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

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48 has led the Japanese idol scene with the concept of “idols you can go meet.” Selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asadora “Asa ga Kita,” this piece, though included as a coupling track on their 42nd single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby” released in December 2015, has become a beloved classic across generations.

Its gentle, acoustic guitar-centered sound and lyrics about the importance of moving forward at your own pace softly resonate with listeners.

A mixed three-part choral arrangement has also been created, making it a staple repertoire for school events and graduation ceremonies.

It’s a fitting ballad for new beginnings, tenderly encouraging those who feel anxious about taking their first steps.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

A song produced as the official cheer anthem for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Rather than irresponsibly telling people who are striving to “hang in there,” it carries a message that every single day is a miracle, including the experiences of broken dreams and discouragement.

It sensitively portrays the feelings of acknowledging differences between oneself and others and the resolve to move forward despite anxiety, leaving listeners with a refreshing, positive outlook—an ode to life.

In 2022, an orchestral arrangement was featured as the song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate commercial, drawing renewed attention as a track that supports exam takers.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those marking the milestone of graduation or standing on the brink of a new challenge.

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Live Video from “ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019”]

The things that really matter are never taught to you.

“Seikai” (The Right Answer), which brilliantly captures the worries of youth, is a song I especially hope those setting out on a new path will listen to.

Included on RADWIMPS’ 2018 release ANTI ANTI GENERATION, its lyrics—urging you to search for answers you won’t find in any textbook—truly resonate.

It was also performed with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds on NHK’s “RADWIMPS 18-sai,” making it a song that expresses the genuine feelings of students.

With its grand, piano-driven sound and Yojiro Noda’s gentle vocals, it’s sure to give a soft push to anyone graduating.

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SignalWANIMA

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

It’s okay to be unfinished—let’s line up shoulder to shoulder and start running.

With that straightforward message that hits you right in the heart, this WANIMA song is one I’d love people at a turning point to hear.

Released in January 2018 on their major-label first full album “Everybody!!,” it was written specifically for NHK General’s large-scale project “18-sai Matsuri (18 Fes).” Born from the special experience of building a stage together with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds gathered from across Japan, the song vividly portrays the feelings of young people facing anxiety and uncertainty about the future, while its lyrics give you the courage to move forward.

It was also used in Lotte’s “Sou” commercial, reaching many people alongside a spot featuring Suzu Hirose.

At the milestone of graduation, it will gently nudge those who want to take a step forward in their own way.

Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī

Farewell, Youth

Chatmonchy is a rock band from Tokushima Prefecture that had a major influence on later generations of girl bands.

This song, included on their major-label debut mini-album “chatmonchy has come” released in November 2005, features lyrics by Kumiko Takahashi and music by Eriko Hashimoto.

Set against the thick, stripped-down sound unique to a three-piece band, it carefully depicts the emotional wavering that comes before graduation.

The lyrics capture the moment you realize that familiar places and everyday life were actually special all along—something that’s sure to resonate with many listeners.

In 2007, it was used as the CM song for Recruit Holdings’ “Sotsu-ome Project 2007,” cementing its presence as a graduation song.

It’s an emotional rock number recommended for anyone who feels caught between the end of youth and the first steps into something new.

Ah, the days of youthyuzu

Yuzu “Ah, The Days of Youth” MUSIC VIDEO

Yuzu’s ninth single, released in May 2000, became their first to reach No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, making it one of their signature songs.

While pushing the driving force of a band sound to the forefront, it also showcases the duo’s standout harmonies.

The lyrics portray former friends and first loves each walking their own path in life, while straightforwardly singing of the memories of youth that remain deep in the heart.

It resonates with a message of moving forward even as relationships change with the passage of time.

The song is also included on the album “Tobira” and the best-of collection “Yuzu Iroha 1997–2017,” and it has been loved for many years.

With its strength to look back on student days without standing still, it’s a perfect track for a graduation scene that marks a new first step.

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video

While commanding a solid presence as an actor, Mone Kamishiraishi is also highly acclaimed as an artist for her clear, translucent singing voice.

Released in January 2022, this work was written and composed by Naotaro Moriyama and was selected as the support song for the 100th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Specially written to mark the milestone 100th edition, it became a grand ballad that overlaps the images of youths sprinting through their limited time and the feelings of those who watch over them.

It carefully depicts not only victory and glory, but also the resolve to move forward despite doubt and vulnerability—sentiments that will surely resonate deeply with anyone facing the milestone of graduation.

It’s a perfect number for those who poured their all into club activities, or who are looking back on days spent with teammates as they take a new step forward.