Japanese Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Dream Deliverynaniwa danshi57rank/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.

Precious friendSakushi: Itsumi Ryūichirō / Sakkyoku: Furukawa Tatsuya58rank/position

Dear Friends – <Graduation Song> [Japanese Songs / Shoka]

Here’s an introduction to a moving song that’s being performed more and more often at kindergarten graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics were written by Ryuichiro Henmi, an active video director, and the music was composed by Tatsuya Furukawa, known in the game music world.

Created in 2009 as part of Benesse’s kindergarten graduation support campaign, the song was sung in the 2013 school year by children at 5,071 kindergartens nationwide—about 250,000 kids—and its cumulative CD shipments have surpassed one million.

The lyrics weave in specific episodes from kindergarten life—like getting back up after falling during a sports day thanks to friends’ cheers, or making up after a fight—which deeply resonate.

It was also used in a TV commercial in 2014, bringing it into many homes alongside touching graduation scenes.

With a bright melody tinged with a hint of poignancy, the tune suits a wide range of moments, from entrance music to slideshow background tracks.

It’s a perfect song for a graduation ceremony where you want to express gratitude to friends and teachers.

LaughterOfisharu Higedan Dism59rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Laughter [Official Video]

There’s also a recommended cheer-up song among Official HIGE DANDism’s tracks! This song tells the story of a bird named Laughter, who breaks out of its cage and soars into the open sky.

Even though it knows there may be various hardships once it leaves the cage, Laughter musters the courage to reach the place it’s aiming for—an image that overlaps with new students about to enter school and dive into a new environment.

Released in July 2020, the song was also used as the theme for the film The Confidence Man JP: Princess.

It’s a perfect track for sending encouragement to freshmen starting a new chapter while carrying some anxiety.

Best FriendNishino Kana60rank/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.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro61rank/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.

Until we meet againHirai Dai62rank/position

Until we meet again

An emotional ballad that portrays a heart holding back tears at the season of parting while believing in a reunion.

Sung by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, the song carries not only the loneliness of farewell but also gratitude for having met and hope for the future.

It is included on his album “Slow & Easy,” released in May 2015, and his gentle, warm vocals resonate deeply.

The lyrics trace growth alongside the changing seasons and convey a positive message of meeting again with a smile someday, softly encouraging listeners.

It’s a number that can bring both tears and warmth, perfect for graduation exit scenes or background music for videos reflecting on memories with friends.

If you’re feeling anxious about the days ahead, try listening while thinking of someone important to you.

parallel linesEve × suis from Yorushika63rank/position

Parallel Lines – Eve × suis from Yorushika MV

A collaborative song by Eve and suis from Yorushika that sings of the end of youth and a new beginning.

Released in February 2021, it was used as the theme song for Lotte’s Ghana Chocolate.

The warm tones of guitar and piano create a calm, uplifting feeling.

Eve’s vocals and suis’s clear voice blend beautifully, producing a harmony that lingers in the heart.

While depicting unfulfilled feelings and bittersweetness, it’s a song that gives you the courage to express feelings that haven’t changed.

Listen to it on graduation day as you look back on the days spent with friends.

It will surely help you step forward with a smile.