[2026] Uplifting Songs for Graduation: J-POP Graduation Songs and Anthems
After graduation, many of you may find yourselves living apart from the friends you’ve spent so much time with and the family who has supported you, as you move on to higher education or start working.
Perhaps excitement about taking your first steps toward your dream coexists in your heart with the anxiety of wondering if things will go well.
At times like these, when you might be feeling a little discouraged, you want to listen to uplifting songs that cheer you on, don’t you?
We’ve gathered songs filled with warm encouragement to give a gentle push to you, who are setting off at graduation, and to your dear friends.
Tune in to these tracks that will give you courage as you take your next step forward!
- [Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]
- [For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
- Back Number’s Graduation Songs, School Entrance Songs, and Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [Recommended for High School Students] New Graduation Songs & Classic Tearjerkers Collection
- [Great Lyrics!!] Recommended Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs with Heartfelt, Moving Words [2026]
- [Graduation Songs of the 2000s] Japanese Music That Colors the Season of Departure
- A Collection of Moving Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke! [Farewells, Friendship, and Fight Songs]
- [Song for a Departure] A send-off song for you. A classic masterpiece among departure songs.
- [Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
- [2026] Recommended love songs for graduation season: Love songs you’ll want to hear at the graduation ceremony
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational anthems that resonate with the heart!
- Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
[2026] Cheer songs to listen to at graduation. J-pop graduation songs and anthems (61–70)
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
Among the many graduation songs out there, this one stands out for its powerful message that truly resonates.
The lyrics about the unseen tears and steady effort that have shaped who we are today mirror the graduates reflecting on their six years of school life, bringing a lump to the throat.
Released in July 2004 as Yuzu’s 21st single, it served as the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics broadcasts, moving people across Japan.
This grand ballad, which gives us the courage to face the future after overcoming hardships, feels perfect for ceremonies celebrating a new beginning.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing as you head toward a hope-filled tomorrow, expressing gratitude to teachers and parents along the way.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
Written as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” this piece became one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.
Released as a single in August 2014, it is also included on the albums “Ao no Koukei” and “All Time Best Hata Motohiro.” Many listeners were undoubtedly moved by its lyrics, which portray the warmth of those who stay by our side and the unchanging bonds that endure even when we’re apart.
Widely loved as well for its use in NTT West’s commercials, the melody is so well-known that anyone can hum along.
This song, which reminds us that the ordinary moments spent with friends are priceless, is the perfect choice for a graduation ceremony to say “thank you” to teachers and peers who have supported you.
Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro
Cherry blossoms are the perfect seasonal flowers for graduation season.
When we see them, they seem to speak directly to our emotions as Japanese people—sometimes lifting our spirits, other times filling us with a gentle sense of wistfulness.
Moriyama Naotaro’s song “Sakura” overlays the hearts of graduating students setting out on their journeys with the image of these magnificent blossoms in full bloom.
It’s a song of blessing for those who are graduating and setting their sights on new aspirations.
Savor each weighty word, hold your head high, and walk proudly into the life that lies ahead!
Shineieiri reo
Leo Ieiri’s “Shine” is a perfect anthem for the important milestone of graduation.
While the melody is bright, the wistful strings express both the hope for the future and the anxiety that comes with it.
Her powerful vocals give confidence and courage to anyone embarking on a new start.
This song also earned Ieiri the Best New Artist Award at the 54th Japan Record Awards and has received widespread support.
As you begin the new path of graduation, why not listen to “Shine”?
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
If you’re looking for a song to dedicate to friends who are graduating, how about “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~” by Yuzu? With close friends who shared so much of your student life, you can often understand each other without words—but you still want to express your gratitude out loud.
The lyrics, which put those feelings into a message, will help convey what’s in your heart.
Instead of saying goodbye at graduation, give this song as a way to connect the present with the future you’ll each walk toward as friends.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
Mela! is a perfect anthem to cheer you on as you step lightly into a new path, and it’s included on Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s second album, SINGALONG.
It also gained wide popularity after being featured in the commercial for Dariya’s Parti Coloring Milk.
With Haruko Nagaya’s soaring vocals, this song blows away the waves of anxiety that sometimes roll in and lifts your spirits.
Its up-tempo melody and forward-looking lyrics will give you courage as you stand at the milestone of graduation.
StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE
An uplifting song from the student-friendly rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE.
This track, included on their album “Variety,” released in July 2015, gives a push to those embarking on a new chapter.
Its pop melody and powerful beat stir listeners’ hearts, offering the courage to face forward.
It was also featured in a Kao commercial, resonating with many people.
We’d love for everyone heading toward new challenges to listen to this song.
It will inspire the strength to overcome difficulties and the confidence to believe in yourself.