[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 Play at Graduation Ceremonies [J-POP] (121–130)
Our JourneyKaneyori Masaru
A song by Kaneyori Masaru, known for their sweet, cute vocals and driving band sound, that captures a page of youth.
Released digitally in June 2023, it was selected as the theme song for the Lemino original drama “Afterschool Embankment Diary.” The music video features actress Riko, depicting scenes that evoke friendship, romance, and the unfading days of youth.
Singing about small everyday wonders, cherished memories, and hope for the future, the track is included on their fourth mini-album, “Namiutsu Kokoro o Mochinagara,” released in February 2024.
It’s a song you’ll want to play on special days spent with dear friends, like graduation ceremonies and school festivals.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
A classic by Noriyuki Makihara filled with memories of youth.
It beautifully captures the feelings of a protagonist who leaves their hometown to chase dreams in the big city.
Included on the 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” it was never released as a single, yet it’s beloved by many fans.
You can feel the mix of anxiety and anticipation toward a changing environment, as well as the cherished bond with friends back home.
In 2006, a new version was used in an NTT East Japan commercial, bringing the song back into the spotlight.
It’s perfect to listen to during graduation and send-off seasons—sure to give you the courage to face a new chapter.
spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira
A song released in March 2022 by the virtual singer-songwriter KAF and producer Kujira.
Its warm tones evoke the arrival of spring, and the lyrics delicately depict scenes of graduation.
The cute, pop sound pairs perfectly with KAF’s crystal-clear vocals.
It’s a track that gently embraces the complex emotions of those facing graduation—loneliness in parting, gratitude, and the excitement of a new beginning.
A song we hope everyone embarking on a new chapter will listen to.
Be sure to give it a spin on graduation day or when saying goodbye to a dear friend.
spring songamasaki annainin
It’s a song whose fresh, springlike vocals really resonate with the heart.
Amid fluttering cherry blossoms, the lyrics convey the courage and hope to take a new step forward.
Released by Amasaki Annainin in February 2023, this piece is perfect for graduation and departure scenes.
The music video was filmed in a wooden school building, beautifully expressing both nostalgia and anticipation for a new future.
It’s a track I highly recommend to anyone embarking on a fresh start with the arrival of spring.
Listening to it will surely give you the courage to walk toward your dreams, carried by the spring breeze.
[2026] A Collection of Youthful Songs to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [J-POP] (131–140)
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
Lord of Major’s “Taisetsu na Mono” evokes the enduring bonds with friends who have always supported and encouraged each other.
Released in 2002, this song became a big hit despite being an indie release.
Some of you may have met people during your school years who you can truly call lifelong friends.
Even if you graduate and go your separate ways, those bonds don’t break so easily.
Listen to this song while appreciating how you will always be special to each other.
10-year cherry blossomsAKB48
A heartwarming AKB48 song that accompanies the season of graduations and farewells.
Its lyrics, depicting friends vowing to reunite in ten years, beautifully capture the universal loneliness of parting and the hope for the future.
Released in March 2009, the track became the group’s first to reach the Oricon Top 3.
It’s a gentle push for those taking a new step with the arrival of spring, and is also recommended as background music for send-offs and graduation ceremonies.
Song of DepartureMr.Children
Mr.Children’s “Tabidachi no Uta” (“Song of Departure”) is a track that inspires you to keep walking toward a wonderful life, even after the joyful days of youth have passed.
Released in 2007, it was used as the theme song for the film “Koizora.” No one faces the future starting tomorrow without feeling some anxiety.
When you’re uneasy, this song encourages you to remember the days spent with your best friends and the school you loved, and to keep moving forward.
It’s not an ending, but the first step of a beginning—take that step with this song!