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 transferring schools / songs to give to friends (41–50)
HarukaYOASOBI
A moving work spun from the story of a mug that has watched over someone’s half a lifetime.
In YOASOBI’s music-led tale, the mug sometimes illuminates life’s milestones and at other times gently embraces small moments of growth.
Everyday scenes sprinkled throughout vividly reflect the bittersweetness of partings and growing up that everyone experiences.
Released in December 2020, this work is based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Ouji” (Moon Prince).
It has also been featured as the commercial song for Takara Tomy’s LCD care toy “Puniruns” and as the image song for “Art Aquarium 2021 — Hakata: Festival of Goldfish,” garnering support from a wide audience.
It is a song that stays close to those who have parted with a cherished memento or who are facing a farewell with someone dear.
[Farewell Songs] Songs about Changing Schools, Songs to Give to Friends (51–60)
We againSG
A graduation song filled with memories and warmth that’s drawing attention is the work of SG.
Looking back on the carefree days, its gentle melody wraps around the feelings of parting and what comes after, warming the heart.
The lyrics, full of strength to move forward and hope for reunion, soothe many people as a piece that stands beside them at important milestones in life.
Since November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, adding a new charm through a wind ensemble arrangement.
This piece was produced with the cooperation of the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble, and the music created together with the students delivers a moving resonance that crosses generations.
It is a fitting song to gently push you forward at graduations, farewell gatherings, and moments of parting with someone important.
I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu
Partings from those dear to us, encounters with the ones we love, and emotions too deep for words.
This gem of a ballad, released by Off Course in February 1982, gently sings of such delicate moments in life.
Kazumasa Oda’s clear, pure voice and the beautiful melody seep deep into the heart.
The song is included on the album “over” and was released as a double A-side single with “Kimi ni Okuru Uta.” In 1999, it was chosen for a life insurance company’s commercial, once again moving the hearts of many.
It’s a song to play when your feelings for someone overflow or when you want to express gratitude to someone precious.
Song of BeginningsGReeeeN
A heartfelt anthem filled with kindness and courage—one that sinks deep into your soul.
Its warm lyrics gently nudge those ready to take a new step forward, while the refreshing melody resonates comfortably.
Released in March 2016, it reached many listeners as the theme song for Able’s commercial.
Perfect not only for those starting a new chapter in life, but also for moments when you want to express gratitude to someone special.
Wrapped in GReeeeN’s gentle vocals, this wonderful song gives you the courage to take that next step.
At any timeYugeda Kensuke
Set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone, Kensuke Yugeda’s song expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten.
It warmly conveys precious memories with friends and heartfelt thanks to family and teachers.
Its tender, embracing tune resonates deeply with listeners and invites empathy.
The piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Yume o Tsunagou,” and it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.
Mr.
Yugeda, who holds school concerts nationwide, has performed over 2,000 times and continues composing with children in mind.
It is a song you’ll want to sing with care when expressing gratitude to important people, such as at a “Half-Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or end-of-year school events.
Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46
A spring song by Hinatazaka46 that poignantly sings of cherry blossoms, graduation, and unspoken love.
With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Nasuka, the piece is set on the day of a graduation ceremony, portraying memories and regrets that resurface with the arrival of spring.
In the music video—filmed on a set themed around cherry blossom trees—Nao Kosaka takes center stage as a dreamlike, parade-like world unfolds.
First performed at the Tokyo Dome on December 26, 2024, it was released as the group’s 13th single on January 29, 2025.
Capturing the feelings of youthful, unripe love and the emotions left unsaid, it’s a track that deeply resonates with younger listeners.
It’s also a perfect fit for elementary school graduation ceremonies and springtime events.
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi
A masterpiece woven from a gentle singing voice that stays close to the heart and lyrics that gracefully portray nostalgia for days gone by.
Featured on the album “COBALT HOUR,” released by Yumi Arai in June 1975, this song delicately expresses life and change after graduation.
It lyrically spins memories of a cherished person who lives on forever within the warmth of reminiscence.
It was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta” and the film “Watch with Me.” A heartwarming encouragement song to listen to in times of sorrow or at life’s crossroads.