[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!

Playlist

[2026] Uplifting Songs for Graduation: J-POP Graduation Songs and Anthems
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	FanfareTamaki Kōji		An anthem for life that cheers you on to move forward beyond winning and losing.
2	NonfictionsDa-iCE		A classic whose bittersweet melody of youth resonates in the heart
3	exceed; surpass; go beyond; cross (over)[Alexandros]		[Alexandros]'s fiery rock song, the courage to push beyond limits
4	Good Luck!SixTONES		An anthem of courage and hope for graduation
5	orangeMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song that gently illuminates the youth of twilight
6	Prologue.Yuika		A heartwarming song that expresses a resolve to graduate.
7	Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST		“Goodbye” is a song that’s the first step toward a dream.
8	Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri		A warm message song for Yuri’s graduation
9	sunflowerAdo		A cheer song for graduates, Ado’s “Sunflower”
10	CorrectRADWIMPS		Memories of student life and hopes for the future
11	IchibanboshiSnow Man		An encouraging song that embraces vulnerability
12	GraduationKobukuro		Memories from my school days and hopes for the future
13	18imase		An Anthem Encouraging the First Step into Adulthood: '18'
14	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		An inspiring ballad to encourage graduates
15	Rock this Partytimelesz		The first song under the new lineup, a cheer anthem heading toward dreams.
16	Go, Sakura! / Cheer up, Sakura!THE SUPER FRUIT		An encouraging anthem that walks alongside the cherry blossoms
17	Us Again (Brass Band ver.)SG		An inspiring song about a youthful farewell and the hope that follows
18	HarukaYOASOBI		“Haruka” is a hopeful song celebrating the start of graduation.
19	OrangeSPYAIR		A heartwarming song that accompanies the graduation ceremony
20	We’re foreverKOGYARU		Introducing Kogyaru Graduation Songs
21	A place where smiles awaitOfisharu Higedan Dism		A Graduation Supported by Memories and Encouragement
22	Futabaaimyon		An anthem of support that portrays the anxieties and hopes of being eighteen
23	DreamerJO1		An anthem cheering on those who chase their dreams, the courage to move forward
24	Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad		A song that expresses gratitude to friends and a positive outlook
25	treasurewacci		An inspiring song that encourages the courage to pursue your dreams
26	cherry blossomberii guddoman		An uplifting farewell song that captures the warmth of spring
27	A bouquet for meAdo		A song that encourages you and helps you take a new step forward
28	Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//		A moving support song that accompanies graduation
29	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		Bouquet, Hikaru Utada’s masterpiece of farewell and gratitude
30	Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro		A masterpiece that sings of memories like cherry blossoms in spring
31	Feel the windHamada Shogo		An anthem of freedom and hope for a new season
32	See you again.THE FRANK VOX		From Kansai, a graduation song praying for a reunion
33	GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48		AKB48’s cheer song, an upbeat graduation song
34	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		Everyday life is a miracle, the courage to move forward
35	one’s true feelingssumika		I don’t want to give up! Resolve and the power of comrades
36	The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46		A graduation song filled with gratitude for farewells and new encounters
37	Our JourneyNakamura Masatoshi		Nakamura Masatoshi’s classic hit “Tabi,” which depicts youth
38	proofflumpool		A moving classic that sings of the bonds of friendship
39	GloriousBE:FIRST		An anthem that celebrates effort, with the powerful push to keep you moving forward
40	Starting Oversumika		A song of encouragement that gives you a gentle push toward your dreams
41	Thank youikimonogakari		The moving song “YELL” by Ikimono-gakari
42	GarnetOku Hanako		A timeless, heart-stirring classic that sings of youthful memories
43	horizonback number		Youth that looks forward, nourished by lost dreams
44	Song of the ChickHalf time Old		A youth punk anthem cheering for Half time Old
45	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		A classic song that portrays the bonds and warmth of friendship
46	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		A song of gratitude and farewell to dear companions
47	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN		A song that lets you reflect on your life and gives you the courage to look ahead
48	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		Yuzu’s famous song filled with the emotion of graduation
49	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		A youthful song that encourages a new departure
50	Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki		Even when we are far apart, my feelings remain unchanged.
51	Let the cherry blossoms bloomarashi		Arashi’s “Sakura Sake”: A Youthful Cheer of Encouragement
52	Spring Comes to UsUNISON SQUARE GARDEN		Cheering songs that color the graduation season
53	Where the Wind Goes (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)Ado		The ending song of the ONE PIECE movie is moving.
54	Shineieiri reo		A powerful cheer song that supports graduation, “Shine”
55	The BeginningONE OK ROCK		The film’s theme song is powerful and encourages a new beginning.
56	Graduation song, friends’ song19		Feelings about graduation, friendship, anxieties and hopes for the future
57	Kitearashi		Arashi’s classic song that sings of graduation sentiments, written by Kenshi Yonezu
58	Believe In YourselfAbe Mao		A song about believing in yourself and having the courage to move forward
59	Teenager ForeverKing Gnu		A song that gives you courage as you embark on a new chapter in life
60	Mela!Ryokushokushakai		A song that encourages taking the first step toward a new path
61	YELLikimonogakari		“YELL” is a cheer song for graduates.
62	To the futureKiroro		Graduation song, an anthem cheering for farewells and new departures
63	Thank you!!HOME MADE kazoku		A popular song by HOME MADE Kazoku filled with gratitude
64	Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu		To my friends at graduation, expressing my gratitude through a song by Yuzu.
65	Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki		An anthem of hope that carries on into the future
66	It’s fine.Urufuruzu		It's all good—let's face forward and keep walking!
67	paprikaYonezu Kenshi		Paprika is a song that cheers you on as you set out
68	bookmarkkuriipuhaipe		A moving song that captures the loneliness and hope of graduation
69	Before the departureWANIMA		A song of courage and hope for a new departure
70	Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s voice that soothes the anxieties of graduation
71	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		The famous song “Sazanka” that conveys the moving emotions of graduation
72	StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE		Support new challenges with a cheer song
73	determinationSUPER BEAVER		A powerful song that gives you a push in the graduation season
74	rainbow-coloredayaka		Ayaka’s “Nijiiro” is a graduation song filled with hope.
75	At dawn again today, with cherry blossoms dancingCHiCO with HoneyWorks		A song that sings of the hope of graduation and the emotions of farewell.
76	C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK		An anthem cheering on friends as they pursue their dreams
77	Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro		Cherry blossoms and graduation: feelings toward a new beginning
78	Best FriendNishino Kana		A heartwarming song expressing gratitude to a best friend
79	Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa		Singing about the sorrow of parting and the importance of friendship
80	End and Beginningkariyushi 58		A song that sings of graduation memories and gratitude to friends
81	It’s okaywacci		Tears Aren’t Wasted: “Daijoubu” by wacci
82	Fly Highmilet		milet’s “Fly High” is a song that gives you the courage to look ahead.
83	possibilitySambomasutā		A hopeful anthem of encouragement for graduates
84	Dear, boyHump Back		An anthem that helps overcome the setbacks of youth, with hope for the future
85	Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira		An iconic youth drama anthem that expresses the bond and passion of men.
86	Full-Power BoySukima Suichi		“Zenryoku Shonen” is an inspiring anthem that transcends generations.
87	March 9Remioromen		A heartwarming song that resonates with memories of graduation
88	NO MORE CRYD-51		An iconic song from Gokusen that captures the spirit of youth
89	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		Sing the courage to face forward and take on challenges
90	Don’t give upZARD		A signature song by ZARD. A message song about love and courage.
91	Words of FarewellKaientai		A classic song that portrays the emotions of heartbreak and inspires forward-looking courage.
92	tailwindSHE’S		A moving song by a refreshing four-member band
93	Song of DepartureMr.Children		A new step begins along with the song of departure.
94	Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster		A record of youth where songs of memories resonate in the heart
95	Shineyuzu		Yuzu’s “Hikare”: a cheering song that urges you to move forward
96	spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira		A spring song—an anthem that cheers on farewells and new beginnings
97	Departure GraffitiFLOW		A youthful song that pushes you forward before graduation
98	GO!!!FLOW		A powerful, iconic theme song from Naruto
99	At least this / Just this (one thing)WANIMA		A moving WANIMA song perfect for graduation ceremonies
100	Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN		A moving song that conveys friendship at graduation
101	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		A soul-stirring song that weaves together nature and emotion
102	Ruts (Wadachi)Kobukuro		A song of courage and hope for walking an unknown path
103	GraduaterShiina Hekiru		A powerful classic by Hekiru Shiina that cheers on youth
104	Perfect Sense DREAMERONE OK ROCK		An iconic song by ONE OK ROCK, embodying the spirit of speaking your convictions.
105	GraduationTakahashi Yuu		Yu Takahashi sings of the anxieties and hopes of graduation.
106	Sense of Wondersumika		sumika's graduation song sings of courage for the future.
107	Bring it on, spring.non		A cheer song for a new spring life
108	Everyone, everyone is shining.Yugeda Kensuke		A message of encouragement to children singing of spring's hope
109	Walking with youNovelbright		An anthem of encouragement that gives you the courage to walk a new path.
110	ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE		A moving song perfect for graduation season
111	sakura colorGReeeeN		Courage to overcome graduation anxieties and take a step toward your dreams
112	Our Starting LineHIPPY		An anthem of youth that cheers you on, giving you a push toward your dreams.
113	CELEBRATELittle Glee Monster		A powerful graduation song by Little Glee Monster
114	Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster		A hopeful anthem of encouragement for graduation
115	spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE		A classic song that sings of the joy and bittersweetness of graduation.
116	Bye, my friendbokula.		A moving song that portrays a youthful farewell and a new departure
117	If you laugh at the skywacci		A moving song of farewells and new encounters that resonates at the milestones of youth
118	Azure Swimnishina		A song that colors graduation and stays close to your memories
119	My friend — from here on out, forever…Ketsumeishi		Ketsumeishi’s cheer song that portrays the bonds of graduation
120	YELL ~Yell~Kobukuro		A song that affirms the past and gives you the courage to move toward the future
121	Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri		Graduation season: Yuuri’s moving song ‘Sakurabare’
122	spring skySuzuki Suzuki		An emotional youth song with the theme of graduation
123	Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM		A heartwarming song that supports a new step forward
124	Myself ROCKONE OK ROCK		A song about the courage to look back at oneself
125	Live in the present.Saucy Dog		A song that supports graduation and a new beginning
126	graduation songerica		The graduation song by erica, known for the popular “Love Within a 2-Meter Radius.”
127	The First Steprakkuraifu		An uplifting anthem that cheers on a new step forward
128	Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora		Depicting the bittersweetness of unrequited love and youth before graduation
129	GRADUATIONSBACK-ON		A graduation song that sings of friendship and the courage to face the future
130	GraduationZONE		A song of the loneliness of graduation and the courage to move forward
131	Words of FarewellGReeeeN		A moving song depicting youthful memories and friendship
132	We againSG		A coming-of-age song of farewells and reunions, a classic that encourages graduates
133	SAKURAikimonogakari		A spring cheer song that walks together with the cherry blossoms
134	The happiest treasuresutopuri		An inspiring graduation season anthem
135	GraduationOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s message of youth, expressing a longing for freedom
136	On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai		Ai Kawashima’s graduation song: a masterpiece that colors emotions and memories
137	At any timeYugeda Kensuke		A gentle song that expresses gratitude at the milestone of turning ten
138	Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46		Hinatazaka46's new song, infusing feelings of graduation into cherry blossoms
139	Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru		A moving graduation song that portrays the friendships of youth
140	Good Bye,Good LuckTOTALFAT		A heart-stirring song that portrays graduation and departure
141	On the Day of DepartureGasshou Kyoku		The graduation song “Tabidachi no Hi ni” is moving.
142	pupilŌhara Sakurako		Ohara Sakurako’s cheering song “Hitomi” is moving.
143	Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai		Graduation season, Hirai Dai’s cheer song
144	JUMPIkuta Rira		Lila Ikuta’s “JUMP” is a cheer song for a new life/start.
145	WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro		A moving collaboration song presented by a renowned vocalist
146	JourneyFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s song for someone who is graduating
147	voiceikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s cheer song “Koe”
148	Faithmiwa		Miwa’s cheer song conveys the courage to stay true to one’s convictions.
149	People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke		Warm music that sings about the importance of encounters
150	Soul RevolutionSuperfly		An uplifting song that portrays life's ups and downs
151	Helloyama × bocchiboromaru		A collaborative song of voices and hope, illuminating the future
152	companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi		Ketsumeishi’s moving graduation song “Nakama”
153	spring songamasaki annainin		An uplifting song that makes you feel the arrival of spring
154	If I sing to the sky175R		A youthful song of friendship and hope that lifts the spirit
155	DepartureFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A coming-of-age song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
156	Walking Days SongTHE BOYS&GIRLS		A Hokkaido song that cheers me up on a tired day
157	VoiceAndrop		androp’s “Voice” is a song about living true to yourself
158	fly siteKokoro Ōkushon		Run your own path toward your dreams.
159	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		A cheer song that encourages people with songs of hope
160	Go for it!!!Takehara Pisutoru		A soulful inspiration, an anthem that resonates with life
161	Friends for lifeAoyama Teruma		Friendship is a lifelong treasure, a song that resonates in the heart.
162	Best FriendKiroro		A friendship song, Kiroro's 'Best Friend'
163	KizunaORANGE RANGE		Expressing feelings for a friend I can’t meet through the sanshin
164	OmoidamaKanjani∞		Koshien theme song. A passionate anthem about striving together with your teammates.
165	Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi		An inspirational anthem that gives courage in life
166	ROSEHANA		An inspiring debut song that expresses strength and hope