Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Sakura SongKANA-BOON92rank/position

KANA-BOON “Sakura no Uta” Music Video

“Sakura no Uta” is a track included on KANA-BOON’s first mini-album, “Boku ga CD wo Dashitara,” released in 2013.

It’s a driving rock tune with bittersweet lyrics that reminisce about memories with you during cherry blossom season, which also coincides with graduation time.

An acoustic version with a slightly slower tempo is included on the 2018 compilation album “KBB vol.1,” and this arrangement might be better suited for guitar-and-vocal performances.

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Hamada Takuya

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Graduation PhotoArai Yumi93rank/position

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

A classic graduation song that has been sung across generations, this number by Yumi Arai was originally released in February 1975 as a song provided to Hi-Fi Set, and then self-covered on her third album, COBALT HOUR, released in June of the same year.

Rather than capturing the moving moments of a graduation ceremony, the lyrics portray the stirring of the heart when, after time has passed, you find yourself opening an old photo.

The contrast between the changing self and the unchanging gaze within the photograph evokes personal memories for each listener.

It was featured in a Kirin Lager Beer commercial in 2007 and in the Fuji TV drama “Sotsu Uta” in 2010, among other appearances, and it continues to be loved over the years.

It’s a song that stands by not only those approaching graduation, but also anyone who wants to quietly look back on days gone by.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa94rank/position

Lord of Major / Precious Things

This is a captivating track featuring a heart-pounding, exhilarating rock sound and passionate lyrics about the bonds between friends.

It’s perfect for spring, when farewells and new encounters intertwine and you want to etch your unchanging feelings into your heart! Released in August 2002 as Road of Major’s indie debut, it stayed in the Oricon Top 10 for an incredible 19 consecutive weeks and sold around 900,000 copies.

It’s a foundational number for the band, also included on the album “ROAD OF MAJOR.” If you’re feeling anxious about a new environment but want to turn cherished memories into strength and move forward, this is a must-listen.

Its warm encouragement is sure to powerfully support your new chapter!

If you laugh at the skywacci95rank/position

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

Let me introduce a motivational song packed with a powerful message: when you feel like crying, look up at the sky and smile.

This track by the five-member band wacci was released digitally in July 2018 and was later included on their album “Gunjo Refrain,” released in November of the same year.

While hard work doesn’t always lead directly to results, the warm perspective that the days you’ve built up are never wasted gently encourages listeners.

Starting in August 2019, it was also selected as the support song for the “Japan Tsunagaru Project” segment on the TV program Mezamashi TV, moving many people alongside the images of those doing their best.

It’s a perfect recommendation for graduation season—an uplifting song that stands by students retiring from club activities and anyone setting out on a new path.

threadNakajima Miyuki96rank/position

thread

This is one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature ballads, likening life’s mysterious encounters to a woven fabric and singing of how those bonds might someday warm someone’s heart.

Originally included on her October 1992 album “EAST ASIA,” it was released as a single in 1998 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Seija no Kōshin,” capturing the hearts of many.

It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Bank Band, and even inspired a film released in 2020, carrying the song across generations.

It’s a perfect listen for graduation season, when farewells and new meetings intersect, and for moments when you want to reflect on the bonds with those you cherish.

With its gentle yet powerful message, this timeless classic gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI97rank/position

EXILE ATSUSHI / “Cherry Blossom Season” MV

This is a heartwarming ballad that accompanies the milestone of graduation, resonating deeply in the heart.

EXILE ATSUSHI’s warm vocals evoke the image of spring with cherry blossoms dancing in the air.

Released in 2014, the song was written as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Over a gentle melody woven by piano and strings, ATSUSHI sings about memories from his junior high school days.

On the graduation day, when anxiety and hope intersect, it will give you the courage to take a new step forward.

In October 2014, he performed it with about 500 junior high school students at NHK Hall, filling the venue with emotion.

It’s a perfect choice as background music for graduation ceremonies or for creating lasting memories.

Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī98rank/position

Chatmonchy – Farewell, Youth – Zepp Osaka 2008

This song, which closes Chatmonchy’s major-label debut mini-album “chatmonchy has come,” released in November 2005, was also used as the CM song for Recruit Holdings’ “Sotsu-ome Project 2007.” The lyrics, which make the everyday commute to school and days spent in the classroom suddenly shine as graduation approaches, carry a heart-wrenching poignancy.

The sound, blending the loneliness of parting with anxiety about the future, is sure to resonate deeply not only with students about to set off on their next journey, but also with adults who feel nostalgic for their youth.

It’s a track that lets you rediscover the preciousness of ordinary days.