Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Precious friendSakushi: Itsumi Ryūichirō / Sakkyoku: Furukawa Tatsuya64rank/position

Dear Friends – <Graduation Song> [Japanese Songs / Shoka]

Here’s an introduction to a moving song that’s being performed more and more often at kindergarten graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics were written by Ryuichiro Henmi, an active video director, and the music was composed by Tatsuya Furukawa, known in the game music world.

Created in 2009 as part of Benesse’s kindergarten graduation support campaign, the song was sung in the 2013 school year by children at 5,071 kindergartens nationwide—about 250,000 kids—and its cumulative CD shipments have surpassed one million.

The lyrics weave in specific episodes from kindergarten life—like getting back up after falling during a sports day thanks to friends’ cheers, or making up after a fight—which deeply resonate.

It was also used in a TV commercial in 2014, bringing it into many homes alongside touching graduation scenes.

With a bright melody tinged with a hint of poignancy, the tune suits a wide range of moments, from entrance music to slideshow background tracks.

It’s a perfect song for a graduation ceremony where you want to express gratitude to friends and teachers.

Sakura, Bloom!arashi65rank/position

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]

This song is my top pick for a graduation movie BGM that’s both uplifting and deeply moving! Its brisk rock sound boosts your spirits—an energetic number through and through.

It’s infused with the resolve to cut through doubt and face forward, and the rap lyrics penned by Sho Sakurai give that determination a powerful push.

Released in March 2005 as Arashi’s 14th single, it was used as the CM song for Jonan Prep School, which also featured Sho Sakurai.

It debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart with first-week sales of 115,000 copies, and is also included on the album “One.” Its bright atmosphere—wishing for hope more than dwelling on sadness—fits perfectly with footage looking back on friends and memories.

It’s sure to be a strong cheer for anyone taking a new step forward.

LaughterOfisharu Higedan Dism66rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Laughter [Official Video]

There’s also a recommended cheer-up song among Official HIGE DANDism’s tracks! This song tells the story of a bird named Laughter, who breaks out of its cage and soars into the open sky.

Even though it knows there may be various hardships once it leaves the cage, Laughter musters the courage to reach the place it’s aiming for—an image that overlaps with new students about to enter school and dive into a new environment.

Released in July 2020, the song was also used as the theme for the film The Confidence Man JP: Princess.

It’s a perfect track for sending encouragement to freshmen starting a new chapter while carrying some anxiety.

Until we meet againHirai Dai67rank/position

Until we meet again

An emotional ballad that portrays the ache of parting and a strong wish to meet again.

Created by Dai Hirai, a singer-songwriter beloved by a wide audience for his gentle vocals, the song delicately captures farewells in familiar places and the shifting feelings of people as the seasons change.

While asking why tears overflow, its lyrics express gratitude for having met and a forward-looking step toward the future—making it a perfect message to give a teacher at a farewell ceremony.

Released as a single in February 2015, it was later included on the album “Slow & Easy,” released in May of the same year.

Happinessarashi68rank/position

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

A track packed with a lively rhythm and an uplifting message! Its melody naturally makes listeners’ hearts bounce, and the powerful lyrics help push you toward the future.

Released in 2007, it also made waves as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari.” It’s a live-show staple, and the sight of the entire venue coming together in excitement is truly breathtaking.

As spring ushers in new beginnings, sing it at karaoke and you’re guaranteed to spread positive energy! Sing it with friends and savor the best moments together.

parallel linesEve × suis from Yorushika69rank/position

Parallel Lines – Eve × suis from Yorushika MV

A collaborative song by Eve and suis from Yorushika that sings of the end of youth and a new beginning.

Released in February 2021, it was used as the theme song for Lotte’s Ghana Chocolate.

The warm tones of guitar and piano create a calm, uplifting feeling.

Eve’s vocals and suis’s clear voice blend beautifully, producing a harmony that lingers in the heart.

While depicting unfulfilled feelings and bittersweetness, it’s a song that gives you the courage to express feelings that haven’t changed.

Listen to it on graduation day as you look back on the days spent with friends.

It will surely help you step forward with a smile.

Song of DepartureMr.Children70rank/position

Mr.Children “Tabidachi no Uta” MUSIC VIDEO

This is the 31st single by Mr.Children, a band that has continued to lead the Japanese rock scene, released in October 2007.

It was selected as the theme song for the film “Sky of Love” and also used in an NTT East Japan commercial.

The song made a major impact, topping the Oricon weekly chart and ranking eighth on the year-end chart.

This work is a medium-tempo ballad filled with a warm cheer for those standing at a crossroads.

Its message—that hearts remain connected even when apart—arrives through Kazutoshi Sakurai’s delicate vocals and the gentle soundscape.

It’s a number we especially want to send to those approaching the milestone of graduation and preparing to take their next step.

Performed with the tender tones of a wind ensemble, it will envelop the entire venue in warmth and create a moving moment overflowing with tears and smiles.