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

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This is a ballad imbued with a warm message that gently accompanies the season of partings.

It paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of entrusting gratitude to a loved one and an inexpressible love to a “bouquet,” and offering it as a gift.

Released digitally in April 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s comeback work, it became familiar as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Totto-chan.

It resonated with those who had long awaited her return, earning high acclaim, including the Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards that year.

It’s perfect for moments like graduation ceremonies when you want to express thanks to teachers and friends.

This piece, which gently nudges you forward on a new path, will add color to a special day when you bid farewell with smiles through tears.

Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Sakura Roll” Official Lyric Video

With the arrival of spring, the song that makes me want to listen is Masho Funatsu’s “Sakura Roll,” released in March 2021.

The title is a coined word that blends “sakura” (cherry blossoms) with a smartphone’s “camera roll,” a clever touch that layers the fleeting season with the enduring nature of memories.

This piece, graced by the soothing sound of acoustic guitar, features high school singer Ren on chorus; the overlap of their voices creates a beautiful harmony where warmth and wistfulness coexist.

The lyrics capture a contemporary feeling—the desire to etch fleeting moments into the heart like photographs—and gently resonate with those facing graduation or a new chapter in life.

It’s a highly recommended song to send with gratitude, while reflecting on days spent with friends or a loved one.

Our JourneyNakamura Masatoshi

Our Journey

This single was released in October 1975 as the theme song for the TV drama “Our Journey,” starring Masatoshi Nakamura, who enjoyed immense popularity from the very start of his acting career.

The lyrics and music were written by Kei Ogura, who likens the long life ahead to a journey, vividly portraying both the hopes of young people pursuing their dreams and the moments of sudden loneliness and melancholy.

Capturing the hearts of the youth of its time, it became a long-running hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 45 weeks.

Nakamura’s warm, enveloping voice seems to gently nudge you forward, even when you’re filled with uncertainty.

It’s an unfading classic that we hope those taking a new step at graduation—and those who wish to reminisce about their youthful days—will listen to.

Let the cherry blossoms bloomarashi

[Animal Crossing: New Leaf] Sakura Bloom

A song with a comfortable rock sound that represents Arashi, “Sakura Sake.” It’s a graduation song packed with the best kind of encouragement—something only Japan’s top idols could deliver.

Its driving, fast-paced sound is captivating, and it gives you the power to hold your head high and dive into a rapidly expanding new world.

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Murakami Shinpei

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YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono Gakari YELL 'Ikimono-gakari'

YELL by Ikimonogakari is known as a classic graduation song.

The piano in the intro alone can bring tears to your eyes.

While it conveys the sadness of parting, if you savor each lyric, you’ll see it’s actually a perfect cheer song for graduates.

It’s a deeply moving piece filled with the wish that you’ll turn your goodbyes into strength and walk boldly through the life ahead.

The wistful melody also resonates deeply in the heart.

If you ever feel suddenly anxious after graduating, remember this song.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki

RailSimPV4 "Far, Far Away"

With lyrics full of melancholy and a warm melody that evokes both anxiety and anticipation about an unseen future, “Tooku Tooku” is a song that makes you want to hold on to your relationships with those you cherish even after graduation.

Released by Noriyuki Makihara in 1992, its comforting lyrics resonate with those leaving their hometown after graduating or becoming separated from friends.

The words convey that even when you’re far apart, your feelings for the people who matter won’t change, offering a gentle push to those setting off on a new path.

Why not listen to this song while thinking of the people you want to thank as graduation becomes your starting point?

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mutō

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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.