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

Go, Sakura! / Cheer up, Sakura!THE SUPER FRUIT

THE SUPER FRUIT – Sakura Fure Fure [Official Music Video]

THE SUPER FRUIT, who bill themselves as the “male version of the pure/wholesome type,” have been steadily expanding their fan base even after their breakthrough on social media.

Their second single, “Sakura Fure Fure,” released in March 2023, is a heartwarming cheer song that combines the springtime scene of falling cherry blossoms with the encouraging chant of “Fure Fure” (“Go! Go!”).

It was also chosen as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s Buzz Rhythm 02 for March, and the school-set video featuring dancers in pink school uniforms became a hot topic.

With lyrics that stand by those anxious about new beginnings and reassure you that it’s okay to stumble, the song is sure to be a strong ally for anyone graduating and setting off on a new path.

Boasting a refreshing sound that feels great to listen to, this gentle pop tune offers courage for the season of change.

Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Bye-Good-Bye -Music Video-

The title track of BE:FIRST’s second single gives you the courage to take a step toward a new beginning.

Released in May 2022, the song was written as the theme for the drama “Before Goodbye: Fantastic 31 Days” within the TV program ZIP!.

Its perspective—seeing parting not as an ending but as a beginning—is striking, delicately portraying both the pain of letting go of the past and the resolve to move forward.

The track debuted at No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs chart and surpassed 100 million streams in September 2022.

It also won an Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a song that gently gives you a push on the way home after a graduation ceremony, when anxiety and anticipation about a new environment are all mixed together.

A timeless piece that deserves to reach everyone who has experienced saying goodbye to someone important.

treasurewacci

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

With its warm melody that soothes the heart, wacci’s “Takaramono” is a song that cheers on graduates as they continue their journey.

The harmonious blend of piano and strings is comforting, and the lyrics are filled with sincere gratitude.

Yohei Hashiguchi’s voice, singing out the universal feeling of “thank you,” has the power to move listeners.

It’s perfect for entrusting your feelings for friends and loved ones to music, and it’s an ideal song to celebrate graduation with a smile.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to as a gift to someone close, or as encouragement when you take a new step yourself.

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

Released in January 2021 as the cheer song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, this track by sumika is a number packed with youthfulness and resolve.

Built around piano and band sounds, its structure—quietly beginning in the first verse and expanding powerfully toward the chorus—leaves a strong impression, with a warmth that feels like a gentle push on the listener’s back.

The lyrics portray someone who, despite carrying weakness and doubt, faces their feelings honestly and strives to move forward—making it perfect for those approaching the milestone of graduation.

The song is also included on the album AMUSIC and has been featured in corporate commercials, earning affection across a wide range of settings.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone feeling anxious about a new environment or stepping onto the next stage with memories of days spent with friends.

At dawn again today, with cherry blossoms dancingCHiCO with HoneyWorks

In the dawn where cherry blossoms dance again today / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

This song, with its fresh guitar rock sound so characteristic of HoneyWorks, is a very popular graduation track! Its uptempo, super catchy melody is sure to lift your spirits as you listen.

The lyrics not only cheer you on with courage to start running toward your dreams, but also convey a message of an unbreakable bond that won’t fade even when you’re apart.

It’s a friendship-filled song you’ll want to listen to with your precious friends.

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A graduation song, a song of friends.19

A graduation song, a song of friends.

We’d like to introduce a graduation song that gives you the courage to step into the future while looking back on your memories.

It’s a track by 19, originally included as the B-side to the 1999 single “Ano Kami Hikōki Kumorizora Watte,” and there’s even an anecdote that this song was initially a candidate for the A-side.

Centered on acoustic guitar, its simple accompaniment and the alternating vocals of Keigo Iwase and Kenji Okahira create a pleasantly resonant interplay.

The lyrics capture the feeling that time begins to flow differently the moment you become aware of an ending, and convey the message that parting is not a final stop but a new beginning—something that truly touches the heart.

Even at a graduation ceremony, where it’s easy to become sentimental, listening to this song will naturally bring a smile after the tears.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone who wants to cherish memories with friends while taking a bright step forward.

Time-Limited Unrequited LoveNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Time-Limited Unrequited Love'

The first original song for Nogizaka46’s 6th generation, included on Type-B of the 38th single “Navel Orange.” The music video, released in March 2025, leaves a striking impression with dance scenes set against Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes and atop a frozen lake.

Set in a school classroom, the song portrays the anxious feelings of unspoken emotions as deadlines like graduation and class changes approach.

Many will relate to the usually reserved protagonist who realizes time is running out and tries to take a step forward.

The fresh vocals and driving melody give a powerful push to anyone hesitating.

It’s recommended not only for women experiencing unrequited love, but also for those who need courage to dive into a new environment.