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

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.

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.

GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

It’s a graduation song by AKB48 with the tagline “If you’ve cried enough for a lifetime, let’s high-five!” The title “GIVE ME FIVE!” refers to a high-five, which suggests it’s not just a sad song.

The lyrics look back on school life with a touch of loneliness, but transform that feeling into hope and move toward the future.

It’s a moving piece that offers words of encouragement to friends.

How about giving ‘Shin’yū’ (Best Friend) a listen as well?

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kappamaki

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365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

The graduation song “365 Nichi no Kamihikouki” likens life to a paper airplane.

It’s a track released in 2017 by the hugely popular idol group AKB48.

The center at the time was Sayaka Yamamoto, who now works as a singer-songwriter.

“365 Nichi no Kamihikouki” was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Asadora “Asa ga Kita.” Since it’s a song played in a morning drama, both its content and atmosphere are very refreshing.

It has a gentle tempo, so it’s also recommended as a choral piece for graduation ceremonies!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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CHERRY BLOSSOM10-FEET

Kyoto Daisakusen 2011 CHERRY BLOSSOM

If you want to enjoy a graduation song with a rock sound, this track—one of the popular songs by the rock band 10-FEET—is highly recommended! It’s often played at their live shows, so many J-rock fans will likely know it.

As the title suggests, the song is themed around cherry blossoms, using the cycle of blooming, falling, and blooming again as a metaphor for human encounters and farewells, and the new meetings that await afterward.

Driven by 10-FEET’s signature heavily distorted guitar sound and an upbeat groove, it’s a song that blows away the sadness of graduation and lifts you into a positive mindset.

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Hane Keisuke

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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.

End and Beginningkariyushi 58

Kariyushi58 'The End Is the Beginning'

Once the graduation ceremony ends, it’s time for everyone to set off on their own paths.

On such a day of new beginnings, let me introduce a song that gently asks you how you want to live.

Released by Kariyushi 58 in February 2010 as the B-side to their single “Ame nochi Hare,” this track was chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Gyoretsu no Dekiru Horitsu Sodanjo,” reaching many listeners.

In 2017, it was also used as the main theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Sanbiki no Ossan 3.” Blending Okinawan rock with reggae into a comfortable groove, the song warmly sings about the importance of living each day without regrets.

Over its roughly six-minute runtime, the arrangement is striking for the way it gradually builds energy from a quiet intro.

As a cheering anthem for graduates setting off to new places, it offers the courage to live today to the fullest—give it a listen!