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

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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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.

youthJUN SKY WALKER(S)

JUN SKY WALKER(S) – Youth [2008.10.26]

The 2008 track “Seishun” by JUN SKY WALKER(S) brilliantly colors the many youthful days I’ve lived through.

Youth isn’t only fun and full of good things; it’s also filled with hardships and sadness.

But no matter what happened, this song makes me feel, when I look back, that it was all worth it.

Behind that feeling of “I’m glad it happened” are, of course, friends, my own hard work, and the support of many people—teachers, parents, and more.

It’s a song that lets you look back on everything and, without worrying about embarrassment, have a good, cathartic cry.

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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.

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.

possibilitySambomasutā

Sambomaster “Possibility” MUSIC VIDEO — short version

Sambomaster’s “Potential” cheers you on to face the future without easily setting limits and to give it your all.

It’s included on their 2015 album “Sambomaster and You.” The dream you’ve chosen as “This is it!” can be shaken by little things that make you lose confidence.

But that’s exactly why you shouldn’t give up so easily—once you’ve decided, throw yourself into it with everything you’ve got! On graduation day, try listening to or singing this song with the friends and classmates who shared your youth, to fire yourselves up for what’s next.

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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!

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