[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 (131–140)
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.
GraduationOzaki Yutaka
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.
On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
Ai Kawashima’s “Tabidachi no Hi ni…” is a heartwarming ballad.
Its bittersweet yet beautiful piano melody enhances the moving scenes of graduation ceremonies.
The lyrics are filled with memories from student days, evoking moments of friendship and parting.
No matter what feelings you carry as you leave your school behind, this song will help you engrave the days you spent together in your heart.
It’s great for chorus performances, as background music, or to sing at karaoke.
It’s a wonderful song that both celebrates a new beginning and reminds you of the true value of student life.
At any timeYugeda Kensuke
Set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone, Kensuke Yugeda’s song expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten.
It warmly conveys precious memories with friends and heartfelt thanks to family and teachers.
Its tender, embracing tune resonates deeply with listeners and invites empathy.
The piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Yume o Tsunagou,” and it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.
Mr.
Yugeda, who holds school concerts nationwide, has performed over 2,000 times and continues composing with children in mind.
It is a song you’ll want to sing with care when expressing gratitude to important people, such as at a “Half-Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or end-of-year school events.
Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46
Hinatazaka46’s new song is a poignant work that portrays the bittersweet feelings of love with graduation as its theme.
The lyrics capture memories that resurface in the cherry blossom season and the regret of not being able to confess, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s the group’s 13th single, released on January 29, 2025, with Nao Kosaka as the center.
The music video, themed “A Parade that Heralds Spring,” has also been released—be sure to check it out.
It’s a perfect track for the graduation season, recommended not only for students but also for anyone who wants to look back on their youth with a touch of nostalgia.
Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru
When it comes to songs that resonate at the milestone of graduation, Wataru Ochiai’s “Tomodachi Yakarane” comes to mind.
Its universally relatable lyrics and melody make it perfect when you’re looking for a song about friendship.
Portraying everyday student life and bonds between friends, this ballad movingly captures the fleeting moments of youth.
With friendly Osaka-dialect lyrics, it gently embraces memories with friends and the anxieties about what lies ahead.
Even the loneliness of parting feels less daunting with “Tomodachi Yakarane.” As you take a step into a new future, this song reminds you that you’ll always stay connected with your friends in your heart.
Good Bye,Good LuckTOTALFAT
This is a song by TOTALFAT that expresses parting and a new beginning.
It features a fast-paced sound and lyrics that resonate deeply, gently giving graduates a push forward.
Released in January 2012, it was also used as the opening theme for a TV anime.
While capturing the anxiety and loneliness of leaping into a new environment, it’s a work that gives you the courage to face forward and step ahead, drawing strength from past experiences.
It’s a perfect listen for graduation ceremonies and the season of departures.