[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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[2026] Cheer songs to listen to at graduation. J-pop graduation songs and fight songs (81–90)
bookmarkkuriipuhaipe
Originally written and composed by Seikaikan Ozaki of CreepHyp as the 2018 FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS campaign song, this track features poignant lyrics that overlay the falling of cherry blossoms with parting, resonating with the feelings of many graduates.
The scenes of looking back on the past—like memories left between the pages of a book you stopped reading—are deeply moving, yet the song still depicts a determination to face forward.
Included on the album “Nakitaku Naru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” it’s an up-tempo, fast-paced number that, strangely enough, lifts your spirits as you listen.
A perfect song for graduation season, where the sadness of farewell mingles with hope for the future.
End and Beginningkariyushi 58
Once the graduation ceremony is over, we’ll each go our separate ways.
Is there anything you still haven’t done with the little time left? “Owari Hajimari” is a song that makes you want to express your feelings—whether for dear friends or someone you care about—so you won’t have any regrets.
Not only are the lyrics rich with meaning, but the simple acoustic guitar and sentimental melody truly strike a chord.
Even if your paths for further study or employment differ, this song reminds you that the time spent with your friends is irreplaceable.
Be sure to listen to it at your graduation ceremony!
To the futureKiroro
This song is a staple among graduation tunes.
It’s a track by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released as their second single in June 1998.
Originally, the songwriter composed it in middle school to express gratitude to her mother, but its warm lyrics also resonate with the feelings we have for those who supported us at graduation.
Its simple, heartfelt melody has been featured as an insert song in the anime “Tsuki ga Kirei” and in commercials.
Singing of hope for the new paths ahead, this moving piece gives courage in times of parting and new beginnings.
It’s sure to be a song that gently nudges someone forward.
Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki
This song, which begins with the gentle sound of piano, is based on a letter Angela Aki wrote to her future self when she was 15.
The lyrics feel like an exchange of letters between a troubled 15-year-old “me” and the future self who replies—an especially moving piece.
It gently stays close to the emotional ups and downs of a sensitive time and seems to encourage you, reminding you that the future isn’t only dark.
Released in September 2008 as her eighth single, the track is also included on the album ANSWER.
It was chosen as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Contest, and is also known as a song featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta and as the theme song of the film “Have a Song on Your Lips.” It’s an inspiring anthem that will resonate with your heart as you graduate and set out on a new path.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
Sukima Switch’s “Zenryoku Shonen” gives you the push you need to embark on a new journey.
It’s a motivational song beloved across generations.
Takuya Ohashi’s pure vocals and the straightforward lyrics soothe anxious hearts while giving you the courage to move forward.
The song is filled with the resolve to look back on the past yet step into a new self, making it perfect for the important milestone of graduation.
Even when you feel uncertain about the days ahead, its heartwarming melody will surely lift your spirits and keep you looking forward.
Song of DepartureMr.Children
Mr.Children’s “Tabidachi no Uta” (“Song of Departure”) is a track that inspires you to keep walking toward a wonderful life, even after the joyful days of youth have passed.
Released in 2007, it was used as the theme song for the film “Koizora.” No one faces the future starting tomorrow without feeling some anxiety.
When you’re uneasy, this song encourages you to remember the days spent with your best friends and the school you loved, and to keep moving forward.
It’s not an ending, but the first step of a beginning—take that step with this song!
[2026] Cheer songs to hear at graduation. J-pop graduation songs and anthems (91–100)
NO MORE CRYD-51
This song became instantly famous as the theme for the TV drama Gokusen.
It’s filled with a fresh, youthful vibe that brings back fun memories of student life.
Although everyone ends up going their separate ways, the lyrics express a desire to shed tears of joy rather than sadness in the end, which makes the song feel uplifting.
With its bright, positive atmosphere and catchy melody, it’s a track beloved by many listeners!