[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)
It doesn’t meltmakaroni enpitsu
A rock song by Macaroni Empitsu, a band with the unusual background of all its members having graduated from music college.
Included on their debut mini-album “You Can’t Use Magic Without Knowing Love,” it’s a rock number whose laid-back shuffle beat and dramatic song structure linger in your ears.
The lyrics capture the youthful struggle of knowing something in your head but not being able to reconcile it with your feelings, while also conveying the bonds with friends who have stayed connected nonetheless—making it a song that may bring your school days flashing back on graduation day.
It’s a moving graduation song that vividly depicts the process of growing into adulthood.
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
A March 2019 song by Macaroni Empitsu that speaks to cherishing every moment of youth.
Written specifically for McDonald’s 500-yen Value Set, the track carries a message that resonates deeply with young listeners.
The music video features actress Nana Mori and was filmed in Hattori’s hometown of Yamanashi.
Its refreshing, comfortable melody and emotional vocals bring out both the light and shadow of school days.
It’s a perfect song to color the moment of graduation—one you’ll want to hear while feeling hope for the future.
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.
[2026] A Collection of Youthful Songs to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [J-POP] (151–160)
Words of FarewellŌhashi Torio
A cover of “Okuru Kotoba,” a song by Kaientai that’s popular as a graduation anthem.
This version, sung by Ohashi Trio, was included on Ohashi’s 2010 album “FAKE BOOK.” With a completely different, chill vibe from the Kaientai original, it gently watches over your graduation.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to say what you want to say—whether to dear friends, teachers, or your parents—at this milestone.
We also recommend singing it yourself, putting your heartfelt feelings into the song.
voiceikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari’s new song is a heartwarming track that portrays both the strong feelings of those who cheer others on and the emotions of those receiving encouragement.
With a refreshing melody and powerful lyrics, it centers on the theme of support in sports.
The song was released digitally in advance in November 2023 and is included on the album “◯,” released in December.
It was written specifically for a student sports support project.
The lyrics foster a sense of unity between supporters and the supported, making it a wonderful song that gives a push to everyone striving toward their dreams and goals.
GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48
AKB48’s 2012 number “GIVE ME FIVE!” is a song that lets you celebrate graduation not with tears, but with a smile.
The title refers to a high five.
At live shows, the members themselves performed the song under the name Baby Blossom.
It doesn’t deny the tears of parting, but conveys a positive message: after you cry, smile and look ahead to the bright future starting tomorrow.
While looking back on various memories of youth, it’s a song that lets you say “See you” to your friends with a smile, not a tear-streaked face, in the end.
THANXWANIMA
THANX is a song by WANIMA, a Japanese rock band formed in 2010, in which they powerfully sing “thank you,” facing forward after overcoming hardship, frustration, and sadness.
Released in 2015, this track is an anthem that encourages people to move toward the future, saying it’s okay even if you’re covered in wounds.
It’s also perfect as a graduation song for the season of farewells, supporting those stepping onto a new stage with the message “It’ll be okay.” The line that says it’s not hearts that are parting, only distance, resonates strongly with anyone facing a goodbye.
