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

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.

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

A song by sumika that directly expresses a universal inner conflict—“Maybe I should give up, but I really don’t want to!”—that everyone has felt at least once.

It was written as the official support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

The dramatic arrangement woven by piano and band is striking, building from a quiet, introspective verse into a chorus where resolve crystallizes, stirring the heart.

More than just a typical cheer-up anthem, its appeal lies in portraying the determination to move forward only after first acknowledging one’s own weaknesses.

It’s perfect for high school students standing at the milestone of graduation, about to take a new step, reminding them of the immense importance of friends who strive alongside them.

Feel the windHamada Shogo

Feel the Wind / Shogo Hamada (Single/1979)

It’s a fast-paced rock number brimming with a sense of speed, raising expectations for a new season along with a refreshing breeze.

It’s sung by singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada, who stays true to his own style while focusing on live performances.

Released as a single in 1979, it was written specifically for a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial and became his first smash hit.

The song is also included on the album “Kimi ga Jinsei no Toki…”.

Its positive message affirming a free way of life and its light, catchy melody strongly encourage young people about to venture into society.

While facing harsh realities, it gently reminds you to relax your shoulders and be yourself.

It’s a classic you should listen to when you need the courage to dive into a new world.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

There are times when you feel like looking back on the life you’ve walked so far, aren’t there? “Michi,” released by GReeeeN in 2007, is a song that wraps up the anxieties of those graduating and turns them into strength.

Its warm sound and lyrics that take you back to your beginnings are wonderful.

The effort you put in while struggling with your future path or club activities, and the fact that you didn’t give up even when you didn’t know what to strive for, will surely lead to tomorrow.

Even after you graduate, the days you’ve lived until now will give you a push forward!

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See you again.THE FRANK VOX

THE FRANK VOX – Let's Meet Again [Music Video]

The four-member male vocal group THE FRANK VOX from the Kansai region released a song in January 2025 that marks their first-ever graduation track.

It resonates with a heartfelt message that not only captures the poignancy of parting, but also carries hope for future reunions.

Centered on their signature harmonies and call-and-response style, the warm, comforting sound is imbued with the wish that the song might become a “bookmark” for cherished moments.

Released as a pre-distribution single from the album VOX BOX 2, the track was also selected as the ending theme for ABC TV’s Bukatsu People: Zenryoku Ouen Bukapi! and the TBS/MBS network show Prebat!!.

It’s recommended for those struggling to choose music for graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings, and for anyone seeking the perfect song to send off someone embarking on a new chapter.

Starting Oversumika

sumika / Starting Over [Music Video] - TV Anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky” Opening Theme

The song that gives you a gentle push as you approach graduation is a track released by sumika in 2023.

Written as the opening theme for the anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky,” it sings about the courage to take your first steps toward your dreams, even while feeling uncertain and anxious about a new season.

It’s okay to cry, there’s no need to rush—but don’t ever let go of what you love.

The warm message woven into the lyrics truly resonates.

It’s a song I hope those who are unsure about their path after graduation, or those about to take a step into a new environment, will listen to.

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?