Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Endless JourneyMr.Children85rank/position

Mr.Children “Endless Journey” MUSIC VIDEO

This is the 15th single by Mr.Children, released in October 1998 after the band fully resumed activities following a hiatus.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Naguru Onna,” it topped the Oricon charts despite its length of nearly seven minutes.

Beginning with a quiet, introspective question and gradually opening up like a widening vista, the song is notable for its structure and a dynamic arrangement where band sounds interweave with strings to moving effect.

The lyrics, imbued with a will to break free from stagnation, open a new door, and move forward, are perfectly suited to the milestone of graduation.

Selected as Song of the Year at the 13th Japan Gold Disc Awards, this masterpiece is one we especially recommend to those taking a new step or facing a turning point in life.

GraduationOzaki Yutaka86rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of confinement in school life and distrust of adults—this piece carries a universal message about the yearning for freedom that everyone experiences during their school years.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon chart, it debuted as the lead single from the album “Kaikisen” (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short movie by a casual apparel chain, continuing to resonate across generations.

It’s a song to listen to when you find yourself wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.

A graduation song, a song of friends.1987rank/position

A graduation song, a song of friends.

We’d like to introduce a graduation song that gives you the courage to step into the future while looking back on your memories.

It’s a track by 19, originally included as the B-side to the 1999 single “Ano Kami Hikōki Kumorizora Watte,” and there’s even an anecdote that this song was initially a candidate for the A-side.

Centered on acoustic guitar, its simple accompaniment and the alternating vocals of Keigo Iwase and Kenji Okahira create a pleasantly resonant interplay.

The lyrics capture the feeling that time begins to flow differently the moment you become aware of an ending, and convey the message that parting is not a final stop but a new beginning—something that truly touches the heart.

Even at a graduation ceremony, where it’s easy to become sentimental, listening to this song will naturally bring a smile after the tears.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone who wants to cherish memories with friends while taking a bright step forward.

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi88rank/position

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

A classic graduation song that has been sung across generations, this number by Yumi Arai was originally released in February 1975 as a song provided to Hi-Fi Set, and then self-covered on her third album, COBALT HOUR, released in June of the same year.

Rather than capturing the moving moments of a graduation ceremony, the lyrics portray the stirring of the heart when, after time has passed, you find yourself opening an old photo.

The contrast between the changing self and the unchanging gaze within the photograph evokes personal memories for each listener.

It was featured in a Kirin Lager Beer commercial in 2007 and in the Fuji TV drama “Sotsu Uta” in 2010, among other appearances, and it continues to be loved over the years.

It’s a song that stands by not only those approaching graduation, but also anyone who wants to quietly look back on days gone by.

Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu89rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tomoe Gakuen (Full ver.)

This is a warm number whose beautiful string tones resonate in the heart.

The song was written as the theme for the drama “Totto-chan!”, which portrays Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s life.

It sings about the joy of being different and the importance of embracing individuality as it is, and listening to it feels like being wrapped in kindness.

Released in December 2017, the piece was both written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama himself.

It expresses gratitude to the places and people who taught us what matters in life, and will likely resonate with those graduating or looking back on the past.

It’s a moving track to listen to when you want to reaffirm the bonds with those you hold dear.

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko90rank/position

Sonoko Inoue – “I’m Glad I Met You” (short ver.)

A refreshing band sound that evokes the coming of spring makes this track especially memorable.

Singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue created it as she was approaching her own high school graduation, and it was included on her album “Hello,” released in March 2016.

It was also used as the theme song for the NOTTV drama “Sakura Saku.” The lyrics depict everyday scenes shared with friends and the bonds that continue even when you’re apart.

It’s perfect for those moments when you want to say “thank you” to your cherished friends—words that can feel a bit embarrassing to express in everyday life.

Precious thingsYamazaki Tomoko91rank/position

Precious Things (Two-Part Unison)

Tomoko Yamazaki’s choral piece has become a graduation staple that warms the hearts of many.

This moving work evokes nights spent counting the stars and days when the wind was blowing.

Published by Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha in 2006, it is often sung at junior high school graduations and choral competitions.

Set to a gentle melody, the song expresses gratitude for friendship and for everyday memories.

Its lyrics, which seem to offer words of encouragement when you feel like giving up, truly resonate.

Filled with thanks to a “you” far away, it conveys the importance of those who taught us we are not alone.

It’s also perfect for elementary school graduations, and listening to it at the start of a new journey is sure to warm your heart.