[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] (131–140)
pupilŌhara Sakurako
This is the second single by Sakurako Ohara, a female singer who was selected as the heroine of the film The Liar and His Lover, making her simultaneous debut as an actress and singer.
It was chosen as the support song for the 93rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament and is also known for earning her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics, which teach us the meaning of looking back on our school days with a smile, may give graduating students a sense of being acknowledged.
With a delicate, piano-featured arrangement and her straightforward vocals coloring the graduation ceremony, it’s a gentle number that gives you a supportive push forward.
my graduationSPEED
Released in 1998, “my graduation” is one of SPEED’s signature songs.
As the title suggests, it evokes the idea of graduation, but rather than a formal “graduation ceremony,” it portrays a person graduating from something in their life—looking back on memories while trying to take a new step forward.
It can also be interpreted as a love song: if you once fell in love at school and that romance has since ended, the song may feel even more personal.
Although many years have passed since its release, it remains a staple that still comes to mind when people think of graduation songs.
a word on the windtayori
This song, performed by the music unit tayori—comprised of vocalist isui and composers tazuneru and raku—depicts a step forward toward the future.
The lyrics, which reflect on cherished memories and portray each person taking their own first steps into what lies ahead, are a perfect fit for graduation scenes.
You can feel an overall refreshing atmosphere in the brisk pacing of the sound and the grand build-up toward the chorus.
The combination of lyrics that urge us to move forward with our accumulated memories in our hearts and this fresh sound evokes a positive emotion, as if wishing happiness for everyone’s future.
Thank youikimonogakari
This is a song by Ikimono-gakari that portrays someone straightforwardly expressing gratitude to someone important to them.
It was also used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, so it may be a song known across a wide range of generations.
The way it conveys thanks in unpretentious words is moving, and it might prompt you to remember the gratitude you hold within yourself.
It’s a perfect song for graduation ceremonies, as it lets you feel the gratitude that has accumulated over time and also conveys a sense of a shared future—walking forward together from here on.
Youth DiaryRyukku to soine gohan
An impressive song that beautifully balances the fresh innocence of first love with the bittersweetness of parting.
It’s a track from the album “Seishun Nikki,” released in March 2020 while Ryoku to Soinen Gohan were still in high school, and it’s filled with down-to-earth feelings born from the members’ real experiences.
From small everyday moments to farewells with friends and the courage to take a new step, the delicate emotions of youth are portrayed alongside refreshing guitar sounds.
In March 2023, it was featured in a tie-in with the online learning service Study Sapuri’s video for graduates, “Genzai Chiten.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to at life’s turning points, such as advancing to higher education or starting a job.
GraduationOzaki Yutaka
With its raw emotions of youth and soaring vocals that strike the heart, “Sotsugyo” is a song that looks back on school memories and gives you the courage to move forward.
Since its release by Yutaka Ozaki in 1985, it has continued to be loved by those wrestling with the unique struggles and anxieties of youth.
Many will likely relate to its message of graduating from everything you’ve experienced—even if you had falling-outs with friends or got defensive with teachers.
Why not sing it on graduation day, as you look back and see each school memory shining brightly?
Sakura, Bloom!arashi
A signature graduation song by Arashi, also well-known for being featured in commercials.
Although it was released in 2005, it remains a beloved classic among fans.
Rather than a bittersweet graduation tune, it’s a bright, positive song that celebrates and cheers on those embarking on a new chapter in life.
It’s not just for graduates—this is truly a quintessential Japanese youth anthem that supports everyone taking on new challenges.