Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI96rank/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 Monchī97rank/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.

Sakuraayaka98rank/position

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

First unveiled as an unreleased track during Ayaka’s nationwide tour in the fall of 2017, this became her first graduation song, evolving with each live performance.

Although there were initially no plans to release an official recording, venue-only CDs surpassed 10,000 in sales, and in response to fans’ voices, the song was widely released to listeners in February 2018.

Polished in an acoustic arrangement, the ballad delivers the emotion of its melody and lyrics directly, without relying on flashy production.

It portrays not only the graduation where students bid farewell to friends and mentors, but also the graduation felt by parents sending off their children—an appeal that resonates across generations.

In the short-film-style music video starring Rina Kawaei, the journey from loss to a fresh start is depicted, further deepening the song’s universality.

It was later included on the album “30 y/o.” Choir arrangements are also available, making it perfect not only as a processional or recessional piece for ceremonies, but also as a send-off song for everyone to sing together.

DepartureFUNKY MONKEY BABYS99rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Departure”

An encouraging song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to at life’s milestones, such as graduation, starting school, or beginning a job.

Released in March 2008, it’s also known as the theme song for the film “The 700 Days’ War with the Police Officer.” Many people may have found encouragement in this song during tough times.

It gently pushes the backs of those trying to move forward despite anxiety and inner conflict.

If you’re about to take on something new, this is a song you should definitely listen to.

The season of farewellSHISHAMO100rank/position

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

This song vividly portrays the bittersweet feeling of a one-sided crush, where all you can do is follow the senior you admire with your eyes at the graduation ceremony.

Performed by SHISHAMO, it appears as the final track on their album “SHISHAMO 2,” released in March 2015.

It tells the story of a love where the person you like is in a different class, and all you can do is watch from afar.

After graduation, you won’t be able to see them anymore, but you still hope they won’t forget you—that wish is deeply moving.

It’s a recommended track for those who grew into adulthood carrying words they never managed to say, or for times when you want to bask in sweet, bittersweet memories.