Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

My friend—now and forever…Ketsumeishi85rank/position

Friend(s), from here on and forever... / Ketsumeishi

On graduation day, taking a moment to look back on the memories and bonds you’ve shared with friends is truly irreplaceable.

Released in April 2016, this song by Ketsumeishi is a perfect friendship anthem for just such a scene.

Written as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World,” it resonates with vows to remain friends for decades to come and a message of supporting each other in tough times.

From its piano intro that builds with strings to a chorus that surges with feeling, the arrangement creates a sense of uplift worthy of a new beginning.

Even children anxious about parting ways will, upon hearing this song, find their feelings transform into a firm belief that “we’ll always be together from here on out.”

KanadeSukima Suichi86rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This is one of Sukima Switch’s signature ballads, the kind you want to listen to when the season of farewells arrives.

Released as a single in March 2004, it’s also well known as an insert song for the film “Rough” and as the ending theme on the final day of the 2006 “Nettō Kōshien.” The lyrics, set to a wistful melody, portray parting with someone important while holding on to hope for the future.

Many listeners are surely moved by its message of a strong bond that keeps people connected through song even when they’re apart.

Featured on the album “Natsugumo Noise,” it has remained beloved and has been covered by many artists.

It’s a song perfect for spring, when life changes—whether you’re taking a new step forward or looking back nostalgically on your youth.

LaughterOfisharu Higedan Dism87rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Laughter [Official Video]

There’s also a recommended cheer-up song among Official HIGE DANDism’s tracks! This song tells the story of a bird named Laughter, who breaks out of its cage and soars into the open sky.

Even though it knows there may be various hardships once it leaves the cage, Laughter musters the courage to reach the place it’s aiming for—an image that overlaps with new students about to enter school and dive into a new environment.

Released in July 2020, the song was also used as the theme for the film The Confidence Man JP: Princess.

It’s a perfect track for sending encouragement to freshmen starting a new chapter while carrying some anxiety.

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster88rank/position

“Someday These Tears Will” – Little Glee Monster

This is a song filled with a hopeful wish that the tears shed from frustration and pain will one day turn into strength that supports you.

It was released in December 2017 by Little Glee Monster, a music group known for their powerful vocals and beautiful harmonies, and was selected as the support song for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It was later included on the album “juice,” released in January 2018.

The song carries a message that the days spent with someone precious can lead to hope for the future.

Why not gather everyone together and deliver a warm chorus?

THANXWANIMA89rank/position

WANIMA- THANX(OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A gem of a message song that powerfully sings of gratitude and farewell.

The members of WANIMA convey their straightforward thanks, gently supporting warm feelings toward loved ones and the courage to take a new step forward.

Featured on the album “Are You Coming?” released in November 2015, this track captures many listeners’ hearts with its exhilarating sound and resonant lyrics.

It’s also a perfect choice to enhance a speech expressing thanks to friends and hope for the future.

parallel linesEve × suis from Yorushika90rank/position

Parallel Lines – Eve × suis from Yorushika MV

A collaborative song by Eve and suis from Yorushika that sings of the end of youth and a new beginning.

Released in February 2021, it was used as the theme song for Lotte’s Ghana Chocolate.

The warm tones of guitar and piano create a calm, uplifting feeling.

Eve’s vocals and suis’s clear voice blend beautifully, producing a harmony that lingers in the heart.

While depicting unfulfilled feelings and bittersweetness, it’s a song that gives you the courage to express feelings that haven’t changed.

Listen to it on graduation day as you look back on the days spent with friends.

It will surely help you step forward with a smile.

Something CertainOda Kazumasa91rank/position

Something Certain

Kazumasa Oda, a singer-songwriter whose clear, transparent voice has remained unchanged since his Off Course days, continues to be loved across generations.

This work is a superb ballad, featuring a gentle, piano-centered sound and lyrics that ask universal questions about love, resonating deeply in the heart.

Released as a single in May 2005, it has long been cherished as the corporate commercial song for Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance.

Many people have likely felt their hearts stirred by the moving visuals that played alongside publicly submitted photographs.

Its warm message, wishing happiness for someone important, makes it perfect for a farewell party sending off friends embarking on a new path.