[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 Cheer Anthems to Express Gratitude and Support (111–120)
BraveNaoto Intiraymi
From the opening lines about encounters and farewells to the hopeful, forward-looking message that follows, this song is a perfect fit for graduation.
It’s one of the signature tracks by Naoto Inti Raymi, a popular singer-songwriter known for songs filled with uplifting messages.
In addition to lyrics that encourage those who feel anxious before a new beginning, the song features an up-tempo, bright arrangement.
For graduates, it will be a powerful track that supports their first steps forward.
[For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Express Gratitude and Support (121–130)
Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone
This song, an original cheer anthem written by Naotaro Moriyama and delivered through Mone Kamishiraishi’s clear, transparent vocals, recalls the moments spent together in bygone days and is infused with hope for the future.
Announced in January 2022 as the official support song for the 100th National High School Soccer Championship, it’s a track that encourages people striving in all kinds of situations—not just soccer.
The must-see music video depicts people working toward their dreams and the moment those dreams come true.
It’s a song we hope graduating students and anyone embarking on a new path will listen to.
Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46
A song by Hinatazaka46 themed around graduation.
It gently sings of the bittersweet feelings of the cherry blossom season and the love that went unspoken.
Memories and regrets sealed in graduation photos resonate deeply, intertwined with clear, transparent vocals.
Set for release on January 29, 2025, the track features Nao Kosaka as center and will be available in five editions: limited first-press versions and a regular edition.
It was premiered at their Tokyo Dome concert on December 26, 2024.
It’s a recommended listen not only for students entering graduation season, but also for anyone who wants to reflect on past loves.
It’s okayji ma ma
This song, immensely popular as a graduation anthem, is one of the signature tracks from jimama, the solo project of Terumi Miyahira.
A slow ballad with a simple piano accompaniment, it showcases Miyahira’s gentle vocals, making the message embedded in the lyrics resonate even more deeply.
Graduating from the environment you’ve known and setting off on separate new paths with your friends naturally brings anxiety.
The word “Daijōbu” (It’s going to be okay), which also appears in the title and lyrics, gently eases the worries graduates carry as they listen.
Best FriendNishino Kana
This is the ninth single by Kana Nishino, a female singer from Mie Prefecture who announced a hiatus in 2019.
Its message of gratitude to a beloved friend and the vow to remain best friends even when apart is something many people about to graduate can surely relate to.
It’s a perfect number for the graduation season, celebrating unwavering friendship.
To You — A Message for Your Departure
“To You: A Message for Your Departure,” composed by Masako Tsutsui, an elementary school teacher, is a song she dedicated to her graduating students and is also known as a classic graduation song.
It carries a message for students who are ending their school life—full of both joyful and difficult moments—and standing at the threshold of a new beginning.
Characterized by a powerful yet beautiful piano melody, it pairs well with singing that makes full use of the wide vocal range of mixed voices.
Singing clearly and with a strong voice will make the performance even more convincing.
Be sure to try this choral piece that will help you welcome tomorrow with a bright and hopeful spirit.
Future is YoursSambomasutā
With a heart-stirring melody and powerful lyrics, this song is perfect for gifting to graduates.
Released by Sambomaster in July 2023, it was also used as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan THE MOVIE: Clash of the Supernatural Powers ~Fly, Fly, Tenugui Sushi~.” Expressing hope for a bright future and the emotions of growth, the lyrics gently encourage graduates taking their first steps forward.
Its up-tempo rhythm and warm guitar sound make it a track that gives listeners courage.
It’s a song everyone will want to sing together to liven up graduation ceremonies and farewell parties!