Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Bye, my friendbokula.64rank/position

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

A rock band from Hiroshima, bokula.

delivers a track packed with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.

The lyrics, which portray everyday moments with friends and the preciousness of irreplaceable time, will give a powerful push to a young man setting off on a new path.

Included on their second mini-album, “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the song has garnered wide support, surpassing 1 million views on YouTube.

It’s also known for winning the China Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards, cementing its strong reputation.

With a driving, uplifting sound that blows away the sadness of parting, it’s perfect for karaoke, arms around your friends as you sing along.

Believe that you’ll meet again with a smile someday, and send it as a cheer to a dear friend.

Sakura, Bloom!arashi65rank/position

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]

When it comes to spring staples that instantly boost your mood with an energetic intro, this is the song! It’s Arashi’s single “Sakura Sake,” released in March 2005.

It was also used in a Jounan Prep School TV commercial featuring Sho Sakurai, and became widely known as an anthem for exam season.

The lyrics, filled with positive messages, and the driving band sound perfectly match graduation scenes where you take a bold first step forward.

Just listening to it brings back vivid memories of your earnest younger self and the days spent with friends, and you might find your eyes welling up before you know it.

It blows away anxiety and gives you a powerful push toward the future.

It’s the ultimate cheer song that stays by your side in those precious moments when you want to wipe away your tears and say goodbye with a smile.

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad66rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

This song was written by the rock band My Hair is Bad, from Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary, released in August 2024.

It carries a warm message that looks back on the days gone by and affirms that even painful experiences connect to who we are now.

As the closing track on their album ghosts, released in July 2024, it’s a perfect fit for parting with friends who shared irreplaceable moments together—like the one unforgettable summer Shin-chan and his friends spent.

Any anxiety about stepping onto a new path will surely be transformed into courage by vocalist Tomomi Shiiki’s powerful voice.

It’s a song we hope you’ll listen to as you and your friends, who may be separated after graduation, cheer on each other’s futures.

Sakura SongKANA-BOON67rank/position

KANA-BOON “Sakura no Uta” Music Video

“Sakura no Uta” is a track included on KANA-BOON’s first mini-album, “Boku ga CD wo Dashitara,” released in 2013.

It’s a driving rock tune with bittersweet lyrics that reminisce about memories with you during cherry blossom season, which also coincides with graduation time.

An acoustic version with a slightly slower tempo is included on the 2018 compilation album “KBB vol.1,” and this arrangement might be better suited for guitar-and-vocal performances.

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Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//68rank/position

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

DISH// is a four-member dance-rock band whose members are also expanding their careers as actors.

Released in 2021 as their 14th single and used as the theme song for the TV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” this track drew attention as a co-written piece by vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

The lyrics express gratitude to the important people who always support us and the sense of security that comes from having a place to return to—sentiments that resonate with graduates facing both anxiety and anticipation.

The lively shuffle beat, inspired by a marching song, may give you the courage to take a new step forward.

How about listening to this classic, also included on the album “TRIANGLE,” on the day of your departure?

Song of DepartureMr.Children69rank/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.

My friend—now and forever…Ketsumeishi70rank/position

Friend(s), from here on and forever... / Ketsumeishi

On graduation day, taking a moment to look back on the memories and bonds you’ve shared with friends is truly irreplaceable.

Released in April 2016, this song by Ketsumeishi is a perfect friendship anthem for just such a scene.

Written as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World,” it resonates with vows to remain friends for decades to come and a message of supporting each other in tough times.

From its piano intro that builds with strings to a chorus that surges with feeling, the arrangement creates a sense of uplift worthy of a new beginning.

Even children anxious about parting ways will, upon hearing this song, find their feelings transform into a firm belief that “we’ll always be together from here on out.”