![[2026] A Collection of Graduation Songs Recommended for Gen Z [A Page of Youth]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/TkHcaAVQoiI/maxresdefault.webp)
[2026] A Collection of Graduation Songs Recommended for Gen Z [A Page of Youth]
Have you already decided on the songs to play at your graduation ceremony? For junior high and high school students, graduation songs are a special part of their youth.
The tracks that resonate with today’s Gen Z aren’t limited to classic choral pieces—there are also numbers that went viral on social media and songs with deeply moving lyrics.
In this article, we’re sharing plenty of graduation song recommendations for Gen Z to help anyone struggling to choose the right music for the ceremony.
These songs can bring back memories of days spent with friends and give you the courage to take your next step.
Be sure to check out these tracks that are perfect for such a special moment!
[2026] A Selection of Graduation Songs Recommended for Gen Z [A Page of Youth] (1–10)
Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//
The four-piece dance-rock band DISH// made their name known to a wide range of listeners with the massive hit of their 10th single “Neko.” Their 14th single, chosen as the theme song for the NTV Saturday drama “The Winner in February: A Classroom for Guaranteed Success,” is a co-written number by vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Enpitsu.
The lyrics, which speak of the happiness of having a place to return to and gratitude toward those who have supported you, resonate with the feelings you want to convey on graduation day.
In May 2024, it surpassed 100 million streams and earned Platinum certification, continuing to be loved over time.
Crafted as a mid-tempo rock ballad, this song is perfect for graduation season, giving you the courage to take a new first step.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song produced as the official cheer anthem for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Rather than irresponsibly telling people who are striving to “hang in there,” it carries a message that every single day is a miracle, including the experiences of broken dreams and discouragement.
It sensitively portrays the feelings of acknowledging differences between oneself and others and the resolve to move forward despite anxiety, leaving listeners with a refreshing, positive outlook—an ode to life.
In 2022, an orchestral arrangement was featured as the song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate commercial, drawing renewed attention as a track that supports exam takers.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those marking the milestone of graduation or standing on the brink of a new challenge.
IchibanboshiSnow Man
If you’re looking for the perfect song for graduation season, check out the B-side included on the regular edition of Snow Man’s sixth single, “Brother Beat.” Released in March 2022, this track is a message song that portrays moving forward while squarely facing one’s doubts and vulnerabilities.
Unlike flashy dance tunes, it’s a mid-tempo number that focuses on delivering the lyrics with care, featuring a warm relay of vocals from all nine members that feels like they’re speaking directly to you.
It depicts the process of regaining faith in yourself even on nights when you feel like breaking down, leaving you with a sense of calm and renewal after listening.
It’s the kind of uplifting song that doesn’t push you from behind but rather stays by your side—perfect for those who need the courage to take a new step or want to reflect on days spent with friends.
When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku
Hitsujibungaku is a rock band that captures listeners’ hearts with story-driven songs.
The track they released in January 2022 was written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime The Heike Story.
Vocalist and guitarist Moeka Shiotsuka reportedly immersed herself in the script and crafted the song to honor the human and beautiful sides of the Heike people.
The band’s sound—delicate yet powerful—melds with words that resemble a prayer, leaving a striking impression of eyes fixed on the light while still carrying pain.
Growing in popularity as a new graduation song, it’s a number meant for everyone who, at the milestone of graduation, experiences loss or parting yet wishes to keep moving forward.
Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST
A song you’ll want to hear as graduation season—and farewells with friends—draws near is BE:FIRST’s second single’s title track.
Released digitally in March 2022, it was written as the theme song for the morning drama “Before Good-Bye: Fantastic 31 Days” on Nippon TV’s ZIP!.
Built on mid-tempo dance-pop with touches of R&B and hip-hop, its sound resonates comfortably.
The lyrics are striking in how they treat “goodbye” not as an ending but as a new beginning, making it a track that gives you the courage to move forward.
It debuted at No.
1 on Billboard JAPAN’s Streaming Songs chart and surpassed 100 million streams in September 2022.
Perfect not only for those heading into graduation ceremonies, but also for anyone stepping into a new environment.
As you look back on your youthful days, you’ll be able to take your next step with a smile.
Friend ~Time of Departure~yuzu
Even if graduating doesn’t quite feel real yet, a growing loneliness wells up as the day of the ceremony draws near.
At the heart of that feeling, isn’t it the parting from friends? Speaking directly to those emotions is Yuzu’s 38th single.
Released in September 2013, it was selected as the compulsory piece for the junior high division of the 80th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition and gained wide recognition through broadcasts on Minna no Uta.
The song is based on a piece Yujin Kitagawa originally wrote to encourage their tour staff after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Its message—that hearts remain connected even when we’re apart—makes it a perfect gift for friends setting off on new paths.
Its gentle tempo and warm harmonies evoke memories of irreplaceable days.
PasswordAina ji Endo
A song whose vocals, blending transience and resolve, seep deep into the heart.
This medium-tempo ballad by Aina the End—who has continued to shine in many fields after her time with BiSH, including starring in the film “Kyrie no Uta”—was released digitally in October 2023 and used as the ending theme for the anime “The Apothecary Diaries.” Written by singer-songwriter Huey Ishizaki, its expansive melody and prayer-like lyrics are profoundly moving.
The track was later included on the album “RUBY POP,” released in November the following year, and has become a signature song that holds an important place in her live shows.
It’s perfect for anyone looking back on days spent with friends while preparing to take a new step forward.
In those moments when you set off carrying feelings you can’t quite put into words, this song will gently stay by your side.