[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!
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Support songs to listen to at graduation [2026]. J-pop graduation songs and anthems (71–80)
Before the departureWANIMA
WANIMA’s “Before the Departure” is a song I’d like to give to anyone about to embark on a new journey and feeling overwhelmed with anxiety.
Also chosen as the theme song for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ project “Fight! Kyushu,” which aims to energize Kyushu, this track is a warm, melodious rock number that shines with WANIMA’s signature style.
It’s filled with gentle words that affirm your weaknesses and energetic lines that turn those weaknesses into strength.
Even if you can’t see your family or friends right away, it’s a cheer song that becomes your strongest ally.
rainbow-coloredayaka
Ayaka is a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for her soulful vocals born from a genre-blending musical background.
Her 13th single “Nijiiro,” written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hanako to Anne, is a memorable number featuring a relaxed shuffle beat and a catchy pop melody.
The lyrics, which make a graduation ceremony—filled with both smiles and tears—feel like a microcosm of life, inspire great hope as you stand at a new starting line.
With its gentle melody that lightens the heart, it’s a song that lets you face graduation with a positive outlook.
It’s okaywacci
Let me introduce a song that reminds you the tears you’ve shed are never in vain.
“Daijoubu” by wacci, released in 2015, is a track that turns both the tough and joyful moments of school life into cherished memories.
Chosen as the theme song for the TBS Thursday drama “37.5°C no Namida,” its gentle vocals and warm sound have a calming effect.
As you face graduation, feeling a rush of many emotions is a wonderful thing—it’s proof of how hard you’ve worked every day.
That message will support those who are graduating!
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
This song, said to be written for friends who are moving forward on the paths they chose, is very popular as a graduation song.
The title “C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.” is reportedly made from the initials of vocalist Taka’s friends.
As you read the lyrics—nostalgic for the time spent together yet determined to keep walking toward your dreams and spur each other on—you can’t help but think, “I’ve got to give it my all too!” It’s a perfect motivational song to listen to at the start of a new chapter.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
A graduation ceremony can be considered the culmination of one’s school life.
“Sazanka” is a song filled with a message that resonates with everyone who has worked hard up to now.
Released by SEKAI NO OWARI in 2018, it was chosen as NHK’s theme song for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
Fukase’s gentle vocals and lyrics that honestly convey both the difficulty and importance of making an effort will softly encourage all of you who are graduating.
It’s a warm song that reminds you that results aren’t everything, and that the hard work you put into club activities and studies is connected to who you are today.
Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro
Graduating and setting off on a new path can make you feel really anxious, right? You wish your close friends could stay by your side, but you won’t be able to see each other like before…
What helps ease that loneliness is Motohiro Hata’s song “Aogeba Aozora.” Buoyed by Hata’s voice as he sings as if entrusting his hopes to the wide-open sky, you can accept graduation with a clear and refreshed heart.
The lyrics, which say that parting due to graduation isn’t a final goodbye, transform that sadness into the strength to take a new step forward.
March 9Remioromen
It’s a song that remains consistently popular as a graduation anthem.
Many people probably feel nostalgic and remember their school days when they hear it.
The tempo is gentle, making it a calm, fitting piece for graduation.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone special.
It’s regarded as one of the tracks that symbolize Remioromen’s musical identity, beautifully blending the band’s hallmark simplicity with deep emotional expression.