[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] (141–150)
Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro
A song packed with memories of youth deepens the emotion of the graduation ceremony even more.
The lyrics woven by Motohiro Hata gently portray the changing seasons and shifts in human relationships.
The intertwining of the sadness of parting and the hope for a new departure resounds with a melody that sinks into the heart.
Released in March 2019, this piece was written specifically for a TV commercial.
It’s the perfect song for those cherishing their school-day memories while taking a step into the future.
If you listen to it together with your friends on graduation day, it will surely become an unforgettable memory.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
A cheering song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that encourages people graduating and starting a new life tomorrow.
Released in April 2020, the track is included on the album “SINGALONG” and was also featured in the commercial for Dariya’s “Palty Coloring Milk.” It carries the message that by valuing the sense of justice within yourself and supporting others, you ultimately save yourself as well.
It’s a song that blows away anxiety and gives you the courage to face forward.
Haruko Nagaya’s clear, expansive vocals and the uptempo melody resonate deeply.
It might be fun to sing it with friends at the post-graduation party.
JourneyFuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze’s moving masterpiece is a gem that portrays the journey of life.
Its soundscape, where nostalgic breakbeats intertwine with the warm tones of a Wurlitzer, leaves a strong impression.
Released in March 2021, the song was used as the theme for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama “Nijiiro Karte.” It marked Fujii’s first drama tie-in and reached No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Download Chart.
It’s a perfect song for graduates looking back on their youthful days while taking a step toward the future.
The music video, filmed in his hometown of Satosho, Okayama Prefecture, is also a must-see.
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.
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.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK’s songs have gained popularity not only in Japan but overseas as well, and the band has now become one of Japan’s representative rock acts.
This track, included on their fifth album “Zankyo Reference,” is said to be titled after the initials of a friend of the band members.
The lyrics capture the moment you realize that the seemingly endless days of student life are coming to an end, and they tell you that some things won’t change even as you move on to new paths—perhaps a message you can only truly feel after some time has passed since graduation.
It’s a rock tune that colors the milestone of a graduation ceremony, one you’ll want to listen to while savoring the youthful days etched in your heart.
Bond.haji→
“Kizuna,” Haj→’s 2016 track, sings about an unbreakable bond with friends.
The ties that grew stronger as you played together and encouraged each other in tough times won’t vanish even after graduation.
It’s a song that reaffirms your resolve to always cherish those precious friends—true best friends with whom you feel at ease, who lift your spirits, and for whom you want to be a source of strength no matter what.
If you’re anxious about being apart from your friends, try listening to it together and reaffirm your bond.
