[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] (101–110)
Scooping up blueatarayo
This song was specially written as the theme for the variety show “Zeroichi.” It’s a work by Atarayo, released digitally in May 2022.
The fresh band sound is beautifully complemented by vocalist Hitomi’s straightforward singing, leaving you feeling cleansed.
The lyrics depict youth, friendship, and the farewells that inevitably come.
Listening will make you feel, “I should cherish the time I can still spend with my friends even more.” Please take your time and savor it.
The happiest treasuresutopuri
Stopuri is a six-member entertainment group known for each member’s distinctive charm and their wide-ranging activities.
Their 27th single, “Saikou no Takaramono” (“The Most Wonderful Treasure”), pairs cute vocals with a refreshing ensemble that feels delightful.
Its positive lyrics, which both reminisce about dazzling youthful days and celebrate new beginnings, are sure to brighten the sentimental mood of graduation ceremonies.
It’s a heartwarming graduation song we hope you’ll listen to while thinking of your beloved friends.
GraduationKobukuro
This is a graduation song that looks back on memories one by one.
It’s a track by the duo Kobukuro, who have produced numerous masterpieces like “Wadachi” and “Tsubomi,” released in 2020 as their 31st single.
It truly feels like the quintessential graduation song, with beautiful sound and choral work that stirs the emotions.
The memories of school life last a lifetime.
It’s a memorable ballad that makes you want to never forget your classmates or your school, no matter how much time passes.
Words of FarewellGReeeeN
A perfect GReeeeN song to listen to during graduation season.
Released as a single in October 2018, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Run! T School Basketball Club.” The gentle piano melody and the four-part harmonies bring back memories of the days we spent together.
It beautifully captures a page of youth—like “the days we dreamed and talked about our hopes,” and “gratitude to friends with whom we shared frustration and joy.” While it lingers on the sorrow of parting, the lyrics also inspire hope for a new beginning, making it ideal for graduation ceremonies or retiring from a school club.
It’s a song that helps you reaffirm your bonds with friends and gives you the courage to take a step into the future.
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
It’s a song that, while looking back on the days of youth, gives you the courage to step toward a hopeful future.
It powerfully sings of the importance of effort and friendship, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in January 2018, this track was also used as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, capturing the hearts of many young people.
It portrays growth through bonds with teammates and challenges against oneself, making it perfect not only for students about to graduate but also for anyone ready to take a new step in life.
It’s a wonderful song that turns tears into strength and gives you the courage to move forward—be sure to give it a listen.
[2026] A Compilation of Youthful Songs to Hear at Graduation [J-POP] (111–120)
Best Friend EverNCT DREAM
A youth song by NCT DREAM, a sub-unit of NCT formed by members of various nationalities.
Because it’s sung in Japanese, it comes straight to your ears.
The bittersweet lyrics, which seem to depict the time spent with dear friends through both fun and difficult moments, truly resonate.
The message that precious bonds remain unchanged even when you’re apart is gently delivered through warm vocals, making this a song that gives you strength as you graduate and spread your wings toward the future.
one’s true feelingssumika
A four-piece rock band, sumika, whose name was born from the concept of “becoming a place that feels like home to many different people.” This song is included on their 3rd album, AMUSIC, and was chosen as the support anthem for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
The lyrics, which sing about memories with irreplaceable people we met during our school days, deeply move the heart on graduation day when we part ways.
With its dramatic arrangement and straightforward words, it makes you truly feel the moment of graduation and teaches the preciousness of friendship—a quintessential youth anthem.