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

To the days without a nameyama

yama “To the Nameless Days” MV

With its sentimental lyrics and vivid melody that embrace both hope and anxiety for the future, “Nameless Days” is a song we’d love to dedicate to anyone graduating.

Released by yama in 2021, its lyrics beautifully depict the changing of the seasons.

The music conjures a variety of scenes, gently wrapping the small joys and loneliness found in school life.

Its refreshing, delicate melody makes it a perfect gift for graduates stepping into a new season.

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mutō

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Hope ~Yell~NEWS

NEWS – Hope ~Yell~ [Official Music Video]

This is a rousing anthem that sends a powerful cheer to those setting off for a new stage in life.

Released as a single in May 2004, it was used as the image song for the Athens Olympic Volleyball World Final Qualifiers on both TBS and Fuji TV.

Its positive message, singing of hope for the future, is perfect for the major milestone of graduation.

In this season when excitement and anxiety about a new life mix together, give it a listen when you want to spur yourself on.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

It was FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ final single, and since its 2013 release it’s become a classic graduation song loved by many students! Just like the title suggests, it’s perfect for expressing gratitude to graduating students.

It’s especially a song you’ll want to dedicate when sending off seniors you worked hard with—like in club activities—pushing each other to grow.

If you take a close look at the lyrics, you’ll see they’re filled with memories and thankfulness, making it a guaranteed tearjerker and a true masterpiece.

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Hane Keisuke

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See you again.THE FRANK VOX

THE FRANK VOX – Let's Meet Again [Music Video]

This is the first graduation song by THE FRANK VOX, a male vocal group from the Kansai region.

It not only conveys the sadness of parting but also carries a positive message of “Let’s meet again.” Released digitally in January 2025, it was selected as the ending theme for ABC TV’s Bukatsu People Zenryoku Ouen Bukapi! and for the TBS/MBS network show Pre-Battle!!.

It is also included on the mini-album VOX BOX 2.

Packed with the wish to cherish graduation—this milestone in life—as a “bookmark of precious time,” the song gently supports those who, even if they feel lonely saying goodbye to friends, want to keep looking forward, believing they’ll meet again.

rainbowFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Rainbow (Full ver.)

It’s a rock tune that portrays the passion of youth and the pursuit of dreams.

Included on Masaharu Fukuyama’s single “Niji/Himawari/Sore ga Subete sa,” released in August 2003, it fired up living rooms across Japan as the theme song for the drama WATER BOYS.

It enjoyed five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon charts and has long been loved as a summer-defining hit.

Carrying the message of spreading out a map and moving toward the future, it’s a perfect fit for graduation season.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Wataru Ochiai, whose warm voice and down-to-earth words resonate with many listeners.

Perfect for graduation season, “Tomodachi Yakarane” is a friendship song written in unpretentious language with a touch of Kansai dialect.

Its warm message—that even if you’re apart, the relationship doesn’t end—helps ease the sadness of parting.

Released as a digital single in February 2022, the song was also chosen as the tie-up track for Tokyo Dome City Attractions’ spring event “Welcome, Graduates 2023.” The lyrics, sprinkled with concrete memories from student days, are sure to awaken each listener’s own recollections.

How about giving it to a friend who’s graduating to convey your unchanging bond?

Sense of Wondersumika

sumika / “Sense of Wonder” Special Movie

This song by the rock band sumika became known as a cram school (Shinken-Zemi) commercial tune, so it’s often seen as an exam-cheer anthem, but it also fits perfectly with graduation—a new beginning.

The lyrics carry a message: even though the unseen future can be full of anxieties and might tempt you to choose the safe road, keep moving toward what you truly want to do! For graduates about to start life in a new environment, it’s a track that can serve as an important guidepost.

If you’re a teacher looking for a song to dedicate to your graduating students, this one is especially recommended.

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Hane Keisuke

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