[For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support

Graduation song, friends’ song19

A graduation song, a song of friends.

This song, sung by the folk duo 19, was included as a coupling track to their signature hit “Ano Kami Hikōki Kumorizora Watte.” Set to a gentle, mid-tempo ballad arrangement, the lyrics—reminiscing about past memories—sink deeply into the heart.

Above all, the most wonderful aspect is the message embedded in the words: “Graduation is not an end, but a beginning.” I think it’s a song that encourages graduates, who can’t help but feel lonely and sentimental.

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Hane Keisuke

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Endless road19

19 (Juke) "Endless Road"

A classic song by the folk duo 19 that’s essential for the season of departures.

Released in April 2000 as their fourth single, it became widely known as the theme for Lotte’s “Fratte” commercial.

The song rides on a brisk, driving melody to express both the anxiety of stepping into an unknown world and the strong resolve to keep moving forward.

It’s the kind of track that naturally gives you courage when you listen to it while leaving your hometown for the big city.

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

GReeeeN’s 2008 hit song “Kiseki” is an uplifting anthem that was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “ROOKIES.” It’s a track that inspires a positive, forward-looking mindset—conveying that even after graduation, friends remain by your side, and with their constant encouragement, you can overcome anything.

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Hito Sui

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Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Sakura Roll” Official Lyric Video

With the arrival of spring, the song that makes me want to listen is Masho Funatsu’s “Sakura Roll,” released in March 2021.

The title is a coined word that blends “sakura” (cherry blossoms) with a smartphone’s “camera roll,” a clever touch that layers the fleeting season with the enduring nature of memories.

This piece, graced by the soothing sound of acoustic guitar, features high school singer Ren on chorus; the overlap of their voices creates a beautiful harmony where warmth and wistfulness coexist.

The lyrics capture a contemporary feeling—the desire to etch fleeting moments into the heart like photographs—and gently resonate with those facing graduation or a new chapter in life.

It’s a highly recommended song to send with gratitude, while reflecting on days spent with friends or a loved one.

sunflowerAdo

[Ado] Sunflower

A bright, uplifting song like summer sunshine is perfect for sending off graduates.

Released in July 2023, this track drew attention as the theme song for the TBS drama “18/40: If It’s the Two of Us, Dreams and Love.” The lyrics, which convey a sunflower-like straight-ahead spirit and gratitude for loved ones, are sure to resonate with graduates.

Ado’s powerful vocals give listeners the courage to take a new step forward.

Ideal as background music for graduation ceremonies or as a song for farewell parties, it adds even more color to moving moments.

It’s an energetic work I’d like to dedicate to everyone setting out on a new path.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Okuru Kotoba

A folk trio centered around Tetsuya Takeda, Kaientai originally wrote this song as a heartbreak ballad.

After it was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B,” it became a beloved graduation standard across generations.

You can feel the teacher’s love for the students, and the message that tries to convey the important things in life makes it a perfect song for the stage of graduation!

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Hoshino Takashi

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Unchanging Thingssakushi: yamazaki tomoko / sakkyoku: yamazaki tomoko

The Unchanging Things [Chorus] / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #Chorus #ClassChorus #GraduationSong #ChorusContest

The bonds nurtured during our days at school will never fade, even when we are apart.

This work is a choral piece that carefully weaves together those unchanging feelings.

The lyrics and music are by Tomoko Yamazaki, who has created many beloved songs such as “Taisetsu na Mono” and “Te no Hira o Kazashite.” It was newly written for the collection “Tomoko Yamazaki ~Original Songs~ (Mixed Voices),” published by Ongaku no Tomo Sha in July 2010.

While holding the sorrow of parting, it portrays the resolve to look ahead and take a step forward, set to a sincere and beautiful melody.

Both mixed choir and equal-voice choir versions are available, making it easy to choose according to the size and composition of your school.

Sung at graduations, farewell ceremonies, and other moments of parting from those dear to you, it will etch gratitude for the time spent together—and the bonds that will remain unchanged—into your hearts.