Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro76rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

This heartwarming medium-tempo ballad sung by Motohiro Hata reminds us that parting isn’t an end, but the beginning of new days.

The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and his clear, “voice of steel and glass” tenderly soothe hearts weighed down by anxiety or loneliness.

One of the song’s greatest charms is how it portrays a strong bond that remains even when people are apart—without ever using the word “goodbye.” It drew attention when it aired from March 2019 as the theme song for SoftBank’s “Graduation” TV commercial, and it was later included on the album Copernicus.

It’s the perfect song to give to a dear friend you’ve spent so much time with, conveying gratitude for the past and a heartfelt “let’s keep walking together” for the future.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN77rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).

The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.

Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.

Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.

Precious friendSakushi: Itsumi Ryūichirō / Sakkyoku: Furukawa Tatsuya78rank/position

Dear Friends – <Graduation Song> [Japanese Songs / Shoka]

Here’s an introduction to a moving song that’s being performed more and more often at kindergarten graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics were written by Ryuichiro Henmi, an active video director, and the music was composed by Tatsuya Furukawa, known in the game music world.

Created in 2009 as part of Benesse’s kindergarten graduation support campaign, the song was sung in the 2013 school year by children at 5,071 kindergartens nationwide—about 250,000 kids—and its cumulative CD shipments have surpassed one million.

The lyrics weave in specific episodes from kindergarten life—like getting back up after falling during a sports day thanks to friends’ cheers, or making up after a fight—which deeply resonate.

It was also used in a TV commercial in 2014, bringing it into many homes alongside touching graduation scenes.

With a bright melody tinged with a hint of poignancy, the tune suits a wide range of moments, from entrance music to slideshow background tracks.

It’s a perfect song for a graduation ceremony where you want to express gratitude to friends and teachers.

Best FriendNishino Kana79rank/position

Kana Nishino “Best Friend” [Track on 15th Anniversary ‘ALL TIME BEST’]

Kana Nishino’s “Best Friend” is a heart-stirring song that’s perfect for graduation season.

The song is filled with gratitude and love for friends, resonating especially with people in their teens and twenties.

Nishino’s clear voice and relatable lyrics touch the hearts of many young listeners.

As farewells draw near, why not use this song to express the gratitude that’s hard to put into words? To forever cherish the precious memories with your friends, give “Best Friend” a listen.

It’s sure to bring back wonderful moments.

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad80rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

This song was written by the rock band My Hair is Bad, from Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary, released in August 2024.

It carries a warm message that looks back on the days gone by and affirms that even painful experiences connect to who we are now.

As the closing track on their album ghosts, released in July 2024, it’s a perfect fit for parting with friends who shared irreplaceable moments together—like the one unforgettable summer Shin-chan and his friends spent.

Any anxiety about stepping onto a new path will surely be transformed into courage by vocalist Tomomi Shiiki’s powerful voice.

It’s a song we hope you’ll listen to as you and your friends, who may be separated after graduation, cheer on each other’s futures.