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

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video

With its buoyant piano intro and exhilarating, fast-paced sound, this signature Skima Switch number has continued to spur many people onward.

Released in April 2005 as their fifth single, it’s also included on their second album, “Kūsō Clip.” Long beloved, it was featured as an insert song in the film “Rough” and, in 2020, chosen as the Japanese end theme for the Disney/Pixar film “Onward.” Its message of breaking through the status quo and opening up a new world makes it perfect as a cheer for those heading into a new stage—like a transfer or a job change.

If you play it to wrap up a farewell party with smiles, or to send off friends with energy, it’s sure to fill the entire venue with a positive vibe.

cheerMarushii

Marcy – Yell (Official Music Video)

Marcy, a three-piece rock band from Fukuoka, has delivered a gently encouraging anthem that gives a quiet push to those striving every day.

Released digitally in February 2024, this song was written specifically as the 55th anniversary campaign track for Shinken Zemi’s high school course.

Written and composed by vocalist-guitarist Ukyo Yoshida, it carries a message that validates the effort we put in each day—effort that can’t be measured by scores—and offers comfort for times when you feel alone in the world.

The music video, set in a school, portrays the struggles and coming-of-age moments of boys and girls in an ensemble narrative, deepening the song’s worldview.

It’s a number you’ll want to hear if you’re about to take your first step after graduation, or if you’re giving your all every day even when the results don’t show.

far; distant; by farGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Haruka

Even when you’re apart from someone important, your feelings never change.

“Haruka,” released by GReeeeN in 2009, is a song we’d like to dedicate to graduates who have grown a little through their school life.

The lyrics, which bring to mind exchanges of words with parents, friends, and loved ones, will turn farewells into beautiful memories.

The melody line, flowing like a river, seems to embrace both expectations and anxieties.

We’d love to offer the song’s gentle message about life to graduates setting out into a new environment.

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mutō

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road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Road

The 23rd single by the dance and vocal group EXILE.

Its message, which sings of the sorrow of parting and gratitude toward someone who gave you precious memories, resonates with those about to graduate and stirs the heart.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward while holding many memories and thankfulness close.

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Hoshino Takashi

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In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Ketsui no Asa ni' Music Video (Theme song of the film 'Brave Story')

A ballad by Aqua Timez whose message—moving forward by accepting your unadorned, honest weaknesses—strikes a chord.

Released in July 2006, their major-label debut single “Ketsui no Asa ni” is also well known as the theme song for the animated film Brave Story.

Many listeners have found solace in its deeply human message: it’s okay to have a clumsy, uniquely your own dream, and it’s okay to speak up honestly when times are tough.

For graduates about to leap into a new world, anxiety and inner conflict are inevitable, but this song affirms your true, unvarnished self.

You don’t have to be perfect—just keep walking in your own way.

It’s a song that’s sure to give you courage.

Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

A song by Motohiro Hata, a singer-songwriter from Miyazaki Prefecture who was featured in a SoftBank commercial.

While savoring the loneliness of parting, it carries a message that this is not an ending but a beginning, encouraging us to face forward.

With his gentle vocals and acoustic guitar, it’s a track that gives listeners the courage to take a step forward.

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Hoshino Takashi

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CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Live Video from “ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019”]

RADWIMPS has released numerous masterpieces over the years.

One of the major appeals of their music is the power of their lyrics.

This song was created for the music event “18-sai-sai,” produced together with 18-year-olds nationwide, and it features the kind of wonderful, RADWIMPS-esque lyrics mentioned above.

Let’s dedicate it as a cheer to graduates with the message in the lyrics: starting tomorrow, after the graduation ceremony, your journey to find your own ‘right answer’ begins.

With its beautiful piano accompaniment and gentle tone, it’s a perfect piece for choral singing.

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Hane Keisuke

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