Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko43rank/position

Sonoko Inoue – “I’m Glad I Met You” (short ver.)

A refreshing band sound that evokes the coming of spring makes this track especially memorable.

Singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue created it as she was approaching her own high school graduation, and it was included on her album “Hello,” released in March 2016.

It was also used as the theme song for the NOTTV drama “Sakura Saku.” The lyrics depict everyday scenes shared with friends and the bonds that continue even when you’re apart.

It’s perfect for those moments when you want to say “thank you” to your cherished friends—words that can feel a bit embarrassing to express in everyday life.

Us Again (Brass Band ver.)SG44rank/position

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

This work by SG has gained support as an encouraging song that resonates deeply during graduations and farewells.

Its gentle melody, which accompanies young people as they overcome partings and take new steps forward, and its lyrics filled with hope for reunion are especially appealing.

Released in April 2021, it has become a popular track with a cumulative 150 million streams.

Starting in November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a concert band version by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble has been making waves.

It’s a heartwarming song for farewells, graduation ceremonies, and moments when you long to see someone special again.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to cherish your memories while looking ahead and doing your best.

Goodbye, Our KindergartenSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Shimazutsu Hideo45rank/position

“Goodbye, Our Kindergarten” [With Sheet Music] Graduation Song – Piano by Ear – Piano Cover – CANACANA

We’d like to introduce the perfect song for a graduation ceremony celebrating children’s growth.

Created by Toshihiko Shinzawa, this moving piece gently recounts memories from kindergarten and nursery school.

Included on the 1996 album “SEASON,” it sings of children’s play and joy, friendship, and parting.

Drawing on his experience as a childcare worker, Shinzawa crafted lyrics from a child’s perspective.

It beautifully portrays the season when cherry blossoms dance in the air and the excitement surrounding new first-graders with their school backpacks, capturing how early childhood experiences leave a deep imprint on the heart.

Why not welcome the moment of entry at your graduation ceremony with this perfect song?

Friend ~Time of Departure~yuzu46rank/position

Friend ~Time to Set Out~ / Yuzu

The song “Tomo ~Tabidachi no Toki~,” perfectly suited for the moment of graduation, is a moving single by Yuzu.

For students standing at the threshold of a new beginning, its melody offers a warm resonance that lingers in the heart.

Infused with lyrics of courage and hope, it evokes a sense of connection even when thinking of loved ones far away.

Chosen as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Competition (N-Con), it has added color to a chapter of youth across the country.

Frequently performed at graduation ceremonies, this touching work has long been cherished as a classic that symbolizes both parting and new encounters.

Best FriendKiroro47rank/position

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

Kiroro’s timeless classic “Best Friend” is the perfect song to give at a farewell party to express gratitude to a dear friend.

It’s a warm ballad in which vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro conveys her feelings for her ever-supportive partner, Ayano Kinjo.

Released in June 2001 as their 10th single, it’s a well-known masterpiece that also served as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan.

Later, in 2016, it was chosen as the Japanese ending theme for the film The Good Dinosaur, earning love across generations.

This song, which helps you overcome the sadness of parting and reaffirm an unchanging bond, is sure to add a moving touch to any send-off scene.

Until we meet againyuzu48rank/position

Mataaeruhimade

Farewells are not an “ending,” but a “promise to meet again.” This is the uplifting message carried by Yuzu’s 14th single.

Released in October 2002, the song was used as the ending theme for the TV Asahi anime Doraemon and also featured in the film Doraemon: Nobita and the Windmasters.

The lyrics were created with contributions from children at an “Adventure Camp,” with Yujin Kitagawa carefully weaving their sincere words into lines that resonate deeply.

It peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was performed as part of a medley at the 2003 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a perfect choice for a class that wants to express gratitude to their teacher at a graduation ceremony.

Singing of bonds that don’t fade even when apart and the hope of meeting again, this song is ideal for showing appreciation to a beloved teacher while presenting how much you’ve grown.

On the Day of DepartureSakushi: Kojima Noboru / Sakkyoku: Sakamoto Hiromi49rank/position

A Classic Song Sung at Preschools: “On the Day of Departure” [Graduation Song / Preschool Graduation Song / Music Activities in Preschool]

This is a classic song for expressing gratitude at graduation ceremonies and is sung at many kindergartens and preschools.

The lyrics were written by Noboru Kojima and the music composed by Hiromi Sakamoto.

It began in March 1991, when it was performed as a gift to graduating students at a junior high school in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.

Words like “big sky” and “wings” leave a strong impression, evoking the image of children taking flight into a new world.

In 2007, SMAP performed it in an NTT East commercial, which made it even more widely known.

With lyrics that convey gratitude to teachers and a resolve to set off while cherishing memories with friends, it’s perfect for the important milestone of graduation.

The teachers who have watched the children grow will surely be moved to tears.