[2026] A Collection of Youthful Songs to Play at Graduation Ceremonies [J-POP]
A graduation ceremony is a major event that brings your youthful days to a close.
You fought, encouraged each other, shared your dreams… Graduation arrives after all those different days you’ve lived through, doesn’t it? On such an important graduation day, don’t you feel like listening to songs that capture the spirit of youth? In this article, we’ll introduce especially youth-evoking graduation songs—from timeless classics to the latest tracks! We’ll also recommend youth anthems that perfectly fit graduation scenes, so be sure to give a variety of songs a listen.
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[2026] A Collection of Youthful Songs to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [J-POP] (71–80)
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song features a light rhythm that evokes the warmth of spring and a melody that gently embraces personal doubts and inner conflict.
It portrays, from Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s characteristically down-to-earth perspective, the emotional wavering everyone experiences in youth—wondering whether it’s okay to be one’s true self.
Created as a symbol of the band’s new phase, it was produced as the theme song for the NHK General special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival” in January 2025, and its collaboration with 1,000 18-year-olds generated a huge response.
This track warmly and gently nudges forward those beginning a new chapter in life or searching for their authentic selves.
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
It can feel a little embarrassing to thank a friend directly, can’t it? If that’s you, why not be honest with yourself at graduation? “Tomodachi no Uta” is a song that makes you want to say “thank you” to the friends who shared your school life.
Released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in 2011, it was featured in the film Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Winged Angels.
Its lyrics, which express the hope that your friends will remember you even if you’re apart, convey warmth and kindness.
After spending years together with friends, you’ve surely shared smiles, tears, and many moments.
It’s a song that will make you want to express your feelings to your friends as you graduate.
Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai
A heartwarming ballad filled with memories of youth and the anticipation of a new journey.
Dai Hirai’s gentle vocals resonate as if they seep into the listener’s heart.
Interweaving gratitude for days spent together with hope for the future, the lyrics seem to capture the complex emotions of those facing graduation.
Released in February 2022, this piece is perfect for the graduation season.
Its simple arrangement of just piano and strings further highlights the lyrical world.
Ideal not only as background music for graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, it’s also a song you’ll want to hear before parting with someone important.
[2026] A Collection of Youthful Songs to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [J-POP] (81–90)
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
This is the 23rd single by EXILE, a dance and vocal group whose dynamic performances and gentle vocals captivate listeners across generations.
A ballad themed around graduation and new beginnings, it was used as the opening theme for the music variety show “Music Fighter” and as the approaching-train melody at Keikyu’s Kanazawa-Hakkei Station.
The lyrics, which long for an everlasting youth yet keenly feel the passage of time, resonate even more deeply in the context of a graduation ceremony.
It’s a song that conveys the special nature of graduation—filled with gratitude and determination, yet unable to shake a lingering loneliness.
HarukaYOASOBI
This song by YOASOBI captivates with its richly narrative lyrics and melodies that resonate deeply.
It vividly portrays the protagonist’s growth and the ever-watchful presence of the mug that stays by her side.
Released as a digital-only single in December 2020, it captured the hearts of many listeners, surpassing 100 million streams.
This work is recommended for students approaching graduation or anyone facing a new life milestone.
It’s a track that gently embraces the complex emotions felt before parting with someone important or embarking on a fresh start.
Ode to YouthMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
The fresh, sparkling number “Seishunfu” captures a glittering moment of youth.
This track by Momoiro Clover Z was released in 2015 as their 14th single and served as the ending theme for the film “Maku ga Agaru.” Perfect for graduation season, its melody and lyrics overflow with the anxiety of setting out and the bittersweetness of parting, making it fitting for young people about to embark on their future.
It’s truly a graduation ceremony classic—many students likely want to sing it at their own ceremonies.
The beautiful piano and chorus are also deeply moving.
Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru
This song, which sings of the end of youth and a new beginning, was released in February 2022.
Wataru Ochiai’s warm vocals gently embrace memories of school days.
Days spent in uniforms, casual chats with friends, fun times at karaoke—each everyday moment is captured in lyrics that truly resonate.
While it carries the sadness of parting, the piece is filled with hope, dreaming of the day we meet again.
It’s perfect for graduations or reunions.
Why not hum along with friends and bask in those nostalgic memories?