[2026] Recommended for graduation movies! Popular up-tempo J-pop songs

STARSNEW!Snow Man

Snow Man ‘STARS’ Music Video

This song is a rousing anthem brimming with energy and hope that gives courage to those who keep moving toward their dreams.

Released in February 2026 by Snow Man, an idol group that captivates fans with high-level dance performances incorporating acrobatics, the track was chosen as the theme song for TBS Sports 2026, vividly coloring programming related to the Winter Olympics.

Bouncy beats and a bright melody intertwine to deliver a sound that speaks straight to the hearts of people taking on new challenges.

Pushing you powerfully toward the next stage, this piece is recommended as BGM for graduation videos that want to evoke the excitement of a shining future.

Be sure to listen along with footage looking back on the precious days spent with your friends.

A bouquet for meNEW!Ado

[Ado] A Bouquet for Me

A highly recommended song bursting with positive energy is this track sung by Ado, whose overwhelming vocal prowess captivates countless listeners! Produced by HoneyWorks, it features a light, bouncy beat and an upbeat tempo, carrying a warm message that affirms who you are and gently gives you a push forward.

Released in March 2025, it also drew attention as the theme song for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Georgia” commercial, and is included on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” released in April 2025.

Its forward-looking theme—accepting all failures and regrets and moving toward the future—makes it perfect for graduation scenes as you step into new days.

It’s sure to add a vibrant touch to a graduation video full of smiles.

Daphne (winter daphne)NEW!DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

This popular rock number by DISH// drew attention as a co-written piece by vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

It delicately portrays the themes of deep affection for someone who is always by your side as you move forward each day, and the importance of having a place to return to.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” it was released as a single in November 2021 and is also included on the acclaimed album “TRIANGLE.” The warm, enveloping sound and the buoyant, march-like rhythm feel so pleasant.

Brimming with feelings for cherished friends and family, this song is, in my view, perfect as BGM for a graduation-celebration movie, enhancing touching scenes that invite both smiles and tears.

Youth PhotographNEW!Little Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

Little Glee Monster is a vocal group known for powerful singing and beautiful harmonies.

Centered on the theme of graduation, this song rides a lively Motown beat to brightly sing about the heartbreak of parting and the bonds between friends.

Its rich choral work is a number that gives a strong push to those looking ahead.

Released in March 2015 as one track of a double A-side single, its other title song, “Girls be Free!,” was chosen as the theme for a fashion event.

A different version is also included on the album “UNLOCK!,” released in March 2024.

It’s a perfect pop tune for those who want to greet farewells with a smile.

The uptempo melody works well as BGM for graduation videos that reflect on precious memories.

lilacNEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

It’s a guitar rock number bursting with a sense of speed.

This track, which Motoki Omori says packs in the impulses of his student-era band activities, carries a positive message: to embrace even your imperfect self, along with the bittersweetness of youth and its slightly bitter inner conflicts.

The idea that every experience becomes nourishment for the future really resonates, doesn’t it? Created by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, the work was released in April 2024.

It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery” and won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.

Its light, energetic melody makes it perfect as BGM for a graduation video that looks back on days spent with friends, adding an even more brilliant touch to footage full of smiles!

Sky-blue DaysNEW!SHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Sky-Blue Days”

SHISHAMO, a girls’ band that captures the sparkle of youth.

This song they created expresses both the bittersweetness of farewell season and the brightness of moving toward the future with a clear, transparent sound.

It’s wonderful how it doesn’t just linger on memories, but carefully scoops up each person’s emotional tremors.

Released as a single in March 2018, it’s also included on the classic album SHISHAMO 5.

It was used as the Calpis Water “Big Graduation” commercial song, so many of you have probably heard it.

Fresh and up-tempo, this track is perfect for a graduation video that looks back on days spent with friends.

Play it over your montage of memories, and it will make everyone’s smiles shine even brighter.

OrangeNEW!SPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

A number whose warmth and strength strike the heart, overcoming the sadness of parting and sealing a hopeful promise to meet again.

Sung by SPYAIR, this track’s exhilarating rock sound and sing-along-ready melody lift your spirits! Released in February 2024, it was chosen as the theme song for the anime film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle and has garnered immense popularity, surpassing 100 million streams.

It paints scenes that evoke irreplaceable memories and bonds with friends, and its upbeat, hope-filled melody for the future adds a brilliant touch to graduation videos.

It’s a highly recommended song for students who want to express their gratitude to dear friends.

together; along with; bothNEW!WANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

WANIMA is a rock band whose exhilarating sound and catchy melodies energize everyone who listens.

This work portrays the powerful drive to keep moving forward with authenticity, even while carrying painful memories of the past and anxieties about an uncertain future.

Its passionate message—filled with deep gratitude for the friends they’ve met along the way and the importance of overcoming hardships to keep living—will surely resonate with anyone at a new beginning.

Released in August 2016, the song was used in a commercial for Nivea Kao’s 8×4.

During production, their hometown of Kumamoto was struck by an earthquake, and the added layers of prayers and encouragement for their community make the background all the more moving.

It’s an uplifting tune recommended for those who want to look back on days spent with dear friends and step forward with a smile onto a new path!

Sakura, Bloom!NEW!arashi

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]

This song is my top pick for a graduation movie BGM that’s both uplifting and deeply moving! Its brisk rock sound boosts your spirits—an energetic number through and through.

It’s infused with the resolve to cut through doubt and face forward, and the rap lyrics penned by Sho Sakurai give that determination a powerful push.

Released in March 2005 as Arashi’s 14th single, it was used as the CM song for Jonan Prep School, which also featured Sho Sakurai.

It debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart with first-week sales of 115,000 copies, and is also included on the album “One.” Its bright atmosphere—wishing for hope more than dwelling on sadness—fits perfectly with footage looking back on friends and memories.

It’s sure to be a strong cheer for anyone taking a new step forward.

Only the graduation photo knowsNEW!Hinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A graduation song by Hinatazaka46 that blends the lightness of a spring breeze with a touch of poignancy.

It captures the feelings of parting and the moment of stepping into something new with crystal-clear vocals.

The track features an up-tempo melody line that opens up like a sweeping landscape toward the chorus, evoking an exciting sense of the future.

Released in January 2025 as their 13th single, it features Nao Kosaka in the center position and sold 496,191 copies in its first week.

It’s the perfect song for those who want to look back on days spent with friends while moving forward with a smile.

With its bright, sparkling sound, it would make a wonderful BGM for a graduation video, lifting viewers’ spirits the moment they watch.