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

At any timeYugeda Kensuke

[Lyrics Video] Donnatokimo (Alto) — Vocals: Oita City Matsuoka Elementary School Music Club

Set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone, Kensuke Yugeda’s song expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten.

It warmly conveys precious memories with friends and heartfelt thanks to family and teachers.

Its tender, embracing tune resonates deeply with listeners and invites empathy.

The piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Yume o Tsunagou,” and it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Mr.

Yugeda, who holds school concerts nationwide, has performed over 2,000 times and continues composing with children in mind.

It is a song you’ll want to sing with care when expressing gratitude to important people, such as at a “Half-Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or end-of-year school events.

Goodbye, thank you.chanyu i

Goodbye, thank you / Chanyu-i

A warm, heartfelt singing voice arrives just in time for graduation season.

This work by Chanyu-i was reportedly created as a gift for friends met during high school.

The lyrics capture the bonds between companions, the bittersweetness of parting, and the beginning of a journey toward the future, resonating with many listeners.

Released in February 2022, the song spread mainly on TikTok and was widely heard during graduation season.

Featuring a piano-centered arrangement, Chanyu-i’s clear, transparent vocals deeply touch the heart.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to in seasons of graduation and farewell, filled with gratitude.

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.

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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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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mutō

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