[2026] Graduate with a Smile! Recommended Uplifting Graduation Songs

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video

It’s a song filled with hope, looking toward the future with a smile.

While cherishing past memories, it gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Released on New Year’s Day 2022, this piece was created as the official support song for the 100th National High School Soccer Championship.

Its lyrics resonate not only with soccer players but with everyone striving toward their dreams.

Mone Kamishiraishi’s clear, pure voice seems to gently push listeners forward.

It’s a perfect song for graduation season or for anyone feeling anxious about a new environment.

Goodbye, graduation.haji→

Hajime → Graduation Goodbye.

A graduation-themed song by singer-songwriter Haji→.

The lyrics resonate deeply, fitting not only school graduations but also various farewells and transitions like love, job hunting, and changing careers.

The message—“It’s lonely, but let’s smile and each move forward on our new paths”—strikes a straightforward chord of sympathy.

Being apart and walking a different road alone can be scary and make you feel isolated.

Even so, this is a cheer song that encourages you to face forward, believing you’ll meet again.

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hiyori

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Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

It’s an anthem that gives you the courage to face forward and keep moving.

Created as the theme song for the National High School Soccer Championship, it sings about the importance of youth and hard work.

It speaks to the beauty of living fully in the present moment and conveys the importance of moving forward without fearing setbacks.

Released in December 2022, it also came with a music video.

It’s perfect for graduation ceremonies or when you’re taking a new step.

It’s also recommended for anyone who wants the courage to head toward a bright future.

Saucy Dog’s powerful vocals and melody are sure to gently give listeners a push.

It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink

It's goodbye, but it's not goodbye.

Yamada Katsutenai Wink wraps this classic spring song—one you want to hear around graduation season—in warm, gentle vocals.

Its melody, which sings of the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion, nestles close to the heart and gives you courage to face a new future.

Released in February 1991, the song was used as an insert track on Fuji TV’s “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Terebi” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With lyrics by Kuniko Yamada and music by KAN in beautiful harmony, it’s a gem of a message song that teaches us that parting is not an end but a beginning.

Listened to in the season of departures, it’s a wonderful, heartwarming cheer song that continues to be loved by many.

BraveNaoto Intiraymi

“Brave”: Naoto Inti Raymi / National Stadium

From the opening lines about encounters and farewells to the hopeful, forward-looking message that follows, this song is a perfect fit for graduation.

It’s one of the signature tracks by Naoto Inti Raymi, a popular singer-songwriter known for songs filled with uplifting messages.

In addition to lyrics that encourage those who feel anxious before a new beginning, the song features an up-tempo, bright arrangement.

For graduates, it will be a powerful track that supports their first steps forward.

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Hane Keisuke

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spring skySuzuki Suzuki

【Graduation】Spring Sky – Suzuki Suzuki【Official Music Video】

The graduation-themed ballad delivered by Suzuki Suzuki beautifully captures the blend of youthful joy, anger, sorrow, and delight.

With lyrics filled with school memories—chimes, tears, crumpled notebooks, and days under the spring sky—it’s sure to move your heart.

Released digitally in February 2022, the song also drew attention for its music video featuring three popular video creators.

It’s recommended listening for graduation day, as it resonates with the loneliness of those leaving their hometowns to start a new life.

Sing it with friends, and it will surely become an unforgettable memory.

spring songamasaki annainin

Amesaki Annainin “Haru no Uta” (Spring Song) [Official Music Video]

A song positioned as a “sakura track” that heralds the arrival of spring has arrived from Amasaki Annainin.

Released digitally in February 2023, the track’s music video was filmed on location in a wooden school building evocative of graduation.

Written and composed by Amanoji Harutaro, the song carries a gentle, nostalgic atmosphere.

The piece was also featured in spot footage on Shibuya 109 Forum Vision and used as the opening theme on FM radio stations in the artists’ home area of Miyagi and Sendai.

It’s a heartwarming cheer song, perfect for those attending graduation ceremonies or embarking on a new chapter in life.