Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE15rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

This grand rock ballad by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is an ode to life that, set to a marching rhythm, portrays both its beauty and its cruelty.

Even as it confronts the reality that hard work doesn’t always pay off, its powerful message grips the heart, as if affirming every step you’ve taken so far.

Released as a single in January 2019, it was written as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Championship and also drew attention as a Calorie Mate commercial track.

With lyrics that gently encourage not only the winners but also those who fell short, it’s a warmhearted song that graduating students who’ve felt the sting of club activities or entrance exams won’t be able to listen to without tears.

Highly recommended as a masterpiece that helps you recognize yourself and gives you the courage to hold your head high and take a new step forward!

Thank youikimonogakari16rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Feelings of gratitude that are too embarrassing to express on ordinary days might be easier to convey honestly at graduation.

This song, which portrays the warmth of holding someone’s hand, the happiness of everyday life, and the resolve to walk toward the future, is truly a classic befitting a new beginning.

Ikimono-gakari’s single “Arigatou,” released in May 2010, was widely loved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyōbō.

Thanks to its universal appeal, it was also selected as the entrance march for the 2011 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

The words woven by Yoshiki Mizuno and the vocals of Kiyoe Yoshioka gently resonate with listeners’ hearts.

Why not listen to this perfect piece for expressing gratitude to parents and teachers at graduation and find the courage to take your next step?

proofflumpool17rank/position

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

Let us introduce a classic essential for graduation season that fuses choral and band sound.

Released in September 2011, this single by flumpool was specially written as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 78th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

It was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta and included on the album “experience.” With lyrics that engrave the time you’ve lived into your heart and give you the courage to move toward the future, the song resonates deeply with many people.

Why not listen to it at a graduation ceremony as you bid farewell to friends and beloved teachers, or on a spring day as you take your first step forward?

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu18rank/position

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

This piece, packed with a melody that evokes the pale days of youth and Masamune Kusano’s poetic worldview, beautifully captures a longing for freedom and the miracle of meeting that special “you.” Its lyrics gently accompany the anxiety and hope of climbing the steps toward adulthood.

Although released as a single in April 1994, it drew major attention as the theme song for the drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” which began airing in January 1996, and has been loved for many years.

Also included on the album “Sora no Tobikata,” this track is an ideal BGM for a nostalgic montage that looks back on the irreplaceable moments shared with friends or a loved one during the season of farewells.

Let this classic, which gives you the courage to spread your wings into the future with the proof of your time together in your heart, accompany your visuals.

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe19rank/position

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

Originally written and composed by CreepHyp’s Seikai Ozaki as a campaign song for FM802 and TSUTAYA in 2018, this track is included on the album “Nakitakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni.” Its lyrics juxtapose the image of falling cherry blossoms with a “bookmark” tucked into a half-read book, evoking lingering feelings for a relationship one isn’t ready to end—sentiments many graduates may relate to.

While the song portrays the sorrow of parting, the music itself is a bright, fast-paced rock tune.

That contrast gently pushes listeners forward into the future, even as they hold on to their loneliness.

It’s an emotional track that tenderly accompanies the wavering heart at the milestone of graduation.

Kitearashi20rank/position

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

A grand message song by Arashi that you’ll want to give to friends setting off on a new chapter.

Like a kite catching the wind and soaring high, it portrays the resolve to move forward despite uncertainty.

There’s a warmth in this song that gently watches over that figure and gives a soft push from behind.

The single “Kite,” released in 2020, was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu as the “NHK 2020 Song.” It was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it beloved across generations.

Parting with friends is lonely, but the sentiment embedded in this work—“we’re connected no matter where we are”—will surely reach their hearts.

If everyone sings it together at a farewell party, it becomes the perfect cheer, powerfully supporting the future of the one setting out.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE21rank/position

EXILE / Road

An emotional ballad depicting encounters and farewells in special places.

It’s a song by EXILE, a group that captivates fans with a style fusing dance and vocals.

Released as a single in February 2007, it is also included on the album “EXILE EVOLUTION.” It was used as a theme song for NTV’s “Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER,” and is also known for becoming the 1,000th number-one song in Oricon chart history.

Its lyrics, which make you realize how precious everyday life truly is, likely resonate deeply with students on the verge of graduation.

Having also become a staple choral piece, this classic is sure to move audiences to tears when set to a memory video stitched together with smiling photos of friends.