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

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Sakura

It’s one of the quintessential “sakura songs” you want to listen to when spring arrives.

Virtually synonymous with Naotaro Moriyama, this track was released as a single in March 2003 and sold over a million copies.

Its lyrics superimpose farewells to dear friends and moments of new beginnings onto the image of cherry blossoms that bloom beautifully and fall all too quickly, resonating deeply in the heart.

Beyond the sadness of parting, the song also conveys a warm, resilient strength, pledging to reunite in the future while holding onto unchanging feelings.

It was also beloved as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki.” It’s a classic you’ll want to play on the day of graduation, reminiscing about the days spent with your friends.

parallel linesEve × suis from Yorushika

Parallel Lines – Eve × suis from Yorushika MV

A collaborative song by Eve and suis from Yorushika that sings of the end of youth and a new beginning.

Released in February 2021, it was used as the theme song for Lotte’s Ghana Chocolate.

The warm tones of guitar and piano create a calm, uplifting feeling.

Eve’s vocals and suis’s clear voice blend beautifully, producing a harmony that lingers in the heart.

While depicting unfulfilled feelings and bittersweetness, it’s a song that gives you the courage to express feelings that haven’t changed.

Listen to it on graduation day as you look back on the days spent with friends.

It will surely help you step forward with a smile.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

GReeeeN’s “Michi (Road)” encourages those who feel anxious about graduating and, starting tomorrow, walking their own path alone.

Released in 2007 as their major-label debut single, the song has been featured in numerous TV programs and commercials.

If you’re constantly worried about what lies ahead or about negative words from others, it’s hard to move forward.

This song gives you the strength to step ahead with a firm, “All right, let’s do this!” mindset.

And when you face difficulties, the friends who shared your youth will surely help you.

Picture this song and those friends’ faces, and set off running toward the future!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

March 9Fujimaki Ryota

March 9

Music that gently wraps the days we spent together and our cherished memories is perfect for the start of graduation, isn’t it? This is the solo version by Ryota Fujimaki of the song Remioromen released in March 2004.

Set to a calm tempo, it portrays the radiance of a new beginning.

Through images of cherry blossoms that come to mind when you close your eyes and metaphors of light illuminating the future, it conveys not only the sorrow of parting but also the feelings of setting off on a journey filled with hope.

Originally written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, it became widely known as an insert song in the 2005 Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” This version was released in 2017 as part of Ryota Fujimaki’s solo work.

If you pair it with a message of gratitude or a memory video with friends, it may make those irreplaceable moments even more moving.

I’ll call your name.SUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “I’ll Call Your Name” MV (Theme Song for the Film ‘Tokyo Revengers’)

A four-piece rock band, SUPER BEAVER, known for igniting audiences with passionate lyrics and a straightforward rock sound, delivers their 15th single.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Tokyo Revengers,” the track resonates with a lyrical arrangement and powerful vocals.

Its message—reminding us that the things too obvious to notice are actually the most important—may prompt listeners to reflect on their school days as graduation approaches.

It’s a song that etches those irreplaceable youthful moments into your heart, teaching the value of life and friendship on the verge of graduation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota

Tsumugu / Tota

Tota’s music weaves a fragile yet beautiful world, like a sky shimmering with light.

In this work, the lyrics are striking for how they sing of aching love and hope while interlacing scenes from nature.

Featured on the album “oidaki,” this song has become hugely popular, garnering over 400 million plays on social media.

Released in February 2023, the album also includes other moving tracks like “Kimi ni Yomu.” and “Blue Hawaii.” It’s a song I especially recommend to students facing graduation or anyone who has experienced a heartfelt parting.

Through familiar elements of nature—sky, wind, and flowers—it expresses deep affection and bittersweet longing, and it’s sure to resonate closely with your heart.