Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone78rank/position

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video

While commanding a solid presence as an actor, Mone Kamishiraishi is also highly acclaimed as an artist for her clear, translucent singing voice.

Released in January 2022, this work was written and composed by Naotaro Moriyama and was selected as the support song for the 100th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Specially written to mark the milestone 100th edition, it became a grand ballad that overlaps the images of youths sprinting through their limited time and the feelings of those who watch over them.

It carefully depicts not only victory and glory, but also the resolve to move forward despite doubt and vulnerability—sentiments that will surely resonate deeply with anyone facing the milestone of graduation.

It’s a perfect number for those who poured their all into club activities, or who are looking back on days spent with teammates as they take a new step forward.

Words of FarewellKaientai79rank/position

Okuru Kotoba

A classic of the graduation season, this is a famous song by Kaientai that just about everyone in Japan has hummed at least once.

It carries not only the sadness of parting, but also a profound message that knowing sorrow can make us kinder—one that warms the heart every time you listen.

Released as a single in November 1979, it was used as the theme song for the first season of the drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B,” starring Tetsuya Takeda, and it became a runaway hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It was also included on the album “Wajin-den,” and has been loved for many years.

Though it’s actually a song about heartbreak, its bittersweet yet gentle words offer courage to anyone setting out on a new journey.

It’s truly a Japanese standard, a song passed down across generations.

rainbow-coloredayaka80rank/position

Ayaka / Nijiiro Music Video

For a moving farewell ceremony, a heartfelt song filled with gratitude and encouragement is ideal.

Ayaka’s “Nijiiro” is perfectly suited for such an occasion.

Beloved as the theme song for an NHK morning drama, its gently flowing shuffle beat conveys warmth and hope throughout the piece.

It expresses not only gratitude to the teacher but also a send-off for the journeys ahead.

As you recall the bond between teacher and students and the days you walked together, this song—delivered through Ayaka’s soulful vocals—will make the moment of parting even more memorable.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP81rank/position

SMAP – The Only Flower in the World

A signature SMAP song whose moving message resonates with everyone.

Written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara, it was first included on the 2002 album “SMAP 015/Drink! Smap!” and released as a single in 2003.

It gained attention as the theme song for the drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi,” starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and achieved cumulative shipments of 3.23 million copies.

In 2007, it was selected for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Songs of Japan.” From the scene of flowers proudly blooming side by side in a flower shop, the lyrics gently tell us that there’s no need to compare ourselves to others—making it perfect for graduation season.

It’s a song that softly heals hearts tired from competition and evaluation, so why not send it as a message of support to someone embarking on a new chapter?

SignalWANIMA82rank/position

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

It’s okay to be unfinished—let’s line up shoulder to shoulder and start running.

With that straightforward message that hits you right in the heart, this WANIMA song is one I’d love people at a turning point to hear.

Released in January 2018 on their major-label first full album “Everybody!!,” it was written specifically for NHK General’s large-scale project “18-sai Matsuri (18 Fes).” Born from the special experience of building a stage together with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds gathered from across Japan, the song vividly portrays the feelings of young people facing anxiety and uncertainty about the future, while its lyrics give you the courage to move forward.

It was also used in Lotte’s “Sou” commercial, reaching many people alongside a spot featuring Suzu Hirose.

At the milestone of graduation, it will gently nudge those who want to take a step forward in their own way.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa83rank/position

Lord of Major / Precious Things

This is a track that could be called the very origin of Road of Major, a rock band formed from a TV show concept! Released in September 2002 as their indie debut single, it set a remarkable record by entering the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks despite having no tie-in.

It has continued to be loved over the years, later even being used in a car commercial in Taiwan.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced sound and lyrics that depict an unshakable bond with irreplaceable friends, it’s a song that makes your heart burn every time you hear it.

Also included on the classic album “ROAD OF MAJOR,” this track is perfect for throwing your arms around your friends at karaoke and singing together as you each set off on different paths after graduation.

Its melody, where overflowing passion coexists with a touch of bittersweetness, vividly brings back the shining memories of youth.

THANXWANIMA84rank/position

WANIMA- THANX(OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A gem of a message song that powerfully sings of gratitude and farewell.

The members of WANIMA convey their straightforward thanks, gently supporting warm feelings toward loved ones and the courage to take a new step forward.

Featured on the album “Are You Coming?” released in November 2015, this track captures many listeners’ hearts with its exhilarating sound and resonant lyrics.

It’s also a perfect choice to enhance a speech expressing thanks to friends and hope for the future.