Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira96rank/position

[Suite] KAFU × Kujira #97 “Spring Sunlight” [Original MV]

KAF × Kujira brings together two figures who embody the internet-born music scene: a virtual singer and a creator who started as a Vocaloid producer.

In March 2022, this track was released as the sixth installment of “Suite,” a collaboration project commemorating the third anniversary of KAF’s activities.

Timed with KAF’s own high school graduation, Kujira wrote this song around the themes of “graduation,” “departure,” and “spring.” The lyrics avoid direct words like “goodbye,” instead carefully depicting the fleeting inner landscape just before parting and the fragments of memory that race through one’s mind right before they’re put into words.

A classroom bathed in spring sunlight, the sudden pang of a casual conversation recalled—its allure lies in the open space that lets each listener naturally overlay their own graduation experiences.

Shimmering synths and a light beat evoke the brightness of spring, blending wistfulness and radiance in equal measure.

It’s a song we hope reaches anyone standing at a new threshold.

Helloyama × bocchiboromaru97rank/position

yama × Bocchi Boromaru “Hello” MV (TV anime “Pokémon” opening theme)

This heartwarming collaborative piece by yama and Bocchi Boromaru is filled with courage and hope for taking a step toward the future.

It carries a message of strong determination to move forward and of valuing one’s true self, gently encouraging those heading into new environments.

It has been aired as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon since October 2023, and a CD single was released in December 2023.

Its transparent vocals and warm tones blend beautifully, resulting in a song that truly resonates with listeners.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone feeling anxious about a new life or changing circumstances, or for those striving toward their dreams.

When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku98rank/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 Noriyuki99rank/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.

To the days without a nameyama100rank/position

yama “To the Nameless Days” MV

This song delicately depicts the ephemerality of youth and the journey of growing up.

It weaves vivid expressions of the loneliness felt amid the bustle of the city and reflections on days that slip by.

Yama’s androgynous, husky voice deepens the song’s lyrical world.

Released digitally in February 2021, the track was tied in with a Seven-Eleven web anime.

It’s a song we hope not only high school students on the cusp of graduation will hear, but everyone facing the anxieties and expectations of stepping into a new environment.

Its heartfelt melody and lyrics are sure to gently nudge you forward.