Based on Toshima Miho's popular novel, Lemon no Koro (a.k.a. The Graduates) is a bright coming-of-age film that brings viewers back to those high school years. Crushes, first love, secrets, insecurities, hanging out with friends... If there was a taste to describe high school, it would be that of the lemon - tart and memorable. Director Iwata Yuki vibrantly captures "the time of lemons" in this tender youth anthem to life, love, and friendship. The film features a refreshing cast of rising young stars including Eikura Nana (My Sister, My Love), Emoto Tasuku (Freesia: Bullets Over Tears), Tanimura Mitsuki and Ishida Hoshi from Canary, and Hayashi Naojiro of Hirakawachi Icchome in his acting debut.

Lemon no Koro revolves around five normal seniors at a rural high school, and their experiences and emotions in the year leading to graduation. Band conductor Kayoko (Eikura Nana) is a smart and strong-willed girl who plans to attend a Tokyo university after high school. She seems to have her life completely in order, but her changing relationships with baseball players Takumi (Ishida Hoshi) and Tomizo (Emoto Tasuku) throw things into confusion. Meanwhile, aspiring musician Megumi (Tanimura Mitsuki) finds a soulmate in singer Kazuya (Hayashi Naojiro).