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

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.

See you.NEW!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!

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.

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

This song by Hump Back, a three-piece girls band from Osaka, is a heartfelt message to everyone who keeps chasing their dreams.

Its passionate lyrics, urging the self who’s about to forget a once-held dream that it’s not over yet, strike a powerful chord with listeners.

Carried by a simple yet powerful rock sound, and highlighted by Momoko Hayashi’s straight, earnest vocals, this track was their major-label debut single released in June 2018, and it was also used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02.” It’s the perfect song to listen to when parting ways with friends after graduation or when you feel anxious about a new challenge.

It will steady a wavering heart and give you a firm push forward.

Moon in CairoBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Moon in Cairo” Music Video [4K]

This number by “The Blue Sky I Wanted to See” features a melody that seems to dissolve into the crisp winter air.

The lyrics tenderly yet poignantly capture the preciousness of student life on the verge of graduation, layering unspoken words with the warmth of a pocket warmer.

Included as the coupling track to the single “That’s a Fairy,” released in December 2025, this song is performed by the non-selected-member unit “Kumo-gumi,” and the music video drew attention for spotlighting Yua Kudo in the lead role.

Its depictions of savoring the little time that remains will likely resonate with anyone about to set off on a new journey.

It’s a gentle graduation song that gives you a quiet nudge forward amid the winter chill.

Take a pictureNiziU

NiziU(니쥬) 2nd Single 『Take a picture』 MV

Graduation season brings a sudden surge of chances to take photos with friends and partners.

Seeing smiles and scenery through the lens often makes you want to preserve that moment forever.

Bright dance tracks by NiziU are perfect companions for those tender yet warm feelings.

The title track of their single released in April 2021 is also included on the album “U,” and it drew attention as a Coca-Cola commercial song.

The lyrics overflow with a message to treasure this irreplaceable moment and etch it into your heart.

Even if graduation separates you, looking back at the photos will always bring back the sparkle of that time.

When you’re capturing memories with someone special, play this song and snap the perfect shot!

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] A Bouquet for Me

A track by Ado that aired as the commercial song for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Georgia” in March 2025 and became a hot topic.

Written by HoneyWorks, the song carries a positive message that accompanies the start of your morning.

Without rejecting failures or regrets, it embraces who you were yesterday and helps you step into today—a theme of restoring self-affirmation that resonates deeply.

Ado’s powerful yet warm vocals gently give listeners a push forward.

This piece is positioned as a song marking the 5th anniversary of her debut.

If you listen to it on a morning when you feel anxious or lonely, it will give you the strength to affirm who you are today.