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

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!

Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy – Farewell, Youth – Zepp Osaka 2008

A girls’ band that showed a glimpse of their talent even before their debut by winning the Grand Prix at the 2004 Tokushima Hana-Haru Band Contest: Chatmonchy.

This track, included on their debut mini-album “chatmonchy has come,” features piano and melodica—timbres that evoke school music classes and stir a sense of nostalgia.

The lyrics make you realize that every part of the ordinary, everyday life that passed so naturally during your school days was actually special—something you may only truly feel when the day of graduation arrives.

It’s a lyrical graduation song that resonates with the emotions swaying between youth and adulthood.

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Hoshino Takashi

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proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

Let me introduce a song that will uplift your graduation ceremony with its moving, resonant strings.

“Akashi” by flumpool, released in 2011, was featured in the 78th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

It’s a song that makes you want to look forward and move on after overcoming hardships and tears.

Vocalist Ryuta Yamamura’s voice rings out beautifully with a healing quality that seems to soothe wounds.

The lyrics, which make you realize that the time you spent with friends—laughing together as if it were only natural—was truly irreplaceable, are deeply moving.

This track, which brings back memories of time spent with loved ones at the moment of graduation, is perfect for closing out your youth.

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mutō

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I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

Spitz’s “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“We Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky”) is a song that makes you feel you can do your best starting tomorrow because of the days you’ve spent with your friends.

Released in 1994, it was used as the theme song for the drama Hakusen Nagashi.

Its lyrics convey the joy of meeting precious friends and the strength they’ve given you—enough to make you feel that no matter how anxious you may be about the future, you’ll be okay.

If you’re going through something tough, let’s support each other again—keep that feeling in your heart and try listening to it with your friends.

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SAKI

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MemoriesNakanoke no Itsutsugo

Memories

If you’re looking for an anime song to stay by your side in that heart-swelling moment on graduation day, I recommend this one.

Featured on the EP “Quintessential Smiles EP,” released in September 2024 as a theme song for The Quintessential Quintuplets*, it’s sung by the five Nakano sisters.

Their layered harmonies are packed with the bonds forged by friends who have shared the same time together.

This song doesn’t just dwell on nostalgia—it warmly affirms that the days you’ve accumulated have shaped who you are now.

After-school laughter with friends, the challenges you overcame together, each casual conversation—while holding those treasure-like memories close, you’ll find the courage to take a new step forward.

For everyone standing at the milestone of graduation, give it a listen when you want to savor the preciousness of the time spent with your companions.

GarnetOku Hanako

Hanako Oku / Garnet (Solo Performance) [Music Video]

A moving ballad that brings to mind scene after scene from student days—the sprinting figures on the field, casual after-school conversations, lines of handwriting in a notebook.

Released in 2006 as Hanako Oku’s fourth single, it reached a wide audience as the theme song for director Mamoru Hosoda’s animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

It’s a celebrated classic that also won the Heisei Anime Song Award for Best Film Theme.

In simple words, it conveys both the ache of time slipping away and gratitude for the encounters that made one stronger.

Even if we are separated, those days will never fade.

That message resonates deeply, making it a perfect song for the milestone of a graduation ceremony.

It’s a piece we especially hope junior high school students will sing as they engrave memories with friends in their hearts and take their first steps forward.

determinationSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Determination” MV

It’s a song filled with a resonant vocal performance and a powerful message.

The lyrics, which cheer on people standing at life’s crossroads, are memorable and give you the courage to trust your decisions and move forward.

It teaches the importance of turning anxiety and doubt into positive energy—a true youth anthem of encouragement.

Released in November 2023, it was also featured in a commercial for Morinaga’s in Jelly Energy Glucose.

SUPER BEAVER’s soulful performance and vocals gently push listeners forward.

It’s a perfect track for students approaching graduation and for anyone about to take a new step.