Popular Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

A place where smiles awaitOfisharu Higedan Dism57rank/position

TSK 45th Anniversary Song – Official HIGE DANDism – The Place Where Smiles Await

Released in 2016, this song was specially written to commemorate the 45th anniversary of their local station, San-in Chuo Television.

Although it wasn’t originally created as a graduation song, its lyrics fit graduation scenes perfectly.

The message is that if you hold dear the memories of the important people in your life—friends you spent so much time with, parents, teachers, and others who supported you—you can do your best even in a new environment.

Graduates setting off on their own paths after graduation may feel anxious about taking that first step, but by listening to this song and realizing once again that “there are so many people cheering me on,” we hope you’ll gain confidence and move forward!

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Hane Keisuke

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budKobukuro58rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

A ballad that begins with a delicate piano intro and features powerful, heartfelt vocals.

Released in March 2007, this song expresses gratitude and love for a mother, as well as the sorrow of parting, and stands as one of Kobukuro’s signature works, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Written specifically as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama, it won the 49th Japan Record Award.

In March 2008, it was also selected as the entrance march for the opening ceremony of the 80th Memorial National High School Baseball Tournament.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear at graduations and life’s milestones.

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi59rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video

With its buoyant piano intro and exhilarating, fast-paced sound, this signature Skima Switch number has continued to spur many people onward.

Released in April 2005 as their fifth single, it’s also included on their second album, “Kūsō Clip.” Long beloved, it was featured as an insert song in the film “Rough” and, in 2020, chosen as the Japanese end theme for the Disney/Pixar film “Onward.” Its message of breaking through the status quo and opening up a new world makes it perfect as a cheer for those heading into a new stage—like a transfer or a job change.

If you play it to wrap up a farewell party with smiles, or to send off friends with energy, it’s sure to fill the entire venue with a positive vibe.

horizonback number60rank/position

back number – Horizon

A gem of a track by back number that gently stays close to your heart whenever you hit a wall in life.

Even amid the despair that feels like your dreams and hopes are collapsing, the lyrics portray the journey of looking inward and eventually finding light—sure to move you deeply.

This song is also known for being created in August 2020 for high school students after the Inter-High Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While affirming frustration and sorrow, it gives a sense of the view that awaits beyond overcoming them.

As you step into a new world at graduation, you may feel anxiety or loneliness.

In those moments, this song will wrap your pain in its embrace and give you the quiet courage to take that first step.

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE61rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – StaRt

An uplifting song from the student-friendly rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

This track, included on their album “Variety,” released in July 2015, gives a push to those embarking on a new chapter.

Its pop melody and powerful beat stir listeners’ hearts, offering the courage to face forward.

It was also featured in a Kao commercial, resonating with many people.

We’d love for everyone heading toward new challenges to listen to this song.

It will inspire the strength to overcome difficulties and the confidence to believe in yourself.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru62rank/position

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This is a ballad imbued with a warm message that gently accompanies the season of partings.

It paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of entrusting gratitude to a loved one and an inexpressible love to a “bouquet,” and offering it as a gift.

Released digitally in April 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s comeback work, it became familiar as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Totto-chan.

It resonated with those who had long awaited her return, earning high acclaim, including the Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards that year.

It’s perfect for moments like graduation ceremonies when you want to express thanks to teachers and friends.

This piece, which gently nudges you forward on a new path, will add color to a special day when you bid farewell with smiles through tears.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro63rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

As a song that colors the farewells of spring, many people likely think of this signature track by Naotaro Moriyama.

It originally appeared in 2002 as a band piece on the mini-album “Kawaita Uta wa Sakana no Esa ni Chodo Ii,” but it was transformed into a solo vocal style with piano accompaniment and released as a single in March 2003.

Widely loved as the ending theme of “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” it became a long-running hit, reaching number one on the charts in its ninth week after release.

Inspired by a friend’s departure, the song is more than just a farewell—it carries a promise of reunion someday.

Play it at a workplace send-off or when seeing off dear friends, and it’s sure to inspire warm emotion and heartfelt gratitude.