RAG MusicGraduation
A lovely graduation song

[Support for a New Life] Cheer and Celebration Songs You’ll Want to Hear at the Entrance Ceremony

Many people might say, “While there are lots of graduation songs, I can’t really think of any entrance (school admission) songs.”

For those who are looking for entrance songs but can’t quite find them, this article introduces recommended tracks for people starting at a new school in April, as well as for those who want to celebrate new students.

We’ve picked a range of songs—including recent releases—from upbeat tunes that help you welcome the new school year with a bright outlook to encouraging anthems that let you move forward, trusting in the path you’ve walked so far.

During the entrance season, take your time and listen to these gems that gently accompany the mix of excitement and anxiety in your heart.

[Support for a New Life] Encouraging and Celebration Songs You’ll Want to Hear at the Entrance Ceremony (101–110)

Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki

Among the many gem-like masterpieces created by Noriyuki Makihara, a genius singer-songwriter who represents Japan, this song is especially renowned and popular! Makihara wrote it while thinking of a friend back in his hometown, and the lyrics—depicting the feelings of a protagonist living far from home with Makihara’s signature gift for word choice—are moving enough to bring you to tears just by reading them.

His gentle voice and melody, paired with a light, reggae-tinged arrangement, are simply superb.

Entrance ceremonies often mix hope with anxiety, and many people leave their hometowns to start a new life.

“Far Away, Far Away” quietly stays close to those feelings and gives listeners the courage and energy to take a new step forward.

Incidentally, despite its fame, this song was not actually released as a single.

It originally appeared on the acclaimed 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” (You Are My Treasure), where it was already popular among fans, and it later became beloved by many.

Because we are living beingsRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Because We Are Living Beings' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Bokura wa Ikimono dakara
Because we are living beingsRyokushokushakai

Released in September 2024, this song was specially written as the required piece for the Junior High School Division of the NHK National School Music Competition.

Its lyrics are striking for gently conveying the wonder of living while accompanying the anxieties and conflicts of adolescence.

Set to Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s characteristically refreshing pop-rock sound, Haruko Nagaya’s clear, transparent vocals resonate deeply.

It’s a track that gives courage to those feeling uneasy in a new environment or about to start something new.

Listen to it on your entrance ceremony day or at the start of a new chapter, and you’re sure to feel empowered.

Through this work, you’ll sense the importance of living true to yourself.

A perfect song to support you as you begin a new life.

GRADUATIONSBACK-ON

GRADUATIONS (Theme song for V-Cinext 'Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS')
GRADUATIONSBACK-ON

This song gently gives a push on the back as friends part ways and take their first steps onto new paths.

Holding the memories of precious friends they spent time with, it captures the wavering feelings of young people heading toward their respective futures through an emotional melody and powerful guitar sound.

Released by BACK-ON in February 2025, it serves as the theme song for Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS, offering encouragement at the major life turning point of graduation.

It blends beautifully with the world of the V-Cinext work, further heightening the emotional impact of the piece.

It’s a perfect track for the grand finale of a school or culture festival, and for making memories with friends.

While conveying the importance of friendship and bonds, it’s a song that gives you the courage to start walking toward the future.

PinkieBUMP OF CHICKEN

A moving classic by BUMP OF CHICKEN, themed around cherry blossoms and portraying the passage of time and promises with loved ones, resonates deeply.

It’s a memorable track that showcases the warm musicality born from the band members’ childhood friendship and Motoo Fujiwara’s gentle yet powerful vocals.

The song carefully weaves feelings that change over time and a wish not to forget precious memories.

Released in April 2010 as the B-side to the single “HAPPY,” it was also used as a TV program’s theme song.

It’s sure to comfort those whose hearts are racing with both anxiety and excitement before a new chapter in life, as well as those who have experienced parting from someone dear.

LaughterOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Laughter [Official Video]
LaughterOfisharu Higedan Dism

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.

[Support for a New Life] Encouragement and Celebration Songs to Listen to at the Entrance Ceremony (111–120)

coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Irodori” Music Video (Odakyu Group corporate commercial song)
coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)ikimonogakari

A pop tune that gently portrays the small joys of everyday life and the connections between people.

This piece is the lead track from the album “Asobi,” released in April 2025, and was featured as a corporate commercial song for the Odakyu Group.

It’s a memorable track with a friendly melody line and heartwarming lyrics.

The grand choral work, featuring choirs from institutions such as Tokyo University of Agriculture and Seijo University, is another highlight.

It’s a song meant to accompany your daily life—perfect for moments like commuting to work or school.

birthdayDISH//

DISH// – Birthday [Official Video]
birthdayDISH//

This song gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

It’s a track included on DISH//’s album “X,” released in February 2021, and was created as the theme song for the smartphone game app “La Corda d’Oro Starlight Orchestra.” Takumi Kitamura’s clear, expansive vocals powerfully convey the beginning of a new journey.

While the song has an upbeat, pop feel, its melody line carries a hint of poignancy.

It’s imbued with a message that gives you a push at life’s turning points, such as moving or starting a new chapter.

Why not let DISH//’s music add a vibrant touch to your new life as you boldly move forward?