Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi29rank/position

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

A heartwarming song themed around friendship and bonds has arrived from Ketsumeishi.

This work sings about the precious days spent with friends and the presence of companions who stand by you in tough times.

Written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World,” it was released in April 2016.

The music video features the comedy trio Dachou Club, expressing their long-standing friendship.

The song is also included on the album “KETSUNOPOLIS 10.” It’s a perfect track for graduations, farewells with friends, or when you want to express gratitude to someone special.

Why not hum along while reflecting on the value of friendship?

Us Again (Brass Band ver.)SG30rank/position

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

This work by SG has gained support as an encouraging song that resonates deeply during graduations and farewells.

Its gentle melody, which accompanies young people as they overcome partings and take new steps forward, and its lyrics filled with hope for reunion are especially appealing.

Released in April 2021, it has become a popular track with a cumulative 150 million streams.

Starting in November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a concert band version by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble has been making waves.

It’s a heartwarming song for farewells, graduation ceremonies, and moments when you long to see someone special again.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to cherish your memories while looking ahead and doing your best.

To the futureKiroro31rank/position

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

A song filled with warm feelings for one’s mother, it’s very popular during the season of farewells.

Released as Kiroro’s second single on an 8cm CD in June 1998 and re-released on a 12cm CD in February 2002, this classic is also included on the album “Nagaisakan—Kiroro no Mori.” Written by vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro when she was in junior high school, its gentle words and melody speak straight to the heart.

Perfect for a transfer ceremony marking a parting with a beloved teacher, to express gratitude.

cherry blossomKobukuro32rank/position

Kobukuro “Sakura”

Have you ever had the experience of memories resurfacing with the arrival of spring? Kobukuro’s 12th single, released in 2005, is etched in the hearts of many as a true classic that colors the season of farewells.

Originally a song they had been performing since their indie days, it was re-recorded for their major-label career.

Its warm, acoustic guitar-centered sound and the duo’s beautiful harmonies resonate deeply.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Ns’ Aoi,” it won the Gold Prize at the 47th Japan Record Awards.

The track was included on the album “NAMELESS WORLD” and has been repeatedly selected for numerous best-of compilations.

With lyrics that set the ache of meetings and partings—and unspoken words—to a gentle melody, it resonates with romance, friendship, and the end of school days alike.

Sing it with friends at karaoke, and those memories from back then are sure to come vividly back to life.

together; along with; bothWANIMA33rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

WANIMA is a rock band whose exhilarating sound and catchy melodies energize everyone who listens.

This work portrays the powerful drive to keep moving forward with authenticity, even while carrying painful memories of the past and anxieties about an uncertain future.

Its passionate message—filled with deep gratitude for the friends they’ve met along the way and the importance of overcoming hardships to keep living—will surely resonate with anyone at a new beginning.

Released in August 2016, the song was used in a commercial for Nivea Kao’s 8×4.

During production, their hometown of Kumamoto was struck by an earthquake, and the added layers of prayers and encouragement for their community make the background all the more moving.

It’s an uplifting tune recommended for those who want to look back on days spent with dear friends and step forward with a smile onto a new path!

On the Day of DepartureSakushi: Kojima Noboru / Sakkyoku: Sakamoto Hiromi34rank/position

A Classic Song Sung at Preschools: “On the Day of Departure” [Graduation Song / Preschool Graduation Song / Music Activities in Preschool]

This is a classic song for expressing gratitude at graduation ceremonies and is sung at many kindergartens and preschools.

The lyrics were written by Noboru Kojima and the music composed by Hiromi Sakamoto.

It began in March 1991, when it was performed as a gift to graduating students at a junior high school in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.

Words like “big sky” and “wings” leave a strong impression, evoking the image of children taking flight into a new world.

In 2007, SMAP performed it in an NTT East commercial, which made it even more widely known.

With lyrics that convey gratitude to teachers and a resolve to set off while cherishing memories with friends, it’s perfect for the important milestone of graduation.

The teachers who have watched the children grow will surely be moved to tears.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4835rank/position

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

Sung by AKB48, this piece is a warm song with a pleasantly soothing tone.

Its message—that you don’t need to compare yourself to others and can move forward at your own pace—gently encourages listeners.

Although it was a coupling track on the single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” released in December 2015, it became widely loved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita.” As it has also taken root as a choral piece, it’s recommended as a song to celebrate the start of a new chapter during graduation season, when anxiety and excitement are intertwined.