Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi15rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.

Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.

It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.

Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.

After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai16rank/position

[Choral Version] On the Day of Departure ... Ai Kawashima

A signature song by singer-songwriter Ai Kawashima and a long-loved graduation tune, “Tabidachi no Hi ni…”.

Many of you may have sung this song at your graduation ceremony.

Depicting the time from first meeting your friends to graduation, it brings back countless irreplaceable moments as you sing—and it’s a real tearjerker.

It’s a graduation song that stays in your heart long after time has passed.

A classic, but a highly recommended track.

I WiSH’s “Ashita e no Tobira” was produced using this song as its original source.

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road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE17rank/position

EXILE / Road

An emotional ballad depicting encounters and farewells in special places.

It’s a song by EXILE, a group that captivates fans with a style fusing dance and vocals.

Released as a single in February 2007, it is also included on the album “EXILE EVOLUTION.” It was used as a theme song for NTV’s “Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER,” and is also known for becoming the 1,000th number-one song in Oricon chart history.

Its lyrics, which make you realize how precious everyday life truly is, likely resonate deeply with students on the verge of graduation.

Having also become a staple choral piece, this classic is sure to move audiences to tears when set to a memory video stitched together with smiling photos of friends.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS18rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

This is a mid-tempo ballad themed around gratitude, released as the final single by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, who disbanded to much regret in 2013.

It was used as the theme song for NTV’s “Akamara! Scoop Koshien” and as the official song for MBS’s 85th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

The music video, which drew major attention, features Sanma Akashiya playing a junior high school teacher approaching retirement.

Blending the group’s signature rap-like delivery with a catchy melody, the song naturally stirs feelings of appreciation for the people who have supported you—parents, friends, teachers, and more.

It peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is also included on the best-of album “Funky Monkey Babys LAST BEST.” It’s a moving number that brings hearts together—perfect for conveying gratitude to someone special at a graduation ceremony, especially when arranged for and performed by a wind ensemble.

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 4619rank/position

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

This is the song you’ll want to listen to when you want to carry not only the sadness of parting but also gratitude for having met.

Released in November 2016 as Nogizaka46’s 16th single, it is also known as Nanami Hashimoto’s final single as center.

It became the group’s first million-certified release and was performed at the 67th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that year.

It’s a track especially suited for those facing graduation and feeling anxious about being separated from dear friends.

Its warm message sinks in, teaching us that “goodbye” isn’t merely an ending but a stepping stone to becoming stronger.

As a cherished anthem that gives you the courage to take a new step, why not send it to a friend who’s setting out on a new journey?

proofflumpool20rank/position

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

Let us introduce a classic essential for graduation season that fuses choral and band sound.

Released in September 2011, this single by flumpool was specially written as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 78th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

It was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta and included on the album “experience.” With lyrics that engrave the time you’ve lived into your heart and give you the courage to move toward the future, the song resonates deeply with many people.

Why not listen to it at a graduation ceremony as you bid farewell to friends and beloved teachers, or on a spring day as you take your first step forward?

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE21rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

A perfect Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track to hear during graduation season, when anxiety and excitement mix.

The lyrics question your true self and gently urge you to love yourself—including your weaknesses—giving you the courage to take a new step forward.

Written as the theme song for NHK General’s “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival” in January 2025, the song is also included on their best-of album “10,” released in July of the same year.

On the program, a chorus performance with 1,000 18-year-olds was showcased, and its sheer energy became a hot topic.

When you’re straining to meet others’ expectations, listening to this will remind you it’s okay to be just the way you are.

It’s also perfect for belting out at karaoke with friends as you celebrate each other’s new beginnings!