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

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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My friend — from here on out, forever…Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

A music group named after a traditional Chinese medicinal herb—associated with “expelling everything”—Ketsumeishi releases their 29th single.

Chosen as the theme song for the animated film Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World, the track features a driving four-on-the-floor kick drum beat and warm string tones that lift the spirits.

Its lyrics, depicting friendships that remain unchanged even after graduation, soothe the anxiety of impending separation.

With a message that our bonds won’t change, so let’s part with a smile for now, it’s a song that brightens graduation ceremonies and gives you a gentle push at life’s crossroads.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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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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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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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SAKI

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Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

A song by Official HIGE DANDism released in October 2019 that you’ll want to listen to during graduation season.

Included on the album “Traveler,” this track captures the emotions born in the space between the end that is graduation and a new beginning, with a melody that is both aching and warm.

It was also used as an insert song for the TV drama “Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (“I Can See You Three More Times”), adding another layer of poignancy when paired with the drama’s scenes.

The gentle brass layered over the band sound is soothing, making it a perfect choice to color the moment of graduation.

The lyrics’ vivid depictions of days spent with friends resonate deeply with students about to graduate.

Give it a listen while reflecting on your own memories.