Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad57rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

This song was written by the rock band My Hair is Bad, from Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary, released in August 2024.

It carries a warm message that looks back on the days gone by and affirms that even painful experiences connect to who we are now.

As the closing track on their album ghosts, released in July 2024, it’s a perfect fit for parting with friends who shared irreplaceable moments together—like the one unforgettable summer Shin-chan and his friends spent.

Any anxiety about stepping onto a new path will surely be transformed into courage by vocalist Tomomi Shiiki’s powerful voice.

It’s a song we hope you’ll listen to as you and your friends, who may be separated after graduation, cheer on each other’s futures.

GraduationKobukuro58rank/position

Kobukuro “Graduation”

It’s an emotional ballad that evokes scenes from our school days—like the view from the classroom window and the blackboard.

The lyrics carry not only the sadness of parting but also hope for the future that’s about to begin, gently encouraging those who are stepping onto a new path.

Created by Kobukuro, known for their beautiful harmonies, the song was released in March 2020 as their 31st single.

They deliberately chose not to attach any tie-ins, producing it with the pure wish that it would be sung at ceremonies.

It was later included on the album “Star Made” and has since become a springtime staple.

Listen to it while reflecting on days spent with friends, and you’re sure to be filled with gratitude.

It’s a warm, uplifting anthem that gives courage at life’s turning points.

Bye, my friendbokula.59rank/position

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

This rock tune delivers a straightforward vocal performance over an emotional band sound, capturing how ordinary moments in daily life turn into irreplaceable memories.

Expressing friendship, partings, and the tremors of the future in a direct way, the track was created by bokula., a rock band based in Hiroshima.

It was included on the album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, and by April 2024 it had surpassed a total of 8.5 million streams, making it a fan favorite.

Ei, who handles vocals and guitar, moves listeners with a voice that is both gentle and powerful.

It’s an upbeat tune perfect as BGM for a graduation movie that looks back on days spent with friends—layer it beneath footage overflowing with smiles.

Dream Deliverynaniwa danshi60rank/position

Naniwa Danshi “Yume Watashi” ~from Naniwa Danshi First Arena Tour 2021 #NaniwaDanshiShikaKatan~

Naniwa Danshi is a sparkling, Kansai-born idol group brimming with charm.

The song they perform here is a heartwarming mid-tempo number that was selected as the 2021 “ABC Summer High School Baseball Support Song” and the theme for “Netto Koshien.” It was also included on their single “Ubu Love,” released in November 2021, and their album “1st Love,” released in July 2022.

The lyrics portray dreams that can be realized precisely because you’re not alone and the preciousness of connecting feelings with your companions—making it perfectly suited to the milestone of graduation.

Sing it at karaoke with friends who are setting off on different paths, and the flood of memories will surely give you courage.

It’s a song that gently nudges you forward as you take a new step.

My friend—now and forever…Ketsumeishi61rank/position

Friend(s), from here on and forever... / Ketsumeishi

On graduation day, taking a moment to look back on the memories and bonds you’ve shared with friends is truly irreplaceable.

Released in April 2016, this song by Ketsumeishi is a perfect friendship anthem for just such a scene.

Written as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World,” it resonates with vows to remain friends for decades to come and a message of supporting each other in tough times.

From its piano intro that builds with strings to a chorus that surges with feeling, the arrangement creates a sense of uplift worthy of a new beginning.

Even children anxious about parting ways will, upon hearing this song, find their feelings transform into a firm belief that “we’ll always be together from here on out.”

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro62rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

As a song that colors the farewells of spring, many people likely think of this signature track by Naotaro Moriyama.

It originally appeared in 2002 as a band piece on the mini-album “Kawaita Uta wa Sakana no Esa ni Chodo Ii,” but it was transformed into a solo vocal style with piano accompaniment and released as a single in March 2003.

Widely loved as the ending theme of “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” it became a long-running hit, reaching number one on the charts in its ninth week after release.

Inspired by a friend’s departure, the song is more than just a farewell—it carries a promise of reunion someday.

Play it at a workplace send-off or when seeing off dear friends, and it’s sure to inspire warm emotion and heartfelt gratitude.

Best FriendNishino Kana63rank/position

Kana Nishino “Best Friend” [Track on 15th Anniversary ‘ALL TIME BEST’]

Kana Nishino’s “Best Friend” is a heart-stirring song that’s perfect for graduation season.

The song is filled with gratitude and love for friends, resonating especially with people in their teens and twenties.

Nishino’s clear voice and relatable lyrics touch the hearts of many young listeners.

As farewells draw near, why not use this song to express the gratitude that’s hard to put into words? To forever cherish the precious memories with your friends, give “Best Friend” a listen.

It’s sure to bring back wonderful moments.