Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Sakura SongKANA-BOON91rank/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 Yumi92rank/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 mejyaa93rank/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!

KanadeSukima Suichi94rank/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.

threadNakajima Miyuki95rank/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.