Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī71rank/position

Chatmonchy – Farewell, Youth – Zepp Osaka 2008

This song, which closes Chatmonchy’s major-label debut mini-album “chatmonchy has come,” released in November 2005, was also used as the CM song for Recruit Holdings’ “Sotsu-ome Project 2007.” The lyrics, which make the everyday commute to school and days spent in the classroom suddenly shine as graduation approaches, carry a heart-wrenching poignancy.

The sound, blending the loneliness of parting with anxiety about the future, is sure to resonate deeply not only with students about to set off on their next journey, but also with adults who feel nostalgic for their youth.

It’s a track that lets you rediscover the preciousness of ordinary days.

Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro72rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

This heartwarming medium-tempo ballad sung by Motohiro Hata reminds us that parting isn’t an end, but the beginning of new days.

The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and his clear, “voice of steel and glass” tenderly soothe hearts weighed down by anxiety or loneliness.

One of the song’s greatest charms is how it portrays a strong bond that remains even when people are apart—without ever using the word “goodbye.” It drew attention when it aired from March 2019 as the theme song for SoftBank’s “Graduation” TV commercial, and it was later included on the album Copernicus.

It’s the perfect song to give to a dear friend you’ve spent so much time with, conveying gratitude for the past and a heartfelt “let’s keep walking together” for the future.

Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI73rank/position

EXILE ATSUSHI / “Cherry Blossom Season” MV

This is a heartwarming ballad that accompanies the milestone of graduation, resonating deeply in the heart.

EXILE ATSUSHI’s warm vocals evoke the image of spring with cherry blossoms dancing in the air.

Released in 2014, the song was written as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Over a gentle melody woven by piano and strings, ATSUSHI sings about memories from his junior high school days.

On the graduation day, when anxiety and hope intersect, it will give you the courage to take a new step forward.

In October 2014, he performed it with about 500 junior high school students at NHK Hall, filling the venue with emotion.

It’s a perfect choice as background music for graduation ceremonies or for creating lasting memories.

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster74rank/position

“Someday These Tears Will” – Little Glee Monster

It’s an emotional ballad that gently affirms the days spent single-mindedly chasing your dreams.

This track is included on the album “juice,” released in January 2018, and was selected as the support song for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It carries a warm message that the tears shed in frustration and joy will one day become medals that make you shine.

It’s a song that stands by not only athletes living in the world of competition, but everyone striving toward their goals.

Sing it while looking back on the youthful days you spent with your friends.

DepartureFUNKY MONKEY BABYS75rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Departure”

An encouraging song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to at life’s milestones, such as graduation, starting school, or beginning a job.

Released in March 2008, it’s also known as the theme song for the film “The 700 Days’ War with the Police Officer.” Many people may have found encouragement in this song during tough times.

It gently pushes the backs of those trying to move forward despite anxiety and inner conflict.

If you’re about to take on something new, this is a song you should definitely listen to.

The season of farewellSHISHAMO76rank/position

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

This song vividly portrays the bittersweet feeling of a one-sided crush, where all you can do is follow the senior you admire with your eyes at the graduation ceremony.

Performed by SHISHAMO, it appears as the final track on their album “SHISHAMO 2,” released in March 2015.

It tells the story of a love where the person you like is in a different class, and all you can do is watch from afar.

After graduation, you won’t be able to see them anymore, but you still hope they won’t forget you—that wish is deeply moving.

It’s a recommended track for those who grew into adulthood carrying words they never managed to say, or for times when you want to bask in sweet, bittersweet memories.

Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO77rank/position

SHISHAMO “Sky-Blue Days”

A SHISHAMO song themed around graduation, depicting memories from student days and anxieties about the future.

Released in March 2018, it was also used as a commercial song for Calpis Water.

The lyrics carefully portray everyday moments and changes in relationships, likely resonating deeply with those approaching graduation.

Asako Miyazaki’s gentle vocals and the band’s refreshing sound evoke both wistfulness and hope.

It’s a perfect track to color a page of youth, ideal as background music when creating a graduation album.