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

Uniform and the SunKeyakizaka46

Uniform and the Sun

Keyakizaka46 is a female idol group that continued to captivate many by expressing the period of youth in a serious and powerful way.

This song, included as a B-side to their third single “Futari Saison,” released in November 2016, is a fresh pop-rock number that contrasts the everyday life in school uniforms with a yearning for freedom symbolized by the sun.

Its lyrics portray young people who carry a light deep in their hearts even amid the constraints of daily life, delivering a universal message perfect for the graduation season.

The refreshing guitar sound and liberating melody vividly color the conflicts and hopes of youth.

Performed again at their final concert in 2020, it has been etched in memory as one of the group’s signature songs.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at the moment you finish school and step into a new world—one that gently gives you a push forward.

The season of farewellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

As graduation approaches, do you ever feel a bittersweet flutter deep in your chest? This song, which closes SHISHAMO’s album “SHISHAMO 2” released in March 2015, gently captures exactly those feelings.

An unreturned crush on a senior who’s graduating first, time that ends before you can put anything into words, the frustration of only being able to watch from afar—these emotions are written in plain, unadorned language that tightens your chest every time you listen.

Upon release, it drew significant attention, including being selected as SPACE SHOWER TV’s “POWER PUSH!” for March 2015.

The music video, also themed around graduation, vividly visualizes the world of the lyrics.

It’s a青春ソング—a youth anthem—that I especially want people who have once seen someone off with unrequited feelings, or who are facing a farewell with someone important, to hear.

Ah, the days of youthyuzu

Yuzu “Ah, The Days of Youth” MUSIC VIDEO

Yuzu’s ninth single, released in May 2000, became their first to reach No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, making it one of their signature songs.

While pushing the driving force of a band sound to the forefront, it also showcases the duo’s standout harmonies.

The lyrics portray former friends and first loves each walking their own path in life, while straightforwardly singing of the memories of youth that remain deep in the heart.

It resonates with a message of moving forward even as relationships change with the passage of time.

The song is also included on the album “Tobira” and the best-of collection “Yuzu Iroha 1997–2017,” and it has been loved for many years.

With its strength to look back on student days without standing still, it’s a perfect track for a graduation scene that marks a new first step.

Orangeakai kouen

Red Park “Orange” Music Video

It’s a masterpiece that delivers, straight to the heart, the feeling of moving forward while holding both sorrow and hope at once.

The title track of Akai Ko-en’s double A-side single “Orange / pray,” released in November 2020, was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV FOD original drama “A Band Across Time.” Its lyrics, which portray the pain and beauty of taking that first step without looking back, will surely resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

Vocalist Riko Ishino’s direct, unadorned voice and the band’s cohesive sound carefully give shape to emotions that shift like a sunrise or sunset.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those who are setting out for a new place with resolve in their hearts, yet still feel a lingering pull to the past.

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video

While commanding a solid presence as an actor, Mone Kamishiraishi is also highly acclaimed as an artist for her clear, translucent singing voice.

Released in January 2022, this work was written and composed by Naotaro Moriyama and was selected as the support song for the 100th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Specially written to mark the milestone 100th edition, it became a grand ballad that overlaps the images of youths sprinting through their limited time and the feelings of those who watch over them.

It carefully depicts not only victory and glory, but also the resolve to move forward despite doubt and vulnerability—sentiments that will surely resonate deeply with anyone facing the milestone of graduation.

It’s a perfect number for those who poured their all into club activities, or who are looking back on days spent with teammates as they take a new step forward.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9th (Music Video Short ver.)

A classic by Remioromen released on March 9, 2004.

Although it was written to celebrate the wedding of a mutual friend of the three band members, its lyrics have made it a longtime favorite as a graduation song even today in the Reiwa era.

The vivid, scene-evoking lyrics and the gentle melody are truly captivating.

Full of memoriesadachi mitsuru

Adachi Mitsuru’s “Miyuki” × H2O “Omoide ga Ippai” Collaboration MV

This is H2O’s signature song, which became widely known in March 1983 as the ending theme of the anime Miyuki.

Perfectly matching the world of the original manga by Mitsuru Adachi, the track features lyrics by Yoko Aki and music by Kisaburo Suzuki.

It peaked at No.

6 on the Oricon chart and stayed ranked for 34 weeks, becoming a long-running hit.

The lyrics portray the bittersweet passage of time and the feelings of taking a step toward adulthood, and many listeners say it instantly brings back scenes from their school days.

Rather than dwelling in sorrow, its appeal lies in how it wraps youth in a clear, gentle nostalgia.

Listen, and you’ll understand why it has been sung for many years at graduation ceremonies and choral competitions.

It’s a song recommended not only for those setting out on a new path, but for anyone who wants to reflect on irreplaceable days.