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.

horizonback number

back number – Horizon

A gem of a track by back number that gently stays close to your heart whenever you hit a wall in life.

Even amid the despair that feels like your dreams and hopes are collapsing, the lyrics portray the journey of looking inward and eventually finding light—sure to move you deeply.

This song is also known for being created in August 2020 for high school students after the Inter-High Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While affirming frustration and sorrow, it gives a sense of the view that awaits beyond overcoming them.

As you step into a new world at graduation, you may feel anxiety or loneliness.

In those moments, this song will wrap your pain in its embrace and give you the quiet courage to take that first step.

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.

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.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Wataru Ochiai, whose warm voice and down-to-earth words resonate with many listeners.

Perfect for graduation season, “Tomodachi Yakarane” is a friendship song written in unpretentious language with a touch of Kansai dialect.

Its warm message—that even if you’re apart, the relationship doesn’t end—helps ease the sadness of parting.

Released as a digital single in February 2022, the song was also chosen as the tie-up track for Tokyo Dome City Attractions’ spring event “Welcome, Graduates 2023.” The lyrics, sprinkled with concrete memories from student days, are sure to awaken each listener’s own recollections.

How about giving it to a friend who’s graduating to convey your unchanging bond?

I won’t let you say goodbye.B’z

I won't let you say goodbye.

In graduation season, this song blows away the sadness of parting and fills you with positivity.

Although it’s not a single but an album track by the hugely popular B’z, it has long been cherished by fans as a classic.

The lyrics, which refuse to make parting permanent and convey a strong will that “we’ll meet again,” resonate deeply, carried by Tak Matsumoto’s melodies and Koshi Inaba’s powerful vocals.

Included on the album RUN, released in October 1992, it even ranked 8th in a 2008 fan poll—proof of its enduring popularity.

It’s not just for quiet reflection; when you want to move on to the next stage with your friends, smiling, this is the perfect song to sing your heart out to!

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.