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

We’re foreverKOGYARU

KOGYARU / We Forever [Official Music Video]

KOGYARU is a music project that’s drawn attention with the novel concept of “elementary-school gyaru,” captivating fans with genuinely skilled rap.

Their ninth original track, “Uchira Forever,” released in February 2026, is an emotional number with lyrics penned by producer Yayoi Daimon.

Created as a tribute to a member graduating from the group, the lyrics look back on their journey and memories so far, brimming with a powerful message that their bond won’t fade even as they go their separate ways.

The climactic section, where all 14 members’ voices join in chorus, is sure to tug at listeners’ heartstrings.

It’s a warm graduation song that encourages you to overcome loneliness and step forward into a new future.

Unchanging Thingssakushi: yamazaki tomoko / sakkyoku: yamazaki tomoko

The Unchanging Things [Chorus] / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #Chorus #ClassChorus #GraduationSong #ChorusContest

The bonds nurtured during our days at school will never fade, even when we are apart.

This work is a choral piece that carefully weaves together those unchanging feelings.

The lyrics and music are by Tomoko Yamazaki, who has created many beloved songs such as “Taisetsu na Mono” and “Te no Hira o Kazashite.” It was newly written for the collection “Tomoko Yamazaki ~Original Songs~ (Mixed Voices),” published by Ongaku no Tomo Sha in July 2010.

While holding the sorrow of parting, it portrays the resolve to look ahead and take a step forward, set to a sincere and beautiful melody.

Both mixed choir and equal-voice choir versions are available, making it easy to choose according to the size and composition of your school.

Sung at graduations, farewell ceremonies, and other moments of parting from those dear to you, it will etch gratitude for the time spent together—and the bonds that will remain unchanged—into your hearts.

German irisHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “German Iris” Music Video

We all have those memories from our youth—walking past flowers by the roadside without even knowing their names, feelings we never quite managed to express.

Hinatazaka46’s new work sets those unfinished emotions and the moment of graduation—one chapter ending—against a beautiful mid-tempo melody.

It’s the first original song for the 5th generation, included on the single “Love yourself!” released in May 2025.

With the center Aimi Ono and the other members delivering raw, wistful vocals, the song gently wraps around those wordless feelings deep in your heart.

Its blue-themed visual world also drew attention.

It’s a song that will stay close to you when you want to pause in the season of farewells and look back, or when you need courage to take a new step forward.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

Formed in 2013, the Japanese rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “Shunshū” is a perfect number for the spring graduation season.

The song’s title uses the word shunshū, which conveys the bittersweet melancholy of spring, and its lyrics express feelings about leaving student life behind as well as anxieties about the future to come—making it fitting for graduates who are just about to leap into what lies ahead.

Sung warmly at a relaxed tempo, “Shunshū” is also cherished as a graduation song.

It’s a youthful track you’ll want to hear in this season of farewells and new beginnings.

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nikki

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See you.o nyanko kurabu

See you.

When it comes to graduation season, while many songs are tear-jerking ballads, this track—with its exuberantly bright and breezy melody coloring the farewell—gave us a fresh shock back then, didn’t it? Released in February 1986 as Onyanko Club’s third single, it was created to mark member Miharu Nakajima’s graduation and became a massive hit, earning the group their first No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

The upbeat message penned by Yasushi Akimoto has the power to turn the sadness of parting into smiles.

It was also used in dramas like NHK’s Asadora Amachan as a song emblematic of the ’80s.

Play it at a class reunion with old classmates or on a springtime drive, and the after-school scenes of those nostalgic days are sure to come vividly back to life!

Thank youSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Arigatou” MV (Band ver.)

Words you want to say to someone important—why not try expressing them at your graduation through this song? Released by SUPER BEAVER in 2014, “Arigatou” features lyrics full of messages that make you want to thank everyone: the friends you met, the teachers who helped you, and so many others.

Their appeal lies in how they set to music the feelings people usually have but struggle to put into words, and sing them with raw emotion.

Looking back, it’s a wonderful number that helps you realize how many people supported you during your youth.

Why not listen to this song as a chance to express your gratitude to the people you met during your school life?

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mutō

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Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

DISH// is a four-member dance-rock band whose members are also expanding their careers as actors.

Released in 2021 as their 14th single and used as the theme song for the TV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” this track drew attention as a co-written piece by vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

The lyrics express gratitude to the important people who always support us and the sense of security that comes from having a place to return to—sentiments that resonate with graduates facing both anxiety and anticipation.

The lively shuffle beat, inspired by a marching song, may give you the courage to take a new step forward.

How about listening to this classic, also included on the album “TRIANGLE,” on the day of your departure?