[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 Hear at Graduation. J-POP Graduation Songs and Anthems (111–120)
Our Starting LineHIPPY
This is an uplifting support song by HIPPY that delivers heartwarming vocals about the friendships of youth and the passion for pursuing goals.
It gently conveys the importance of bonds with friends and working hard toward your ambitions, while giving you the courage and hope to take a new step in life.
Released in August 2024, it was selected as the official support song for the 2025 National High School Comprehensive Sports Tournament.
Created together with high school students in Hiroshima Prefecture, the song is infused with the energy and dreams of young people.
It’s a track we hope everyone will listen to—not only those starting a new chapter, but anyone striving toward an important goal.
When you’re taking a step toward your dream or feeling anxious about a challenge, it will surely give you a push forward.
[2026] Cheer songs you want to hear at graduation. J-pop graduation songs and anthems (121–130)
Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster
With a pop sound that cheers on the graduates, these lyrics are fun and a little tear-jerking.
Up until today they were children, but from tomorrow they’ll walk the path of adulthood.
It’s a heartwarming song to gift at that very moment.
It makes you want to sing together.
It’s the perfect track for a graduation ceremony where everyone sets off with lots of memories, hope, and courage.
Sense of Wondersumika
This song by the rock band sumika became known as a cram school (Shinken-Zemi) commercial tune, so it’s often seen as an exam-cheer anthem, but it also fits perfectly with graduation—a new beginning.
The lyrics carry a message: even though the unseen future can be full of anxieties and might tempt you to choose the safe road, keep moving toward what you truly want to do! For graduates about to start life in a new environment, it’s a track that can serve as an important guidepost.
If you’re a teacher looking for a song to dedicate to your graduating students, this one is especially recommended.
SAKURAikimonogakari
A heartwarming song that gently portrays the season when cherry blossoms dance in the air.
Its refreshing, springlike melody is beautifully layered with Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, transparent vocals from Ikimonogakari, resonating deeply with the listener.
While carefully depicting the scenes of a season filled with meetings and farewells, it serves as an encouraging anthem that gives you the courage to take the next step.
Released in March 2006 as their major-label debut, it was also used in an NTT East Japan commercial.
It has often been broadcast to coincide with the school graduation season and continues to be cherished as a song of memories.
It’s recommended for those who, in the spring season of partings, want to face forward and start walking, or are about to take a new step.
The happiest treasuresutopuri
As a heartwarming song that adds color to the graduation season, Sutopuri’s vocals resound.
Vividly depicting the March scenery of dancing cherry blossoms, it gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.
Released in March 2023, the song was unveiled as a surprise during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.
Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, the fresh melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but everyone taking a new step forward.
If you’re experiencing farewells with loved ones or embracing new encounters, please give this song a listen—it’s a sincere cheer from the heart.
Azure Swimnishina
A heartwarming number by nishina that gently embraces the feelings of students on the verge of graduation.
It’s included on the album “1999,” released in July 2022.
While looking back on youthful days, this song gives you the courage to take a step toward the future.
The lyrics, which convey the resolve to set out on a new path even while lingering over farewells to friends, are sure to resonate deeply with anyone approaching graduation.
Nishina’s gentle vocals and the soothing melodies of piano and strings beautifully color the memories.
On graduation day, why not listen to this song with your cherished friends and look back on the days you’ve shared?
Bring it on, spring.non
An anthem cheering on those taking new steps with the arrival of spring, it carries a powerful, uplifting message.
The track was released digitally in January 2025, with the music video premiering at the same time.
The MV centers on a student band’s graduation performance, beautifully capturing the sparkle of youth.
It’s a particularly recommended song for anyone about to embark on a new chapter this spring.