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

STARTING OVERLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster『STARTING OVER』

STARTING OVER, with its irresistibly danceable, rhythmic performance, is a perfect song for sending off graduates with a bright, cheerful vibe! Even when the fun-filled days at school come to an end, the relationships remain, and the lyrics make you want to believe in the day you’ll meet again—offering a positive way to look at graduation.

Its message about cherishing the present and the desire to keep dancing with friends are themes many graduates will relate to, making it a song that both teachers and graduates can get excited about together!

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mutō

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Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Atarayo – Sorrowful Sakura (Music Video)

Choosing the right song for a graduation ceremony—one that marks a fresh start—is never easy.

Among the songs that can truly move an audience, I recommend “Urei-zakura” by the band Atarayo.

This ballad, set against the backdrop of fluttering cherry blossoms, features lyrics that portray parting and hope, resonating deeply.

Its message and sound arrangement convey a bittersweet feeling while also offering forward-looking energy.

It’s the perfect song to color such an important day in life as graduation.

Even if we forget springaibii karaa

Ivy Color [Even If We Forget Spring] Music Video

Featured on Ivy Color’s debut single, this song is a poignant love ballad themed around springtime farewells.

Set against a backdrop of fluttering cherry blossoms, the protagonist’s emotions are portrayed with delicate nuance, while the beautiful arrangement of piano and strings resonates deeply.

Released in March 2019, the track has garnered over two million views on YouTube and is beloved by many listeners.

It’s a perfect choice for moments of new beginnings, such as graduation ceremonies and farewell gatherings.

The lyrics—singing of hidden sorrow behind smiling faces and of eternal love—are sure to leave a lasting impression on the listener’s heart.

Time machinemaneki kecha

Maneki Kecak “Time Machine” Music Video

Let me introduce a wonderful track with a powerful rock sound and lyrics that make you want to believe in your future self! “Time Machine,” released by Maneki Kecak in 2016, conveys a message of overcoming hardship and sadness and reaching out to the you who’s living in the future.

It’s exactly the kind of song you want when graduation season fills you with anxiety and anticipation—so you can imagine yourself enjoying life down the road.

Their vocal work is empowering, and it’ll make you want to take that first step toward the future!

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Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

If you have a song filled with a lively rhythm and a positive message that’s perfect for graduation season, even the most moving moments can become brighter.

In times like that, Wataru Ochiai’s “Tomodachi Yakarane” (Because We’re Friends) is highly recommended.

The words that flow with its pleasant melody suggest not an ending, but a new beginning.

Like flipping through a graduation album, this one track captures a slice of youth to give as a gift, and it’s sure to keep the circle of friendship alive forever.

For friends feeling anxious before graduation, it can be the song that helps them smile and take a new step forward—be sure to give it a listen.

graduation songerica

erica “Graduation Song” lyric video (Full ver.)

As if blessing a new beginning, Erica’s “Graduation Song” is a perfect fit for a moving moment at a graduation ceremony.

This track, which sings of the precious time spent with friends, resonates with gentle guitar tones and rich strings, warmly coloring the instant of graduation.

It tenderly watches over this new departure and quietly encourages your steps toward the future.

True to its title, it’s a memorable graduation song that I’d recommend to anyone reaching a milestone.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

A title like “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“We Should Be Able to Fly”) feels like it could make a graduation ceremony even more moving… it has that kind of dramatic quality, doesn’t it? As one of Spitz’s signature songs, this track is sure to elevate the graduation mood without a doubt.

Somber is fine too, but sending everyone off straight and positively like this song does is also a great choice.

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Murakami Shinpei

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