Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE43rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – StaRt

An uplifting song from the student-friendly rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

This track, included on their album “Variety,” released in July 2015, gives a push to those embarking on a new chapter.

Its pop melody and powerful beat stir listeners’ hearts, offering the courage to face forward.

It was also featured in a Kao commercial, resonating with many people.

We’d love for everyone heading toward new challenges to listen to this song.

It will inspire the strength to overcome difficulties and the confidence to believe in yourself.

Thank youSUPER BEAVER44rank/position

SUPER BEAVER “Arigatou” MV (Band ver.)

SUPER BEAVER is a rock band that keeps moving the hearts of many listeners with a straightforward rock sound that goes straight to the core of the words.

Featured on the album “361°,” this song is more than a simple message of gratitude—it’s a powerful rock number that affirms encounters, farewells, and the very feeling of being alive.

Released in February 2014, it isn’t tied to any TV show or film, yet it’s known as a classic that spread by word of mouth along with the heat of live house performances.

There’s hardly a more fitting song for expressing your feelings to friends at a farewell gathering.

If you let the band’s unvarnished intensity carry the words of thanks that are usually too embarrassing to say, the whole venue is sure to be wrapped in warm emotion.

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi45rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video

With its buoyant piano intro and exhilarating, fast-paced sound, this signature Skima Switch number has continued to spur many people onward.

Released in April 2005 as their fifth single, it’s also included on their second album, “Kūsō Clip.” Long beloved, it was featured as an insert song in the film “Rough” and, in 2020, chosen as the Japanese end theme for the Disney/Pixar film “Onward.” Its message of breaking through the status quo and opening up a new world makes it perfect as a cheer for those heading into a new stage—like a transfer or a job change.

If you play it to wrap up a farewell party with smiles, or to send off friends with energy, it’s sure to fill the entire venue with a positive vibe.

Goodbyekariyushi 5846rank/position

Kariyushi58 “Sayonara”

A bittersweet yet powerful rock ballad that sings of the warmth of moving forward while carrying the love and memories of time gone by.

It’s a song by Kariyushi58, a band from Okinawa, released as a single in February 2009.

Chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama “Zeni Geba,” it garnered a huge response, reaching as high as No.

10 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It was later included on their second album, “Deeji, Kariyushi.” Vocalist Shingo Maekawa’s straight, earnest voice grips the heart.

An inspiring number that gently gives a push to someone dear who is setting off for a new place.

Thank youikimonogakari47rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Feelings of gratitude that are too embarrassing to express on ordinary days might be easier to convey honestly at graduation.

This song, which portrays the warmth of holding someone’s hand, the happiness of everyday life, and the resolve to walk toward the future, is truly a classic befitting a new beginning.

Ikimono-gakari’s single “Arigatou,” released in May 2010, was widely loved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyōbō.

Thanks to its universal appeal, it was also selected as the entrance march for the 2011 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

The words woven by Yoshiki Mizuno and the vocals of Kiyoe Yoshioka gently resonate with listeners’ hearts.

Why not listen to this perfect piece for expressing gratitude to parents and teachers at graduation and find the courage to take your next step?

CHARMWANIMA48rank/position

WANIMA「CHARM」（OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

When you dive into a new environment, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.

That’s exactly when I want you to listen to this song by WANIMA, a rock band from Kumamoto.

The title carries the meaning of a “good-luck charm,” and it powerfully pushes the backs of those about to take on a new challenge.

It leads off their single “Gotta Go!!,” released in May 2017, and was also featured in Kikkoman’s corporate film and Morinaga’s “Juken ni in Jelly” commercial.

Its exhilarating sound and lyrics that look forward while cherishing farewells really strike a chord.

This track feels like it can even turn your anxieties into energy.

Listen to it on your way to school, and you’ll find the courage to take that first new step! With the ultimate good-luck-charm song by your side, here’s to a wonderful start!

Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro49rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – “Sakura (2019)” Music Video

Since the start of the Reiwa era, many new graduation songs that leave a lasting impression have emerged, but one that stands out in particular is Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura (2019).” Surpassing its 2002 hit, this newly arranged version was also chosen as the theme song for a drama starring Mitsuki Takahata.

With a melody as radiant as cherry blossoms in bloom and tinged with the pathos of petals falling, it symbolizes both parting and the beginning of a new life.

Its moving vocals leave a deep impression on listeners.

It’s a perfect choice for the graduation season of the Reiwa era, a song that will color many memories.