[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] Uplifting Songs to Hear at Graduation: J-POP Graduation Songs and Fight Songs (41–50)
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
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?
[2026] Cheer songs to listen to at graduation. J-POP graduation songs and anthems (51–60)
Let the cherry blossoms bloomarashi
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.
Spring Comes to UsUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
As graduation season approaches, it’s wonderful to have songs by your side that send you off toward a new future.
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s 2018 release “Haru ga Kite Bokura” offers a refreshing melody and a lively rhythm that gives you the courage to take your first steps! Its lyrics, which make you realize how precious and irreplaceable the everyday moments with friends you met at school are, make it perfect for graduation ceremonies.
With its pop sound and vocalist Kosuke Saito’s soaring high tones, this track will cheer on your new beginning with bright energy!
Where the Wind Goes (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)Ado
A dramatic ballad provided by Motohiro Hata as the ending theme for the film ONE PIECE FILM RED.
In the movie, it was a key number that conveyed Uta’s inner conflict and pain, as well as her energy to keep moving forward.
The lyrics about never giving up on your dreams and Ado’s delicate yet powerful vocals are truly moving.
A graduation ceremony is one of the stages for sprinting into the next step.
As you listen to this song, remember the school days filled with many tears and laughter, and find the courage to open a new door!
Shineieiri reo
Leo Ieiri’s “Shine” is a perfect anthem for the important milestone of graduation.
While the melody is bright, the wistful strings express both the hope for the future and the anxiety that comes with it.
Her powerful vocals give confidence and courage to anyone embarking on a new start.
This song also earned Ieiri the Best New Artist Award at the 54th Japan Record Awards and has received widespread support.
As you begin the new path of graduation, why not listen to “Shine”?
The BeginningONE OK ROCK
This song is also famous as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin.
While English is the main language, the Japanese lyrics that appear here and there combine with Taka’s vocals to sound incredibly powerful.
It makes you feel that holding firmly to your own resolve is crucial for any new beginning.
Thanks to this track, ONE OK ROCK gained even greater support both in Japan and abroad, and it has become a staple in their live performances.
Graduation song, friends’ song19
This song captures the complex feelings that mix loneliness and sadness before graduation with hope for the future.
It reflects the realization that the everyday moments—like having meaningless chats with friends—were actually treasures, while also expressing the anxiety of growing up.
Since graduation often means not being able to see friends as easily, it’s an experience everyone goes through, making this a song many can relate to.