Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro22rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

A singer-songwriter with a voice of “steel and glass” that resonates in the heart, Motohiro Hata delivers a moving ballad.

Its lyrics, which depict the warmth of those who stay by your side and the unchanging bonds that endure even when you’re apart, gently accompany the season of farewells.

Released as a single in August 2014, this song was created as the theme for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon.

Its messages, which overlap with the film’s story, struck a chord with many people, and by 2015 it had become such a massive hit that it dominated the karaoke charts.

No matter if the paths we walk diverge in the future, our hearts will always remain connected—this is a song that inspires that kind of hope.

Sing it arm-in-arm with friends at graduations or farewell parties as they set off on new journeys, and it will surely become a memory that lasts a lifetime!

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//23rank/position

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

DISH// is a four-member dance-rock band whose members are also expanding their careers as actors.

Released in 2021 as their 14th single and used as the theme song for the TV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” this track drew attention as a co-written piece by vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

The lyrics express gratitude to the important people who always support us and the sense of security that comes from having a place to return to—sentiments that resonate with graduates facing both anxiety and anticipation.

The lively shuffle beat, inspired by a marching song, may give you the courage to take a new step forward.

How about listening to this classic, also included on the album “TRIANGLE,” on the day of your departure?

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism24rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

The melody, which gently embraces the sadness of parting and the hope beyond it, is truly striking.

This song by Official HIGE DANDism weaves together the fleeting nature of time coming to an end and gratitude toward someone precious, resonating deeply with listeners’ hearts.

Even while carrying the loneliness of happy days coming to a close, it leaves you wanting to say “see you” with a smile in the end—such a warm message is embedded within.

Featured on the acclaimed 2019 October release Traveler, the song was also used as an insert track in the drama “Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (I Can See You Three More Times).

Sung while looking back on the irreplaceable moments spent with friends and teachers on the special day of a graduation ceremony, it’s sure to fill the venue with a moving atmosphere.

It will gently give a push to the children who are about to walk their separate paths.

cherry blossomKobukuro25rank/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.

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?

On the Day of Departure27rank/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.

together; along with; bothWANIMA28rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This song by WANIMA, a three-piece band from Kumamoto, delivers a rush of pop-rock energy and a moving, forward-looking message.

Its passionate lyrics and exhilarating melody resonate with people facing painful pasts or uncertain futures, giving them the courage to live.

Released in August 2016 on the single “JUICE UP!!,” it was featured in a NIVEA Kao 8×4 commercial.

When you’re feeling down or need power to move ahead, this strong, encouraging anthem is sure to give you a push.