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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Before the departureWANIMA23rank/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.

MasterpieceSCANDAL24rank/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.

voiceikimonogakari25rank/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 EraAdo26rank/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.

to clear up (weather)Yorushika27rank/position

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This track is striking for its refreshing vocals and melodies that feel like they set the heart free.

Through depictions of nature, it expresses emotional highs and lows, layering life’s hopes onto the shift from rain to clear skies.

Yorushika’s characteristically delicate poetic world blends with a translucent sound crafted by synthesizers and guitar.

Released as a digital single in January 2024, it was used as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and also featured in Suntory’s SUI gin web commercial.

This work is a powerful cheering song that gently, warmly nudges you forward as you take a new step.

Give it a listen when you need the courage to look ahead.

Spring SwallowHey! Say! JUMP28rank/position

Hey! Say! JUMP – Spring Swallow [Official Music Video]

A heartwarming song that expresses the feelings of a refreshing new beginning through music has been delivered by Hey! Say! JUMP.

Created by members of sumika, the piece warmly encourages those striving in new environments, using the image of swallows returning in spring.

Also chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Love All Play,” the song is included as one of the tracks on the triple A-side single released in May 2022.

It’s a song for anyone feeling anxious about a new setting, and for those who want to cherish their bonds with friends.