Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

DepartureFUNKY MONKEY BABYS78rank/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.

Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO79rank/position

SHISHAMO “Sky-Blue Days”

SHISHAMO, a girls’ band that captures the sparkle of youth.

This song they created expresses both the bittersweetness of farewell season and the brightness of moving toward the future with a clear, transparent sound.

It’s wonderful how it doesn’t just linger on memories, but carefully scoops up each person’s emotional tremors.

Released as a single in March 2018, it’s also included on the classic album SHISHAMO 5.

It was used as the Calpis Water “Big Graduation” commercial song, so many of you have probably heard it.

Fresh and up-tempo, this track is perfect for a graduation video that looks back on days spent with friends.

Play it over your montage of memories, and it will make everyone’s smiles shine even brighter.

SignalWANIMA80rank/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 mejyaa81rank/position

Lord of Major / Precious Things

This is a captivating track featuring a heart-pounding, exhilarating rock sound and passionate lyrics about the bonds between friends.

It’s perfect for spring, when farewells and new encounters intertwine and you want to etch your unchanging feelings into your heart! Released in August 2002 as Road of Major’s indie debut, it stayed in the Oricon Top 10 for an incredible 19 consecutive weeks and sold around 900,000 copies.

It’s a foundational number for the band, also included on the album “ROAD OF MAJOR.” If you’re feeling anxious about a new environment but want to turn cherished memories into strength and move forward, this is a must-listen.

Its warm encouragement is sure to powerfully support your new chapter!

rainbow-coloredayaka82rank/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.

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone83rank/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.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP84rank/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?