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

Gray and Blue (feat. Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

With its beautiful and ephemeral sound, “Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)” is a song that matches the sentimental feelings of those graduating.

Released by Kenshi Yonezu in 2017, it features Masaki Suda—an actor and singer who excels in both—as a guest vocalist.

Their voices are gentle yet tinged with loneliness, and the lyrics delicately depict small everyday scenes.

Even when the days of shared laughter become part of the past, we want to carry them as good memories at graduation.

This song reminds us that, someday when we look back, it can be a source of strength.

Be sure to listen to it for your graduation ceremony.

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mutō

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Us Again (Brass Band ver.)SG

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

This piece sings of partings in youth and the anticipation of new encounters.

Its heartwarming arrangement, highlighted by the brilliant tones of a wind ensemble, conveys a sense of youthfulness and freshness.

It’s actually used as a CM song by Otsuka Pharmaceutical to cheer on exam-takers.

It’s a song that stays close to you at those moments when you step into a new stage of life—like graduations or entrance exams.

SG’s gentle vocals and the rich resonance of the wind ensemble give listeners a soft push forward.

As a supportive anthem, it gently accompanies and encourages many people at heart.

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

Ai Kawashima’s “Tabidachi no Hi ni…” has been sung by many students as a graduation song.

Released in 2006 as a double A-side single together with “Dear,” this track is the original version of I WiSH’s “Ashita e no Tobira,” for which Ai Kawashima served as the vocalist.

While the melody is the same, the content depicts the journey through student life leading up to the day of the graduation ceremony.

With lyrics that vividly portray days spent with friends, it’s no wonder graduating students find it highly relatable.

Try listening to it while reflecting on your own memories.

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SAKI

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bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

Originally written and composed by Seikaikan Ozaki of CreepHyp as the 2018 FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS campaign song, this track features poignant lyrics that overlay the falling of cherry blossoms with parting, resonating with the feelings of many graduates.

The scenes of looking back on the past—like memories left between the pages of a book you stopped reading—are deeply moving, yet the song still depicts a determination to face forward.

Included on the album “Nakitaku Naru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” it’s an up-tempo, fast-paced number that, strangely enough, lifts your spirits as you listen.

A perfect song for graduation season, where the sadness of farewell mingles with hope for the future.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

This is a moving ballad by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, known for his surf music-inspired sound.

It portrays not only the sadness of parting, but also gratitude for having met and hope for meeting again, gently wrapping listeners’ hearts in warmth.

The scene of waving and saying “see you” along the usual tree-lined street is enough to make your chest tighten, isn’t it? The song is included on the album “Slow & Easy,” released in May 2015.

In its lyrics, you can feel the protagonist’s strong resolve to step into the future as the seasons change.

It’s a perfect track to accompany a montage that looks back on memories with dear friends at the moment of graduation—be sure to give it a listen.

cherry blossomKobukuro

Kobukuro – Sakura (30-second ver.)

Many people may find that this melody brings back memories of their graduation ceremony.

“Sakura,” a staple graduation song by Kobukuro, is a single released in 2005.

Kobukuro is a male musical duo active since 1998.

They have released numerous hit songs, and among them, “Sakura” ranks as their second best-selling single after “Tsubomi.” It has been widely used in tie-ins and covered by many artists, making it a popular track.

As a classic frequently sung at choir competitions and graduation ceremonies, it continues to be loved by people to this day.

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nikki

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cherry blossomFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Sakura”

This moving piece conveys feelings of gratitude—often too embarrassing to say out loud—in straightforward words.

The song is the 10th single released in February 2009 by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, who gained popularity with a style that fuses J-pop and hip-hop.

Set against the season of spring, it beautifully portrays the sadness of parting and the hope for the future.

Just listening brings back days spent with friends and makes your heart swell, doesn’t it? Also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 3,” the track was used as the image song for Nippon TV’s “Yokohama International Women’s Ekiden FINAL.” Pair it with photos or videos of memories with friends, and you’ll create an emotionally resonant story post.

It’s the perfect song to color your most precious moments.