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

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photo – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

Released in 1975 during the Yumi Arai era, this song is still heard in many places during graduation season and is surely one of the timeless classics.

Yuming’s straightforward singing beautifully captures the feelings of a fresh, young woman.

The backing musicians on the original version evoke the atmosphere of Japanese A.O.R.

of that time.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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graduation ceremonySARD UNDERGROUND

SARD UNDERGROUND “Graduation Ceremony” MV

It’s a graduation song that sings of cherry-blossom-colored moments.

The hopes and anxieties about the future, and the affection for past memories held in the graduates’ hearts, are conveyed through a clear, translucent vocal.

Released in February 2023, this track is SARD UNDERGROUND’s first graduation song.

With its upbeat sound and memorable melody, it gently embraces the complex emotions of those facing graduation.

As a song you’ll want to listen to on graduation day, it’s sure to resonate with many people.

I think it’s also a perfect track to cheer on anyone stepping into a new stage of life.

Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara – Sakura Melody [Music Video]

A song perfect for graduation season has been born.

Crafted by Noriyuki Makihara, this piece is filled with nostalgia and warmth.

The lyrics depict two people looking back on their memories as cherry blossoms dance in the air.

Included on the album “Bespoke,” released in March 2022, it’s a self-cover of a song he originally provided to Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.

Makihara’s gentle yet powerful vocals will resonate with those setting out on new paths, whether graduating or starting a new chapter in life.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to express gratitude to dear friends or companions who are now walking separate paths.

determination

[Choral Piece] Determination / Mixed Chorus in Four Parts [With Lyrics]

The song “Ketsui” (“Determination”) is also popular as a graduation song sung at school commencement ceremonies.

It is filled with heartfelt messages expressing honest feelings toward teachers who were sometimes kind and sometimes corrected our mistakes during school life.

Since it was composed as a choral piece, it’s also recommended to perform it with mixed voices or by separate parts.

Set to a melody that conveys both strength and beauty, the song expresses a resolve to live without forgetting what we learned from our teachers.

How about singing a choral piece that brings back memories of the days you’ve spent so far?

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mutō

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GRADUATIONSBACK-ON

GRADUATIONS (Theme song for V-Cinext 'Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS')

This song gently gives a push on the back as friends part ways and take their first steps onto new paths.

Holding the memories of precious friends they spent time with, it captures the wavering feelings of young people heading toward their respective futures through an emotional melody and powerful guitar sound.

Released by BACK-ON in February 2025, it serves as the theme song for Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS, offering encouragement at the major life turning point of graduation.

It blends beautifully with the world of the V-Cinext work, further heightening the emotional impact of the piece.

It’s a perfect track for the grand finale of a school or culture festival, and for making memories with friends.

While conveying the importance of friendship and bonds, it’s a song that gives you the courage to start walking toward the future.