Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly36rank/position

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

This is a song that epitomizes 2000s graduation anthems, sung with fiery passion! Its powerful vocals and moving melody resonate deeply, making you want to express your feelings of “thank you.” Released in February 2008, it became a massive hit as a TV drama theme song.

It’s also included on the album “Superfly BEST” and has remained beloved for years.

Perfect as background music for graduation ceremonies and farewell parties.

It’s a gem of a song filled with the desire to convey heartfelt gratitude to someone important.

OrangeSPYAIR37rank/position

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

Rather than dwelling on the sadness of parting, this emotional song by SPYAIR powerfully celebrates the promise of meeting again.

Written as the theme for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, released in February 2024, it’s packed with a story of bonds that only they—who have supported the series for many years—could convey.

The EP “Orange” also features newly recorded versions of past theme songs, making it an irresistible package for fans.

It’s the perfect track to play at the climax of a farewell party—whether for a club retirement, a graduation ceremony, or as a send-off for friends parting ways due to a transfer or a new job.

To the futureKiroro38rank/position

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

This song is a staple among graduation tunes.

It’s a track by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released as their second single in June 1998.

Originally, the songwriter composed it in middle school to express gratitude to her mother, but its warm lyrics also resonate with the feelings we have for those who supported us at graduation.

Its simple, heartfelt melody has been featured as an insert song in the anime “Tsuki ga Kirei” and in commercials.

Singing of hope for the new paths ahead, this moving piece gives courage in times of parting and new beginnings.

It’s sure to be a song that gently nudges someone forward.

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster39rank/position

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

A pop tune packed with the sparkle of student life that you often hear on TikTok during graduation season.

While it conveys the sadness of parting, its brisk Motown beat and bright vocals turn a graduation ceremony that tends to get emotional into one filled with smiles.

Included on Little Glee Monster’s second single, released in March 2015, this song was issued as a double A-side.

For the music video shoot, Nakamura Junior and Senior High School in Tokyo provided full cooperation, and it drew attention for incorporating scenes from actual students’ daily lives.

The lyrics, which feel like snapshots of memories in classrooms and behind the school building, are perfect for reaffirming bonds with friends.

It’s recommended as background music for memory videos or during commemorative photo sessions for those who want to capture the perfect shot.

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.