[2026] Uplifting Songs for Graduation: J-POP Graduation Songs and Anthems

GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.

Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)

It’s a heartwarming song that evokes the arrival of spring.

The complex feelings of students entering graduation season are gently expressed.

Hiroi Dai’s soft vocals and melody resonate deeply with listeners.

Released as a digital single in February 2022, this piece serves as an encouraging anthem that gently pushes forward those about to graduate or start a new chapter in life.

Despite its simple arrangement of just piano and strings, it delivers a profound emotional impact.

I think it’s a song you should definitely listen to if you’re feeling both anxiety and anticipation before taking a new step.

GraduationZONE

(PV) ZONE – Sotsugyou

This is a song by the girls’ band ZONE set on the day of the graduation ceremony.

The guitar phrase in the interlude uses a scale based on the school chime, giving it a nostalgic feel.

Sing your loneliness with aching tenderness, and then take a strong step forward.

GRADUATIONSBACK-ON

GRADUATIONS (Theme song for V-Cinext 'Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS')

This is a song that gently encourages you as you say goodbye to close friends and take a step onto a new path.

Holding the memories of precious friends you spent time with, it captures the wavering feelings of young people heading toward their respective futures through an emotional melody and powerful guitar sound.

The track serves as the theme song for “Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS,” released by BACK-ON in February 2025, and stands as a supportive anthem that stays close to the major life turning point of graduation.

It blends seamlessly with the worldview of the V-Cinext production, further heightening the work’s emotional impact.

It’s a perfect song for the grand finale of a school or cultural festival and for making memories with friends.

While feeling the importance of friendship and bonds, this song gives you the courage to take your first steps toward the future.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

It can feel a little embarrassing to thank a friend directly, can’t it? If that’s you, why not be honest with yourself at graduation? “Tomodachi no Uta” is a song that makes you want to say “thank you” to the friends who shared your school life.

Released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in 2011, it was featured in the film Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Winged Angels.

Its lyrics, which express the hope that your friends will remember you even if you’re apart, convey warmth and kindness.

After spending years together with friends, you’ve surely shared smiles, tears, and many moments.

It’s a song that will make you want to express your feelings to your friends as you graduate.

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sakura colorGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Cherry Blossom Color

GReeeeN’s 2013 track “Sakura Color” gives you the strength to do your best until the next time you meet your friends.

After graduation and leaving your hometown, there isn’t a single person who doesn’t feel anxious, right? Even if you step out into the world on your own to chase your dreams, anxiety is part of the deal.

Still, this song portrays the moment you take that first step forward for the sake of the dreams you want to fulfill.

Each person who shared their youth with you is living toward tomorrow’s future, fighting their own anxieties.

Hoping for the day we can all meet again with smiles, give this song a listen.

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Words of FarewellGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Words of Gift

A perfect GReeeeN song to listen to during graduation season.

Released as a single in October 2018, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Run! T School Basketball Club.” The gentle piano melody and the four-part harmonies bring back memories of the days we spent together.

It beautifully captures a page of youth—like “the days we dreamed and talked about our hopes,” and “gratitude to friends with whom we shared frustration and joy.” While it lingers on the sorrow of parting, the lyrics also inspire hope for a new beginning, making it ideal for graduation ceremonies or retiring from a school club.

It’s a song that helps you reaffirm your bonds with friends and gives you the courage to take a step into the future.