Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu92rank/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.

Precious thingsYamazaki Tomoko93rank/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.

LullabyRADWIMPS94rank/position

Lullaby - RADWIMPS

A song by the rock band RADWIMPS, whose name comes from a coined phrase combining opposing words like “cool coward” and “splendid wimp.” It closes out their second album, RADWIMPS 2: Hatten Tojo (Under Construction), and the catchy phrases sprinkled throughout its punkish arrangement are so quintessentially RADWIMPS.

Its message—that some things don’t change even after graduation and going separate ways—is exactly what people who feel sad about graduating most want to hear.

While the original is a full band sound, it’s a song whose melody stands out even more when performed solo with just vocals and guitar, so please play it with all your heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku95rank/position

Hitsujibungaku – When It Shines (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “The Heike Story” Opening Theme]

Written as the opening theme for the anime The Heike Story and released as a digital-only single in January 2022, this song stirs the heart with a powerful message that, while attuned to the impermanence at the core of the story, still affirms that “the world is beautiful.” The sound—uniquely Hitsujibungaku—balances delicacy and intensity, making it shine even more brightly within the album our hope.

The lyrics, which gaze toward the light beyond partings and anxiety, are sure to resonate as a send-off for those setting out to new places.

With a perfect emotional temperature—neither too somber nor overly bright—it gently wraps the atmosphere of a farewell gathering.

Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki96rank/position

Tohku Tohku

Have you ever had moments when scenes from your hometown or the faces of old friends suddenly come to mind? This work is filled with the desire to show friends living far away that you’re shining where you are now.

Created by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, it’s a famous song included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” released in June 1992.

Although it wasn’t released as a single, it enjoys outstanding popularity and recognition, and it has remained beloved across generations—being used, for example, in a 2006 NTT East Japan commercial.

While carrying the loneliness of not being able to attend a class reunion, the lyrics express a resolve to chase dreams in a new city—sure to gently encourage those moving to Tokyo for school or work.

It’s a song to listen to when you’re thinking of someone important and taking a new step forward.

Sakuraayaka97rank/position

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

A heartwarming ballad by Ayaka that uses cherry blossoms as a motif to portray the bittersweetness of graduation and parting.

From the image of reaching out to the fluttering sakura petals, you can feel the lingering attachment and affection for times gone by.

The lyrics, which depict someone looking back on the past, may reflect Ayaka’s own experiences.

Released as a digital single in February 2018, this song resonated with many as a track suited to the graduation season.

It’s a piece I’d especially recommend to those embarking on a new chapter or those who have experienced a farewell with someone dear.

Graduationsaitou yuki98rank/position

Yuki Saito “Graduation” MV

When it comes to Yuki Saito’s debut single, surely this classic comes to mind.

With Takashi Matsumoto and Kyohei Tsutsumi teaming up, it beautifully portrays the poignant scenes of graduation.

The imagery of the uniform buttons, the gap between the tears others expect and one’s own feelings—these subtle shades of youth resonate through her crystal-clear voice.

Released in February 1985, the song also drew attention as the CM track for Myojo Foods’ “Ramen Called Youth.” It was included on the acclaimed album AXIA and later self-covered on the 2021 album Suikyo-kyoku (Water Capriccio).

The lyrics convey a realism that isn’t just sweet; there’s a slightly cool, detached perspective that set it apart from typical idol songs of the time.

It’s a track for anyone who wants to savor the unique atmosphere of graduation season or sink into bittersweet memories.