[For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
As graduation season approaches, many people may find themselves struggling to choose the perfect song to give.
Gratitude for friends who are setting off, excitement for the new life ahead, and a touch of sadness—those complex feelings are ones you want to convey through music.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of songs to dedicate to graduates and uplifting tracks perfect for graduation ceremonies.
From gentle tunes that give a reassuring push forward to moving pieces that bring tears to your eyes, we’ve gathered graduation songs from various perspectives.
You’re sure to find a heartfelt track that will beautifully mark this important new beginning.
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[For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Cheers (21–30)
LaughterOfisharu Higedan Dism
There’s also a great cheer song among Official HIGE DANDism’s tracks! “Laughter” is a song whose lyrics tell the story of a bird named Laughter that breaks out of its cage and soars into the open sky.
Even knowing that leaving the cage may bring various hardships, Laughter musters the courage to reach the place it aims for—overlapping with the image of graduates setting off toward new paths.
It’s a perfect song to send your best wishes to graduates embarking on their journey while carrying some anxiety.
HarukaYOASOBI
Haruka is a song by YOASOBI, the duo that delivers novels through music, created in collaboration with Osamu Suzuki, a broadcast writer who penned the novel Tsuki Ouji (Moon Prince).
Its lyrics are compelling in how they can overlap with anyone—friends, family, or someone you love.
The warm vocals and sound that feel like they’re always by your side make it a perfect number for sending off graduates with a refreshing touch.
If current students want to express their gratitude to graduating students, this song will surely carry those feelings across.
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
A well-known AKB48 number that also served as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita.” With its gentle melody and encouraging lyrics, it’s a song you’ll want to dedicate to those graduating and stepping into a new world.
Even if today doesn’t go well, don’t lose heart—live the way you believe.
It’s a number filled with that message.
Endless JourneyMr.Children
Mr.Children has remained at the forefront of the J-pop scene for many years.
Among their songs, this one is especially popular and a perfect fit for graduation scenes.
It’s a gentle, mid-tempo rock ballad that draws you in as you listen.
The lyrics carry a positive message about opening new doors and continuing to move forward, which is sure to resonate with graduates.
Although it was released in 1998, it has been loved for many years and will surely remain a timeless classic.
FanfareTamaki Kōji
With a driving melody and a soul-stirring, overwhelming vocal, this song Koji Tamaki released in November 2025 is an anthem written as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “The Royal Family.” Layering in memories from his childhood in Hokkaido, it sings not of winning or losing, but of the importance of moving forward in your own way.
Filled with encouragement for those who keep living for what matters, even while getting hurt, this piece is perfect for graduates about to embark on a new path.
It will gently nudge the backs of those feeling uncertain or alone.
Dream Deliverynaniwa danshi
Yumewatashi by the Johnny’s group Naniwa Danshi was released as a cheer song to liven up summer high school baseball.
It was also used as the theme for Nettou Koshien, so many students probably spent their youthful summers with this song.
The way they sing gently, as if speaking to you, gives you a push on the back! It’s perfect for sending off graduates as they head toward the future, so be sure to sing it at the graduation ceremony to cheer them on.
futureMr.Children
Mr.Children has continued to color Japan’s music scene with numerous classic songs.
Among their catalog, this enduring fan favorite appears as the first track on the single “Yon-jigen Four Dimensions,” released in June 2005.
Many people may remember it from the Pocari Sweat commercial featuring Haruka Ayase, where the imagery evoked the sparkle of youth.
With its refreshing chorus melody and lyrics about moving forward despite inner conflict with the present, it’s a perfect fit for the milestone of graduation.