 2014 as the sister group to GReeeeN, whiteeeen’s song “Sotsugyo Song” (“Graduation Song”) is, as the title suggests, a track about graduation.
It candidly expresses those inevitable, heart-wrenching feelings—not wanting to part from friends, wishing you could stay together just a little longer.
Many people may have felt that school life was monotonous, with days passing by without much change.
But when graduation comes, you realize those ordinary moments were actually precious.
This song captures those feelings perfectly.
Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku
Even after going on hiatus in 2019, Kinoko Teikoku still has many fans.
Their song “Before the Cherry Blossoms Bloom” is the major-label debut single released in 2015.
With graduation, some of you may be leaving the places where you were born and raised, setting off far away.
The thought of no longer being able to see friends who were always nearby—friends you could meet anytime you wanted—can understandably be unsettling.
But when you listen to this song, you’ll feel that even if you’re apart, you’ll remain connected, and that all the memories you’ve shared until now will give you strength.
pupilŌhara Sakurako
Sakurako Ohara’s “Hitomi” is packed with memories and emotions inseparable from youth—a song that celebrates the beauty of chasing your dreams.
Although it was chosen as the image song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it’s also perfect for the milestone of graduation.
Ohara’s refreshingly pure, transparent voice will resonate with listeners and give them courage.
It’s a great pick for karaoke, too.
As a moving, ballad-style song, it’s sure to touch everyone’s hearts when sung at karaoke during graduation season.
Graduation PhotoMatsutōya Yumi
Yumi Matsutoya continues to be loved by many listeners across generations even today.
“Sotsugyo Shashin” is one of her signature works.
The melody showcases the timbre she excels at, and while the lyrics are elegantly worded, they carry considerable impact.
It is truly a masterpiece distinguished by both its melody and lyrics.
