[2026] A Collection of Youthful Songs to Play at Graduation Ceremonies [J-POP]

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

It’s the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics broadcasts.

It’s a wonderful cheer song that has since been used in many places.

The lyrics are very straightforward, delivering a simple message: “There were hard and painful times, but I made it this far thanks to everyone’s support.” Try singing it for yourself, or for someone important to you.

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satou-san

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Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” Music Video (HD)

A signature song by Angela Aki released in 2008.

It was specially written as the set piece for the junior high school division of the NHK National School Music Competition.

Famous as a choral piece, it’s a classic often sung at graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics take the form of a letter addressed to one’s future self, filled with words that also resonate deeply with adults who receive the letter.

proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

Let me introduce a song that will uplift your graduation ceremony with its moving, resonant strings.

“Akashi” by flumpool, released in 2011, was featured in the 78th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

It’s a song that makes you want to look forward and move on after overcoming hardships and tears.

Vocalist Ryuta Yamamura’s voice rings out beautifully with a healing quality that seems to soothe wounds.

The lyrics, which make you realize that the time you spent with friends—laughing together as if it were only natural—was truly irreplaceable, are deeply moving.

This track, which brings back memories of time spent with loved ones at the moment of graduation, is perfect for closing out your youth.

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mutō

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Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

It’s a bittersweet yet powerful song by Mafumafu that delicately portrays farewells and new encounters arriving with the breath of spring.

Memories and regrets from school days, along with hopes for the future, are spun through a clear, transparent voice, seeping into the heart alongside scenes of falling cherry blossoms.

Included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” the track was released in October 2019 and was also used as the theme song for the website “Shonen Janmaga Gakuen.” Its emotional melody and driving rhythm leave a strong impression, gently encouraging those taking a new step in spring.

It resonates even more deeply when listened to at the start of a new chapter or during graduation season.

orchestraBiSH

BiSH / Orchestra [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Bish’s “Orchestra” captures the freshness of youth through music overflowing with a sense of speed.

Bish debuted in 2015 with the tagline “a punk band without instruments.” This track, from their 2016 first album, uses a dramatic progression and structure to express the bittersweetness of parting in one’s youth.

Graduation season brings an end to the time spent together and the everyday moments we took for granted.

The time for a farewell you can’t go back from eventually arrives—but precisely because of that, it makes you look back and realize how irreplaceable that era was.

It’s an emotional number that evokes those feelings.

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nikki

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sakura colorGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Cherry Blossom Color

GReeeeN’s 2013 track “Sakura Color” gives you the strength to do your best until the next time you meet your friends.

After graduation and leaving your hometown, there isn’t a single person who doesn’t feel anxious, right? Even if you step out into the world on your own to chase your dreams, anxiety is part of the deal.

Still, this song portrays the moment you take that first step forward for the sake of the dreams you want to fulfill.

Each person who shared their youth with you is living toward tomorrow’s future, fighting their own anxieties.

Hoping for the day we can all meet again with smiles, give this song a listen.

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SAKI

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Helloyama × bocchiboromaru

yama × Bocchi Boromaru “Hello” Lyric Video (TV anime “Pokémon” opening theme)

Created through the collaboration between yama and Bocchi Boromaru, this work gives listeners the courage to pursue their dreams and hopes.

Released in October 2023, the song was also selected as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon Horizons: The Series.

Centered on themes of hope for the future and the strength to overcome challenges, it carries a distinctly positive and bright atmosphere.

With yama’s androgynous, husky vocals woven together with a moving melody, this track is perfect for graduation ceremonies or moments of taking a new step forward.

It gently encourages those closing the chapter on their youthful days and heading toward a new future.