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

Sparkle, sparkle!Kishidan

Kishidan – Kira Kira!

Kishidan is a band performing in their own unique style called Yank Rock.

Released in February 2004, this song has long been loved as a graduation-season staple.

While painting scenes of classrooms and desks, it doesn’t just dwell on memories—it’s infused with a strong will to charge into the future.

Rather than a somber farewell, its fiery message makes you want to raise your voice and sing with your friends, giving powerful support to anyone setting off on a new path.

Also included on the album “TOO FAST TO LIVE TOO YOUNG TO DIE,” the track features parts perfect for group singing, making it ideal for livening up a karaoke session.

When you want to blow away anxiety and loneliness and graduate with a smile, link arms with your friends and sing it together!

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

Graduation season is also exam season, isn’t it? Whether you’ve already decided on your path or not, you’re probably feeling at least a little anxious.

That’s why I recommend listening to DISH//’s “Jinchoge.” It’s an original song written for the drama “The February Winner: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” which portrays entrance exams, and it serves as a cheer song for test-takers and graduates alike.

It also conveys gratitude to those who supported you, making it a perfect fit for this milestone of graduation.

By the way, the flower language of the daphne (jinchoge) is said to be “victory.”

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companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Nakama” Full Ver.

For those looking for songs focused on male friendship—especially passionate, brotherly bonds—I recommend “Nakama.” It’s a track by the hip-hop group Ketsumeishi.

Set to a sound that blends ballad and reggae, it sings about the importance of friends.

The latter half plays like a cheer song, making it a great choice to dedicate to a friend embarking on a new path.

One more thing to add: the music video.

It features a star-studded cast of actors and is produced in a drama-like style.

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Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

A warm, encouraging song that stays close to the hearts of anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Its gentle melody and powerful band sound are striking, embracing the anxieties, doubts, and near-give-up feelings of those chasing their dreams.

Released as Hump Back’s major-label debut in June 2018, this track was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02” and in commercials for Shinken Zemi’s high school courses.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the Kumamoto Regional Tournament of the National High School Baseball Championship, winning the hearts of many young people.

When you’re setting off on a new journey or want to strive toward your dreams but can’t find the courage to take the first step, this is the song to listen to.

It reminds you that detours are never a waste and that every experience will surely become your strength.

My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi

My Good Friend – Hiroshi Kamayatsu

The student life depicted in the lyrics feels a bit dated, but it’s a warm yet passionate friendship song that recalls memories with school friends and evokes the air of a letter addressed to a friend, wondering what they’re doing now.

Path of HopeSambomasutā

Path of Hope / Sambomaster

This song by Sambomaster is a track that gives you the courage to keep moving forward.

Its lyrics, which sing about the strength to keep walking even through rain and wind, give a push to students on the verge of graduation.

Released in February 2011, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “School!!”.

Takashi Yamaguchi’s powerful vocals and the intense rock sound strike a chord.

It’s perfect for those standing at the starting line of a new life or striving toward their dreams.

Sing it with friends at karaoke, and it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.

GraduationNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

TSUYOSHI NAGABUCHI – Sotsugyou

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s song “Sotsugyo” is a quintessential staple of the graduation season.

On the eve of graduation, the protagonist’s poignant feelings—harboring hope for the future yet unable to confess to their unrequited love—resonate deeply with listeners.

The bittersweet emotions toward the one they care for overlap with the listeners’ own memories, slowly filling their hearts.

The stirring lyrics and Nagabuchi’s powerful vocals offer courage and a sense of kinship to young people standing on the threshold of graduation.