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

Futabaaimyon

Aimyon – Futaba [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is Aimyon’s warm, encouraging song, woven from and embracing the real emotions of 18-year-olds.

Created based on message videos submitted by 1,000 young people from across Japan, it delicately depicts the unique anxieties and hopes of the transition into adulthood.

Written as the theme song for NHK’s project “Aimyon 18 Festival,” it was released digitally in March 2022.

Later, it was included as the opening track on the album “Hitomi e Ochiruyo Record,” marking it as an important number.

It’s a perfect song for those about to leap into the unknown, or for graduates who, while carrying a touch of loneliness, are determined to look forward.

Be sure to listen to this piece on your special day of new beginnings—you’ll find the courage to break out of your shell and move ahead.

DreamerJO1

JO1 | ’Dreamer’ Official MV

It’s a ballad that gives you the courage to take one step at a time toward your dreams.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Short Program,” in which all the members starred, it was included on the album “KIZUNA,” released in May 2022.

Created as an anthem to support those pursuing their dreams, the song stays close to people who, despite their anxieties and doubts, try to look ahead.

Its melody, which blends gentleness with fragility, builds dramatically toward the end and truly moves the listener’s heart.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear on the day you set off on a new journey.

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

A ballad by My Hair is Bad filled with a warm message of gratitude to friends who shared irreplaceable time together, and of turning even painful experiences into strength for the future.

The sincere words penned by vocalist Tomohito Shiiki affirm the days that have passed in their entirety and give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Released in June 2024, the song also drew attention for being written as the theme for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary.

It’s an important track that closes out the album ghosts, featuring a grand band sound worthy of a story’s end credits.

It’s a song that gently supports graduates as they etch their memories into their hearts and move on toward tomorrow—why not listen to it together with your cherished friends?

treasurewacci

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

It’s a cheering song that gently affirms the anxiety and impatience you feel while pursuing your dreams, yet also the strong will not to give up.

Included on the album “Kanjō Hyakkei,” released in August 2017, this track features a warm band sound whose words and melody reach straight to the heart.

It became a hot topic when Miho Takagi of speed skating listened to it as her pump-up song during the Pyeongchang Olympics in February 2018, and it spread as a song that gives many people a push forward.

True to wacci’s style, its everyday, empathetic message makes it perfect to give to a friend setting out on a new path at graduation or to teammates who have overcome frustration in their club activities.

It’s a song that helps you reaffirm the “precious things” that will support you in the life ahead.

cherry blossomberii guddoman

Very Good Man – “Sakura” Music Video (Everyone’s Graduation Album Ver.)

This is a medium-tempo number by Berry Goodman, a three-member vocal unit from Osaka, that evokes the warmth of spring.

Rather than dwelling on the sadness of parting, the lyrics cherish feelings of gratitude and hope for the future, lifting listeners’ spirits.

Included on the concept album “Spring Spring Spring,” released in March 2017, the song was also used as the ending theme for MBS’s “ENT.” An MV was created using photos gathered through a listener-participation project, making it a track that has grown alongside everyone’s memories.

It’s perfect for graduations where you’ll miss your friends, or when you want to give someone a push as they head to a new place.

Believe in unchanging bonds and consider gifting this song that gives you the courage to move on to the next stage with a smile.

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] A Bouquet for Me

In March 2025, the song by Ado that became a hot topic as the CM track for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Georgia” is a cheer anthem newly written by HoneyWorks.

It carries a warm message that doesn’t deny failures or regrets, instead embracing both who you were yesterday and who you are today.

The theme of offering blessings to oneself harmonizes beautifully with Ado’s powerful yet gentle vocals, giving listeners a gentle push forward.

It’s a number we especially hope those standing at the milestone of graduation—feeling anxious or uncertain—will hear.

Brimming with positive energy, it’s the kind of work you’ll want to gift yourself as a morning pep talk when taking that first new step.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

DISH// is a four-member dance-rock band whose members are also expanding their careers as actors.

Released in 2021 as their 14th single and used as the theme song for the TV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” this track drew attention as a co-written piece by vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

The lyrics express gratitude to the important people who always support us and the sense of security that comes from having a place to return to—sentiments that resonate with graduates facing both anxiety and anticipation.

The lively shuffle beat, inspired by a marching song, may give you the courage to take a new step forward.

How about listening to this classic, also included on the album “TRIANGLE,” on the day of your departure?