Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Words of FarewellKaientai81rank/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.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa82rank/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-coloredayaka83rank/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 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?

THANXWANIMA85rank/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.