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

Best FriendKiroro

Kiroro 「Best Friend」 Music Video (Short ver.)

This is the 10th single by Kiroro, a female duo formed by high school classmates known for numerous hit songs such as “Nagaisakan” (“Nagui Aida”/“A Long Time”) and “Mirai e.” Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan and performed at the 52nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, it’s likely a tune many have heard.

The lyrics, which express gratitude to a friend who shared their youth, resonate powerfully at graduation ceremonies.

With gentle vocals and piano tones that color an unchanging friendship, it’s a number you’ll especially want to hear at graduation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

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.

Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

It’s a bittersweet yet powerful song by Mafumafu that delicately portrays farewells and new encounters arriving with the breath of spring.

Memories and regrets from school days, along with hopes for the future, are spun through a clear, transparent voice, seeping into the heart alongside scenes of falling cherry blossoms.

Included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” the track was released in October 2019 and was also used as the theme song for the website “Shonen Janmaga Gakuen.” Its emotional melody and driving rhythm leave a strong impression, gently encouraging those taking a new step in spring.

It resonates even more deeply when listened to at the start of a new chapter or during graduation season.

orchestraBiSH

BiSH / Orchestra [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Bish’s “Orchestra” captures the freshness of youth through music overflowing with a sense of speed.

Bish debuted in 2015 with the tagline “a punk band without instruments.” This track, from their 2016 first album, uses a dramatic progression and structure to express the bittersweetness of parting in one’s youth.

Graduation season brings an end to the time spent together and the everyday moments we took for granted.

The time for a farewell you can’t go back from eventually arrives—but precisely because of that, it makes you look back and realize how irreplaceable that era was.

It’s an emotional number that evokes those feelings.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

nikki

Report a problem

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

Known by the nickname “Littleguri,” Little Glee Monster is a female vocal group whose beautiful harmonies over upbeat pop tracks captivate listeners.

This is their second double A-side single.

The sprightly piano, delicate string arrangement, and powerful vocals feel like they’re celebrating students as they head into graduation.

While looking positively toward a new departure, the lyrics also express a touch of loneliness—an emotion many people may feel during the special moment of a graduation ceremony.

It’s a perfect number for graduates who, despite the ache of parting, want to say goodbye with a smile among friends.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

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

Friend ~Time of Departure~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

This is the 38th single by Yuzu, a folk duo known as pioneers among street-born musicians with numerous hit songs, including “Eikou no Kakehashi.” Written for all the staff who supported their tour after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the song is also known for being arranged as the required piece for the middle school division of the 80th NHK National School Music Competition.

Its message to friends embarking on their own new paths helps reaffirm bonds on the stage of graduation.

Carrying indelible memories of student days in our hearts, it’s a graduation song that celebrates a new beginning.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem