Recommended graduation songs for men: tracks that cheer you on as you embark on a new journey

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

This song was written by the rock band My Hair is Bad, from Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary, released in August 2024.

It carries a warm message that looks back on the days gone by and affirms that even painful experiences connect to who we are now.

As the closing track on their album ghosts, released in July 2024, it’s a perfect fit for parting with friends who shared irreplaceable moments together—like the one unforgettable summer Shin-chan and his friends spent.

Any anxiety about stepping onto a new path will surely be transformed into courage by vocalist Tomomi Shiiki’s powerful voice.

It’s a song we hope you’ll listen to as you and your friends, who may be separated after graduation, cheer on each other’s futures.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

This song by Macaroni Enpitsu—a rock band whose members all graduated from music college—is a high-energy number that rides on a driving sound to capture the fragility of youth and the brilliance of a fleeting moment.

Because time never comes back, the message urging us to love even the seemingly dull everyday carries a passionate cheer for young people.

Even if you make tons of mistakes, as long as you move forward as yourself, that sense of affirmation will give you a push.

Released digitally in March 2019 and later included on the mini-album “season,” the track was written for a McDonald’s commercial.

It’s a song especially worth hearing for men facing the sadness of parting from friends at graduation and the anxiety of leaping into the unknown.

Throw your arm around a friend and sing it together—you’ll feel the courage that any future can be rolled forward.

When I turn around…Janne Da Arc

Janne Da Arc – If I Turn Around…

For anyone in their 30s and up, this song is beloved as a staple graduation tune.

Released in February 2006 as Janne Da Arc’s 25th single, it was featured as the theme song for the film “HIRAKATA,” in which the band members also appeared.

It’s a renowned ballad that was officially recorded in response to strong fan demand.

The lyrics sing about parting from dear friends and the hopeful promise of meeting again with a smile someday, resulting in a nostalgic and grand rock number.

Vocalist yasu’s soaring voice and the moving melody are sure to bring listeners to tears.

It’s the perfect song to sing together with heartfelt feeling as you look back on memories during the season of farewells.

Bye, my friendbokula.

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

A rock band from Hiroshima, bokula.

delivers a track packed with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.

The lyrics, which portray everyday moments with friends and the preciousness of irreplaceable time, will give a powerful push to a young man setting off on a new path.

Included on their second mini-album, “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the song has garnered wide support, surpassing 1 million views on YouTube.

It’s also known for winning the China Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards, cementing its strong reputation.

With a driving, uplifting sound that blows away the sadness of parting, it’s perfect for karaoke, arms around your friends as you sing along.

Believe that you’ll meet again with a smile someday, and send it as a cheer to a dear friend.

treasurewacci

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

It’s a cheering song that gently affirms the anxiety and impatience you feel while pursuing your dreams, yet also the strong will not to give up.

Included on the album “Kanjō Hyakkei,” released in August 2017, this track features a warm band sound whose words and melody reach straight to the heart.

It became a hot topic when Miho Takagi of speed skating listened to it as her pump-up song during the Pyeongchang Olympics in February 2018, and it spread as a song that gives many people a push forward.

True to wacci’s style, its everyday, empathetic message makes it perfect to give to a friend setting out on a new path at graduation or to teammates who have overcome frustration in their club activities.

It’s a song that helps you reaffirm the “precious things” that will support you in the life ahead.

Sakura RoadKyūshūdan

Kyushu Man 'Sakura Road' PV (Full ver.)

Kusuo, a singer-songwriter from Nagasaki Prefecture with reggae roots who’s widely supported for his emotionally resonant songs.

Released in March 2009 as his second major-label single, this work is a classic that dramatizes springtime farewells and new departures.

It was later included on the album “(R).” The single also featured a track that became the ending theme for TBS’s “The World’s Mysteries,” and at the time, a commercial featuring a pro wrestler from the same hometown drew attention as well.

The lyrics, which hold both the poignancy of falling cherry blossoms and the strength to move toward the future, gently push listeners forward.

Sung over reggae’s uniquely soothing rhythm, it keeps the mood from getting too somber and helps you stay positive.

It’s a perfect pick for karaoke to celebrate new beginnings when you want to get fired up with friends.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This is one of Sukima Switch’s signature ballads, the kind you want to listen to when the season of farewells arrives.

Released as a single in March 2004, it’s also well known as an insert song for the film “Rough” and as the ending theme on the final day of the 2006 “Nettō Kōshien.” The lyrics, set to a wistful melody, portray parting with someone important while holding on to hope for the future.

Many listeners are surely moved by its message of a strong bond that keeps people connected through song even when they’re apart.

Featured on the album “Natsugumo Noise,” it has remained beloved and has been covered by many artists.

It’s a song perfect for spring, when life changes—whether you’re taking a new step forward or looking back nostalgically on your youth.