[For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
As graduation season approaches, many people may find themselves struggling to choose the perfect song to give.
Gratitude for friends who are setting off, excitement for the new life ahead, and a touch of sadness—those complex feelings are ones you want to convey through music.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of songs to dedicate to graduates and uplifting tracks perfect for graduation ceremonies.
From gentle tunes that give a reassuring push forward to moving pieces that bring tears to your eyes, we’ve gathered graduation songs from various perspectives.
You’re sure to find a heartfelt track that will beautifully mark this important new beginning.
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[For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Fight Songs to Express Gratitude and Support (91–100)
On the Day of Departure
Composed in 1991 by a junior high school teacher in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, this choral piece gradually became a standard song for graduation ceremonies.
Told from a teacher’s perspective, it recalls memories with the students and delivers a message urging them to soar into the wider world—powerfully supporting those about to graduate.
Words of FarewellKaientai
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!
The happiest treasuresutopuri
As a heartwarming song that adds color to graduation season, the voices of Strawberry Prince ring out.
It vividly paints the March scene of dancing cherry blossoms and gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.
Released in March 2023, the song was given a surprise live debut during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.
Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, its refreshing melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but anyone taking a new step forward.
If you are experiencing farewells with loved ones or new encounters, please give it a listen as a song that sends heartfelt support.
Song of LifeSakushi: Miyabi / Sakkyoku: Muramatsu Takatsugu
A heartwarming ballad themed around gratitude for being alive and the preciousness of life.
Miyabi, also known as Mariya Takeuchi, penned gently spoken words that touch the heart, reminding us how precious the ordinary moments spent with family and friends truly are.
Released as a single by Mana Kana in February 2009, the song was composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu and became beloved as an insert song in the NHK morning drama series “Dandan.” In January 2012, Takeuchi released a self-cover, which was also used as the theme song for the NHK docudrama “Pioneers.” Its message, carried by a beautiful melody, is perfect for graduation ceremonies to express gratitude to parents and teachers who raised you.
Through choral singing, it’s a moving piece that helps children feel the weight and value of their own lives.
Country RoadHon’na Yoko
It’s a memorable song featuring a simple, nostalgic melody and lyrics that portray the resolve to set out alone toward the future.
Released in June 1995 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “Whisper of the Heart,” it’s captivating for Yoko Honna’s clear, translucent vocals.
The song mirrors the film’s protagonist pursuing her dreams and is sure to gently encourage children standing at the major milestone of graduation.
Since April 2012, it has also been adopted as the station melody at the setting featured in the film, exemplifying how it has been loved for many years.
With a message about tucking away your memories and forging your own path, it’s perfect for graduates about to take flight into a new world.
Holding back tears and facing forward—there’s no doubt it will make for a moving ceremony.
YellKobukuro
Kobukuro has many songs that are perfect for graduation, but this one is especially fitting as a song to send off graduates! Just as the title suggests, it’s a song that lets you send your support to them.
Every part of the lyrics carries a wonderful message, but the chorus is where you really want to focus.
It delivers a message that’s just right for graduates setting off on a new path.
With the duo’s beautiful harmonies, it’s a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart.
Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu
A song by Masaharu Fukuyama, written at the request of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi as the theme for the drama “Totto-chan!”.
With beautiful piano and strings, it sings of gratitude to those who raised him and memories of dear friends who are all the more cherished for being different.
It’s a perfect number for graduation, expressing feelings for the school that taught us what’s important in life.