For Your Karaoke Picks! Recommended Graduation Songs Sung by Male Artists [2026]

When I turn around…Janne Da Arc

Janne Da Arc – If I Turn Around…

If you’re in your 30s or older, you probably know this as a classic graduation song: released in February 2006 as Janne Da Arc’s 25th single.

It was chosen as the theme song for the film HIRAKATA, in which the band members also appeared, and has the story of being officially recorded and released in response to passionate fan requests—a renowned ballad.

The song expresses the pain of parting with dear friends and a forward-looking message of meeting again with a smile someday, resulting in a nostalgic and grand rock number.

Yasu’s expansive vocals and the heart-stirring melody are sure to bring listeners to tears.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing with all your heart as you look back on memories together during the season of farewells!

If I Could Become a StarMr.Children

If I Could Become a Star by Mr.Children

This Mr.

Children song gives a powerful push to those standing at a crossroads, leaving the familiar town behind to chase their dreams.

It’s a track from their second album, “Kind of Love,” released in December 1992.

Though not a single, it enjoys immense popularity among fans as a live staple.

It was also used as an insert song in the 1994 drama “Wakamono no Subete,” profoundly stirring the hearts of young people at the time.

The lyrics, which convey a strong resolve to leap into a new world while carrying loneliness, quietly set listeners’ hearts ablaze.

It’s the perfect song to belt out at karaoke during farewell season, pledging to reunite with friends someday.

ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Chessboard [Official Video]

This medium-tempo number likens the grand stage of life to a black-and-white game board, celebrating the beauty of moving forward step by step, even in uncertainty.

Created by the four-piece piano pop band Official HIGE DANDism, the song is included on their double A-side single released in September 2023.

It was written as the required piece for the Junior High School Division of the 90th NHK National School Music Competition and was also performed at the 74th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The lyrics, which evoke searching for one’s role on a game board, gently encourage graduates as they take flight into a new world.

The dramatic structure—characterized by choral harmonies and repeated key changes—stirs the heart.

At karaoke, we recommend joining voices with friends and singing it on a grand scale!

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

Formed in Hiroshima, bokula.

is a four-piece rock band that made their major debut in 2023, weaving the swaying emotions of youth into down-to-earth words.

“By My Friend” is included on their second mini-album, ‘Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.’, released in May 2022.

As of December 2025, the music video has surpassed 2.6 million views on YouTube, earning fervent support especially among junior and senior high school students.

Its lyrics, which portray friendship, parting, and the preciousness of time that never returns, are sure to resonate deeply with those standing at the milestone of graduation.

It’s an emotional rock tune that fosters a powerful sense of unity—so much so that massive sing-alongs with the audience have become a live-show staple.

Link arms with your friends and belt it out at karaoke, and any sadness will blow away—guaranteeing an unforgettable memory!

Dream Deliverynaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi “Yume Watashi” ~from Naniwa Danshi First Arena Tour 2021 #NaniwaDanshiShikaKatan~

Naniwa Danshi is a sparkling, Kansai-born idol group brimming with charm.

The song they perform here is a heartwarming mid-tempo number that was selected as the 2021 “ABC Summer High School Baseball Support Song” and the theme for “Netto Koshien.” It was also included on their single “Ubu Love,” released in November 2021, and their album “1st Love,” released in July 2022.

The lyrics portray dreams that can be realized precisely because you’re not alone and the preciousness of connecting feelings with your companions—making it perfectly suited to the milestone of graduation.

Sing it at karaoke with friends who are setting off on different paths, and the flood of memories will surely give you courage.

It’s a song that gently nudges you forward as you take a new step.

spring skySuzuki Suzuki

【Graduation】Spring Sky – Suzuki Suzuki【Official Music Video】

A ballad that wraps the bittersweetness of graduation season and the hope of new beginnings in beautifully synchronized harmonies.

Sung by the brother duo Suzuki Suzuki, who rose to prominence through their activities on TikTok and YouTube, “Haruzora” is a single released in February 2022.

Depicting the wavering emotions of leaving one’s hometown to move to Tokyo, the song resonates perfectly with both the anxieties and expectations that come with a changing environment.

It’s also included on the album “313,” and the music video drew attention for featuring popular creators such as the Espoir Tribe.

A song that makes you want to look up at the spring sky and express your gratitude to friends you’ll be apart from.

It gently pushes those setting off for a new place, making it a great recommendation for farewells or as the closing song at karaoke!

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Yuuri “Sakurabare” Lyric Music Video (1-chorus ver.)

A song that highlights Yuuri’s heartrending vocals that resonate deep in the heart.

It expresses the complex emotions of people facing graduation, carried by the warm tones of piano and strings.

The lyrics, richly poetic in their gratitude toward family and friends, are sure to strike a chord with many.

Released digitally in February 2021, this work is Yuuri’s first graduation song.

The backstory—that it was created in response to an email from a fan—further enhances its appeal.

It’s also perfect for karaoke; sing it with your feelings for someone special, and it will surely become a memorable moment.