Farewell Song: A Song About Changing Schools, A Song to Give to Friends
Transferring schools is a big event, isn’t it?
If you’re the one transferring, it means leaving the place you’ve spent so much time in.
And if it’s a friend who’s leaving, it can feel like a hole opens up in your heart… Just imagining it is bittersweet.
In this article, I’ve put together songs on the theme of “transferring schools.”
Most of them are farewell songs, but some pieces feel like they can save you from sadness.
It may be a tearful goodbye now, but someday you’ll feel through music that the experience was something good for your life… That’s the kind of playlist this is.
- A farewell song for a dear friend—an uplifting graduation song that conveys heartfelt gratitude.
- Recommended friendship songs for children. Songs about friends you’ll want to listen to with your pals.
- Friendship songs recommended for elementary school students. Bonding songs you’ll want to listen to with your friends.
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- [A moving friendship song] For dear friends and best friends. Songs of friendship that make you feel the bond.
- A gratitude song for friends. A thank-you song dedicated to someone special.
- Farewell Songs: Karaoke tunes to sing at a farewell party. Goodbye songs.
- Six types of farewell songs: goodbye songs for each scene
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [For High School Students] A Collection of Touching Friendship Songs
- Friendship Songs: Rediscover Your Bonds! A Carefully Curated Selection of Moving Masterpieces That Will Bring You to Tears
- A funny song that livens up a farewell party
- Songs to use in the memory movie. Let’s look back on our memories before graduation!
[Farewell Songs] Songs about Thinking of Transferring Schools, Songs to Give to Friends (21–30)
KanadeSukima Suichi
Among Sukima Switch’s ballads, “Kanade” is one of the most popular, often considered a top favorite.
Set against the backdrop of a certain train station, the song portrays a parting between a man and a woman, and it’s frequently introduced as a breakup song.
However, if you read the lyrics closely, you’ll see it’s actually about a long-distance relationship.
While the lyrics focus on romance, the message “Even if we’re apart, our hearts remain connected” also fits perfectly with the experience of transferring schools and being separated from friends.
In addition to these lyrics, Takuya Ohashi’s expressive vocals make the song even more moving.
Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS
This is the seventh single by RADWIMPS, released in 2006.
Loved by many fans for its profound lyrics and very accessible rock sound, it portrays someone dear who smiles by your side even when you’re weighed down by negative feelings—their presence is deeply cherished.
Thanks to them, you’re able to get back on your feet; that uplifting message really hits home.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to keep treasuring the friends and companions who care about you, even if you transfer to a new school.
Your Best FriendKuraki Mai
It’s a moving song that helps you when you’re struggling or feeling down after a setback.
Created by singer Mai Kuraki, known for hits like “Secret, voice of my heart” and “Togetsukyo ~Kimi Omou~,” it was released in 2011 as her 37th single and served as the ending theme for the anime Detective Conan.
Set to a bittersweet melody, it conveys the message: “Your feelings do reach me.” Perfect for a friend who’s going far away and you won’t be able to see often.
The Night Before Transferring Schoolschinmari P
Vocaloid producer Chinmari-P, who also goes by names like risou and Sori Sawada and is popular for ballad- and post-rock–oriented tracks, has won acclaim for his work.
His 27th song, “Transfer Eve,” which is also included on his first album Homeopathy, is known as his first track to enter the Hall of Fame.
Those who have experienced the sudden loss of someone who was always by their side will likely relate to the emptiness and regret it brings.
With a melancholic melody carried by a shuffle beat, it’s a poignant number perfect for times when you want to sink into the sorrow of parting.
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
Yuzu is a duo of male artists.
Since their debut in 1998, they have released songs that have brought color to many works and events.
“Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~” was selected as the required piece for the junior high school division of the NHK National School Music Competition.
The harmonies between Yuujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa in the chorus are deeply moving.
The gentle, enveloping tone of the song brings a sense of peace.
Even when we’re apart, as long as our hearts are connected, we can step forward.
It’s a song that gives you courage.
Always with youshino
Singer-songwriter Shino, who shares piano-and-vocal performances centered on themes of love.
Her song “Itsudemo Kimi to,” released on YouTube, features lyrics written as a message to a best friend, and has gained attention through word of mouth—especially among junior and senior high school girls—leading to a decision for digital distribution.
Overflowing with gratitude and appreciation for friends, the lyrics feel like a message to send to someone moving away due to transferring schools or graduation.
With a translucent voice and a piano sound rich in depth that resonates with the heart, this ballad is one you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone special.
My friend—now and forever…Ketsumeishi
Ketsumeishi are the pioneers who pushed rap and reggae-influenced music into Japan’s pop field.
In this track, they express the importance of friendship with a technical flow and bittersweet lyrics.
The brisk, fast-paced production is easy to listen to, and their sense and skill in elevating rap—a technique rooted in Black music—into bona fide J-pop exudes top-tier confidence.
In the best way, it’s a rap song by Japanese people for Japanese people, and you could call it pop music suitable for all ages.
