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

Song Yellyuzu

Yuzu “Song Cheer” Music Video

Speaking of Yuzu’s graduation songs, the 2013 release “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~” is a beloved standard, and that one’s a moving ballad.

But what I want to introduce in this article is the catchy and approachable “Uta Yell”! It’s not a song specifically about graduation, but as the title suggests, it’s a track that lets you send your encouragement! If you gift this song when seeing off graduates, I think it’ll be appreciated as an uplifting anthem for moving forward in life.

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Hane Keisuke

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People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke

"Hito to Hito" (Lyrics: Tomohiro Iwai, Music: Kensuke Yugeda, Performance: Toin Gakuen Elementary School) — a choral piece for a music concert

This is a warm piece that sings about the importance of encounters through music.

The fresh melodies woven by Kensuke Yugedate carry a gentle calm while conveying a moving message.

In clear, resonant words, it speaks of the joy born from human connections and the inevitable meaning hidden within chance meetings.

Delivered by the pure voices of the Toin Gakuen Elementary School Choir, the work is also slated to appear in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Its kind, uplifting message is perfect for children who are about to meet new people in a new environment.

As they take their next step in school life, this wonderful song will give them courage and hope—please give it a listen.

Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Sky-Blue Days”

Among the songs by SHISHAMO, a girls’ rock band popular with younger generations, there are several graduation-themed tracks, but this mid-tempo one in particular has that refreshingly signature SHISHAMO feel.

True to guitar rock, the crisp, slightly overdriven guitar sound is really pleasing.

On the other hand, the lyrics dwell on the sadness of parting with one’s school life at graduation.

Many listeners will relate to the lines about wanting to etch this scenery into their memory until the very last moment!

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Hane Keisuke

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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.

Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji

Sakurashimeji “Petals, Announcing the Beginning” Lyric Video

Sakurashimeji’s song exudes a gentle atmosphere that’s perfectly suited to graduation season.

The lyrics, themed around cherry blossoms, convey a message that resonates with the heart.

Released as a digital single in February 2023, the track is said to capture the feelings of the members who experienced student life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sakurashimeji’s music is known for eliciting strong empathy from listeners of the same generation, and this work is no exception.

I think it’s an ideal song for graduates taking their first steps into a new chapter.

It’s a track you’ll want to play at the culminating moments of student life, such as graduation ceremonies and thank-you parties.