Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//22rank/position

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

This popular rock number by DISH// drew attention as a co-written piece by vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

It delicately portrays the themes of deep affection for someone who is always by your side as you move forward each day, and the importance of having a place to return to.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” it was released as a single in November 2021 and is also included on the acclaimed album “TRIANGLE.” The warm, enveloping sound and the buoyant, march-like rhythm feel so pleasant.

Brimming with feelings for cherished friends and family, this song is, in my view, perfect as BGM for a graduation-celebration movie, enhancing touching scenes that invite both smiles and tears.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro23rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

This is one of Motohiro Hata’s signature ballads, where his clear high-tone vocals and the warm sound of an acoustic guitar sink deep into the heart.

The song portrays deep affection for someone precious nearby, along with the hope that even when you’re apart, your hearts remain connected.

Its compassionate message—searching for what you can do for the other person—really strikes a chord.

Released as a single in August 2014, it moved many to tears as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.”

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism24rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

This song features warm, comforting vocals that resonate beautifully.

A work by Official HIGE DANDism, it was included on the album “Traveler,” released in October 2019, and enriched the story as an insert song for the special drama “U-NEXT presents Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (“I Can See You Three More Times”).

The rich band sound, colored by horns and percussion, gently spreads through the listener’s heart.

It’s recommended for scenes where you want to express gratitude to a teacher who is leaving a school filled with many memories to embark on a new journey.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE25rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

A perfect Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track to hear during graduation season, when anxiety and excitement mix.

The lyrics question your true self and gently urge you to love yourself—including your weaknesses—giving you the courage to take a new step forward.

Written as the theme song for NHK General’s “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival” in January 2025, the song is also included on their best-of album “10,” released in July of the same year.

On the program, a chorus performance with 1,000 18-year-olds was showcased, and its sheer energy became a hot topic.

When you’re straining to meet others’ expectations, listening to this will remind you it’s okay to be just the way you are.

It’s also perfect for belting out at karaoke with friends as you celebrate each other’s new beginnings!

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi26rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.

Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.

It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.

Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.

After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?

cherry blossomKobukuro27rank/position

Kobukuro “Sakura”

Have you ever had the experience of memories resurfacing with the arrival of spring? Kobukuro’s 12th single, released in 2005, is etched in the hearts of many as a true classic that colors the season of farewells.

Originally a song they had been performing since their indie days, it was re-recorded for their major-label career.

Its warm, acoustic guitar-centered sound and the duo’s beautiful harmonies resonate deeply.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Ns’ Aoi,” it won the Gold Prize at the 47th Japan Record Awards.

The track was included on the album “NAMELESS WORLD” and has been repeatedly selected for numerous best-of compilations.

With lyrics that set the ache of meetings and partings—and unspoken words—to a gentle melody, it resonates with romance, friendship, and the end of school days alike.

Sing it with friends at karaoke, and those memories from back then are sure to come vividly back to life.

On the Day of Departure28rank/position

On the Day of Departure

“Tabidachi no Hi ni,” born from the collaboration between the principal and the music teacher of Chichibu Municipal Kagemori Junior High School.

Hiromi Sakamoto’s delicate melody and Noboru Kojima’s deeply moving lyrics create a harmony that stirs the heart.

As a celebrated song that has brought tears to many graduation ceremonies, it will surely resonate with children as well.

Filled with a wonderful message as a cheer for the future, it is perfect for elementary school students about to graduate.

The sight of them singing their hearts out toward the vast sky will become an unforgettable memory.