Popular Entrance/School Admission Song Rankings [2026]

Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki22rank/position

Tohku Tohku

Since its release in 1992, “Tōku Tōku” has been cherished as a classic school entrance song.

It’s a track that Noriyuki Makihara wrote for a friend living in a distant town.

While it may include terms unfamiliar to teenagers—like pay phones—the song’s portrayal of beautiful friendship makes it easy to relate to.

Incidentally, Makihara has recorded the song twice as a self-cover.

It can be fun to compare those versions.

Also worth noting: a track that sampled this song drew attention at the end of 2022.

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Ten Thousand Cheers, A Thousand ChantsRADWIMPS23rank/position

RADWIMPS – Banzai Thousand Chants [Official Live Video from “ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019”]

RADWIMPS delivered a cheer song created together with 18-year-olds.

Filled with both anxiety and hope for an unseen future, this piece—woven with Yojiro Noda’s resonant words and melodies—gently gives a push to those about to take a new step forward.

It was first performed on a special NHK program in October 2018 and later included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION released that December.

The stage, shared with 1,000 18-year-olds gathered from across the country, became a moving moment born from the real voices of youth.

It’s a song we hope not only students striving toward their dreams, but everyone starting a new chapter will listen to.

It will fill you with the courage to face forward and begin walking.

Before the departureWANIMA24rank/position

WANIMA 'Before the Departure' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This is a support song from WANIMA dedicated to everyone taking a new step forward.

It warmly conveys the greatness of getting back up again and again, and the importance of turning past failures and regrets into strength for the future.

WANIMA’s hallmark upbeat sound overflows with a refreshing energy that makes your body sway before you know it.

Released digitally in April 2021, the song was also chosen as the theme for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ “Fight! Kyushu” project.

It’s a track that gently gives a push to those starting a new chapter or facing challenges right now.

MasterpieceSCANDAL25rank/position

SCANDAL “Masterpiece” / Masterpiece – Music Video

A SCANDAL track whose powerful rock sound resonates in the heart.

Featured as the ending theme for STV’s show “Netsuretsu! Hot Sand!” and in a commercial for Fashion World Nishimura, this song was released in March 2019 on their own private label, her.

With lyrics about the courage to take on challenges and the importance of self-expression, it’s sure to encourage anyone feeling anxious ahead of entrance ceremonies or a new chapter in life.

The blend of powerful vocals and energetic performance makes it a perfect anthem to give you the courage to dive into a new environment.

In this season when spring is in the air, it’s a song we especially recommend to those taking their first steps forward.

Let’s get started.Remioromen26rank/position

Remioromen - Now, Let's Begin [Music Video]

After a long recharge period, they’re finally back.

Released in February 2026 as Remioromen’s first new song in about 15 years, this track rings out with the joy of their restart and hope for the future.

It opens the best-of album “SINGLES BEST+,” released in March, and their renewed collaboration with Takeshi Kobayashi blends the band’s signature warmth with a sense of speed.

Ryota Fujimaki’s expansive vocals and the breezy, springlike melody line blow away anxieties about new beginnings and give you the courage to move forward.

In the season of school admissions, when anticipation and nerves mingle, it’s a reliable companion that gently gives you a push.

It’s a must-listen for everyone opening a new door.

voiceikimonogakari27rank/position

Ikimono-gakari - Koe

Ikimono-gakari, who have kicked off activities under their new lineup and are drawing attention through each member’s individual endeavors, wrote a new song as the anthem for the collaboration project “#CheeringIsASportThatDeliversFeelings” with the student sports support community service ANYTEAM.

The track was produced to coincide with 2023, when vocal cheering—restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic—was finally permitted again.

The lyrics capture both the feelings of those who cheer and the emotions of those being cheered on, making it a perfect fit for a student festival where youths are giving it their all.

With a refreshing melody and beat infused with a message that encourages proactive positivity, it’s a poppy, high-energy tune that adds color to the event.

New EraAdo28rank/position

[Ado] New Genesis (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

Created as the theme song for the film ONE PIECE FILM RED, this track fuses Ado’s powerful vocals with Yasutaka Nakata’s sophisticated production.

The technopop tune, infused with 80s-style synth sounds, brims with energy as if heralding the dawn of a new era.

Its lyrics, packed with messages of hope for the future and transformation, resonate strongly with listeners.

Released as a digital-only single in June 2022, it garnered high acclaim on various music charts.

It’s a perfect song for those seeking the courage to dive into a new environment or wanting to believe in their own potential.