[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 Cheers (131–140)
It’s okaywacci
This song by wacci carries a warm message that gently stays close to the listener’s heart.
It tenderly portrays universal emotions—like the smile that comes after tears, and the days when you want to change but can’t.
You can feel the strength and kindness of the words “It’s okay” throughout the entire piece.
Released in August 2015, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “37.5°C no Namida.” It’s recommended for times when you feel tired from daily life or want to face your own vulnerabilities.
It will surely warm your heart.
Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji
A heartwarming graduation song from Sakura Shimeji.
The cherry blossom–themed lyrics gently embrace both parting and new beginnings.
Imbued with the feelings of members who experienced student life during the COVID-19 pandemic, this work was released as a digital single in February 2023.
The phrase “I wish today were the beginning” leaves a strong impression, tenderly depicting both lingering attachment to the past and hope for the future.
It’s a perfect track for background music at graduation ceremonies or farewell parties, and is recommended for anyone who wants to express gratitude before parting with someone important.
We Look Up to You with Respect
I saw an article saying this song isn’t sung as much at recent graduation ceremonies, but I think many people still sang it at theirs! When people think of graduation, I bet this is the song that comes to mind for many.
The lyrics express gratitude to teachers and friends, making it a perfect fit as a graduation song.
Graduation — goodbyes are for tomorrowTakkī & Tsubasa
Released in February 2003 by Tackey & Tsubasa, this song conveys a sense of frustration and feeling somewhat unaccepted through its lyrics, capturing the raw emotions of a breakup.
True to its title, “Graduation ~Sayonara wa Ashita no Tame ni,” the lyrics suggest that farewells exist for the sake of the future, making it a track that also carries a positive, forward-looking message.
MY GRADUATIONSPEED
It has been covered by various artists and has long been cherished as a graduation classic.
The song portrays setting off from a past love, overflowing with a bittersweet feeling.
Even if it’s over, it doesn’t mean everything is lost—its lyrics convey that kind of bravado, along with the determination to move forward on one’s own two feet.
GraduationKobukuro
The song I want to sing while reminiscing with friends who are graduating together is “Sotsugyou” by Kobukuro.
I’ve heard the two members co-wrote it with the wish that it would be sung at graduation ceremonies.
It’s perfect not only for the ceremony itself, but also for the farewell party everyone holds afterward—sing it together and it’s sure to be moving! Just like in the music video, take lots of videos and photos, and make those final moments before you all go your separate ways into something truly special.
windKobukuro
It’s “Kaze,” a graduation-themed support song released by Kobukuro in 2002.
With beautiful lyrics that evoke scenes of cherry blossom petals scattering and the duo’s harmonies that resonate deeply, this piece captures the bittersweetness of graduation and memories up to now, while inspiring the resolve to move forward.
It’s one of Kobukuro’s classic ballads.
