[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 (121–130)
Words of FarewellGReeeeN
A perfect GReeeeN song to listen to during graduation season.
Released as a single in October 2018, it was also used as the theme song for the film “Run! T High School Basketball Club.” The gentle piano melody and the four-part harmony bring back memories of the days we spent together.
It beautifully captures a page of youth, with lines about “the days we dreamed and talked together” and “gratitude to friends with whom we shared frustration and joy.” While it lingers on the sadness of parting, the lyrics also inspire hope for a new beginning, making it ideal for graduation ceremonies or retiring from a club.
It’s a song that reaffirms the bonds with your friends and gives you the courage to take a step toward the future.
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.
spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira
A collaborative song by Kaf and Kujira themed around spring and farewell.
Released in March 2022, the piece beautifully captures the warmth of spring sunlight and the bittersweetness of parting.
Its lyrics vividly portray the complex emotions of those facing graduation or life’s turning points, set against the brightness of spring.
Kaf’s transparent, crystalline vocals breathe life into the words crafted by Kujira, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a must-listen for anyone embarking on a new chapter or who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.
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.
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.
