Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy36rank/position

With lyrics: Hatsune Miku - Sakura no Ame - PV

Sakura no Ame is a song released on Niconico in February 2008 by halyosy, who used Hatsune Miku for the vocals.

It generated a huge response, was adapted into a novel in 2012 and a film in 2016, and has continued to spread as a beloved classic, now performed in choruses and ensembles by high school students across Japan.

The small, everyday moments of school life become irreplaceable memories that will color the future ahead… It’s a worldview that seems to gently give us courage.

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To the futureKiroro37rank/position

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

A song filled with warm feelings for one’s mother, it’s very popular during the season of farewells.

Released as Kiroro’s second single on an 8cm CD in June 1998 and re-released on a 12cm CD in February 2002, this classic is also included on the album “Nagaisakan—Kiroro no Mori.” Written by vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro when she was in junior high school, its gentle words and melody speak straight to the heart.

Perfect for a transfer ceremony marking a parting with a beloved teacher, to express gratitude.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly38rank/position

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

This song conveys the beauty we tend to overlook in everyday life and the unconditional love we feel for those dear to us.

It carries a warm message that even if we take detours in life, there is always a place we are meant to return to.

Released as a single in February 2008, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).

It’s the perfect track for expressing gratitude to a teacher who has helped you, when words alone aren’t enough.

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster39rank/position

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

Little Glee Monster is a vocal group known for powerful singing and beautiful harmonies.

Centered on the theme of graduation, this song rides a lively Motown beat to brightly sing about the heartbreak of parting and the bonds between friends.

Its rich choral work is a number that gives a strong push to those looking ahead.

Released in March 2015 as one track of a double A-side single, its other title song, “Girls be Free!,” was chosen as the theme for a fashion event.

A different version is also included on the album “UNLOCK!,” released in March 2024.

It’s a perfect pop tune for those who want to greet farewells with a smile.

The uptempo melody works well as BGM for graduation videos that reflect on precious memories.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4840rank/position

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

Sung by AKB48, this piece is a warm song with a pleasantly soothing tone.

Its message—that you don’t need to compare yourself to others and can move forward at your own pace—gently encourages listeners.

Although it was a coupling track on the single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” released in December 2015, it became widely loved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita.” As it has also taken root as a choral piece, it’s recommended as a song to celebrate the start of a new chapter during graduation season, when anxiety and excitement are intertwined.

My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi41rank/position

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

A heartwarming song themed around friendship and bonds has arrived from Ketsumeishi.

This work sings about the precious days spent with friends and the presence of companions who stand by you in tough times.

Written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World,” it was released in April 2016.

The music video features the comedy trio Dachou Club, expressing their long-standing friendship.

The song is also included on the album “KETSUNOPOLIS 10.” It’s a perfect track for graduations, farewells with friends, or when you want to express gratitude to someone special.

Why not hum along while reflecting on the value of friendship?

Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki42rank/position

Tohku Tohku

Have you ever had moments when scenes from your hometown or the faces of old friends suddenly come to mind? This work is filled with the desire to show friends living far away that you’re shining where you are now.

Created by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, it’s a famous song included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” released in June 1992.

Although it wasn’t released as a single, it enjoys outstanding popularity and recognition, and it has remained beloved across generations—being used, for example, in a 2006 NTT East Japan commercial.

While carrying the loneliness of not being able to attend a class reunion, the lyrics express a resolve to chase dreams in a new city—sure to gently encourage those moving to Tokyo for school or work.

It’s a song to listen to when you’re thinking of someone important and taking a new step forward.