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

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

Brightening the lingering afterglow of graduation, “By My Friend” is a powerful song by bokula.

Its guitar riffs are pleasing, overflowing with youthful hope and friendship.

The forward-looking message gives graduates courage and helps them take their first step onto a new path.

While recalling the days spent together, the melody conveys a sense of momentum toward tomorrow.

For those seeking a graduation song that isn’t lonely or overly sentimental, this is a strengthening, heartening track I highly recommend.

To tomorrowFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “To Tomorrow”

An encouraging song that affirms the days you’ve kept on walking and gives you the courage to step into an unseen future, this single by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS was released in November 2009.

Chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s National High School Soccer Championship, it resonated with the image of high school students fighting for their dreams and left a deep impression on many listeners.

The lyrics, which look back on one’s past while powerfully declaring that the path taken was never a mistake, strike a chord in the heart.

The protagonist, who turns tears of frustration into hope and strives to move forward, gently nudges everyone standing at the milestone of graduation.

Its mid-tempo, expansive melody is also beloved as a choral piece, making it perfect for graduation ceremonies and club retirement events.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to acknowledge their own efforts so far and for those who wish to take a new step forward with their friends, smiling.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

Macaroni Enpitsu is a four-piece rock band known for their exhilarating guitar-rock sound and heartfelt messages.

This track, included on their 2019 mini-album “season,” was written specifically for a McDonald’s commercial.

From an intro marked by lyrical guitar phrases, the sound surges forward in a rush.

The lyrics portray the preciousness of youth that one only realizes after growing up—how the days that once felt dull become irreplaceable treasures in hindsight.

Its message about the importance of loving our ordinary, everyday lives will resonate deeply with anyone standing at the milestone of graduation.

The music video features actress Nana Mori, vividly expressing the world of the song.

Student life may feel endless while you’re in it, but in retrospect it’s gone in a flash.

This is a number filled with positive energy, perfect for those who want to etch that fleeting brilliance into their hearts.

seasonarashi

season

This medium-tempo track by Arashi, gently wrapped in the breath of spring and the bittersweetness of farewell, is a perfect song for anyone who wants to greet graduation day with a smile.

The piano and strings evoke petals swirling through the air, while the subtle sound of the koto beautifully colors the uniquely Japanese atmosphere of spring.

Its warm message tells us that even when we’re apart, our hearts remain connected, filling the chest more with hope for reunion than with loneliness.

Included as a B-side on the single “Everything,” released in July 2009, it also drew attention as a tie-in song for the au by KDDI commercial “If We Weren’t Arashi.” Striking a perfect balance—neither too somber nor too boisterous—the tempo gently nudges you to take that new first step.

Highly recommended for graduation ceremonies when you want to face parting with friends positively or convey your gratitude in a calm, heartfelt way.

SignalWANIMA

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A song included on WANIMA’s major-label first full album, “Everybody!!,” released in January 2018 by the three-piece rock band from Kumamoto.

It was written specifically for NHK’s large-scale youth program “18-sai Matsuri” and was born from a project in which they created a stage together with 1,000 18-year-olds gathered from across Japan.

It was also used as the theme song for Lotte’s “Sou” commercial, perfectly matching the visuals starring Suzu Hirose with its exhilarating sound.

The lyrics carry a warm message: it’s okay not to be perfect—let’s move forward together.

While realistically portraying everyday anxieties and doubts, the song still gives you a push to lift your head and start running, making it perfect for graduates taking a new step.

Its fast-paced rock sound and live-like, full-throttle chorus are sure to brighten any send-off.

Sky and Blueieiri reo

Leo Ieiri – “Sky and Blue” (Full Ver.)

Leo Ieiri’s 17th single, released in January 2021.

Written as the theme song for the Nippon TV Wednesday drama “My Daughter Can’t Get a Boyfriend!!,” the lyrics were penned by screenwriter Eriko Kitagawa and the music composed by Yohei Kawakami of [Alexandros].

Set to a warm, mid-tempo band sound, the song tenderly portrays the desire to stay close to a loved one’s smiles and tears, with the yearning to walk through life together swelling as it builds toward the chorus.

The lyrics weave in scenes like cherry-blossom season and blue skies, creating an appeal that inspires hope for reunion rather than dwelling on the sadness of parting.

Released at the milestone of the 10th year since her debut, the track was later included on the best-of album “10th Anniversary Best.” It’s a perfect song to send a smiling cheer to graduates embarking on a new chapter.

Dropkick&TEAM

&TEAM ‘Dropkick’ Official MV

An energetic rock tune from &TEAM whose full-throttle band sound sets your heart ablaze! Brimming with the drive to kick away inner struggles and a powerful message about charging into the future with your friends, this track is perfect for anyone who wants to brighten up their graduation ceremony.

Featured on the album “First Howling : NOW,” released in November 2023, it became a standout track that helped the album reach No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart.

It was also performed in the 2025 film “Paripi Komei THE MOVIE,” with a live scene that electrified about 8,000 audience members and became a hot topic.

The lyrics, which remind you that you’re not alone, resonate with graduates taking their first steps forward.

Highly recommended for those who want to set off with smiles, hyping it up together with friends!