[Touching] Entrance/Exit Songs for Graduation Ceremonies: Classics & the Latest BGM
A graduation ceremony marks the culmination of school life and the start of a new chapter.
It’s a milestone event filled with the sadness of parting and the excitement of a new life.
To make the ceremony even more moving, music is essential.
Entrance and exit songs are important, of course, and so are the farewell songs played by the underclassmen.
In this article, we’ve gathered popular graduation songs that are perfect for entrances, exits, and farewells.
Put care into your song selection so you can create a performance that will become a lifelong memory.
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[Touching] Entrance and Exit Songs for Graduation Ceremonies: Classics & Latest BGM (61–70)
It’s okayji ma ma
The song from Taiyo Yakuhin’s 2009 commercial, which became famous as a “tear-jerking CM,” also gained attention when cast members reportedly broke into tears upon hearing it on the Nippon TV program “Gyoretsu no Dekiru Horitsu Sodanjo.” Its lyrics resonate not only with friends who have shared joys and sorrows and walked together, but also with teachers, parents, and many others.
Above all, the gentle voice of Okinawa-based singer-songwriter jimama strikes a chord in the heart.
It’s a classic track you’ll want to remember as a graduation song.
Correct Answer (18FES ver.)RADWIMPS
“18 Fes” is an event hosted by NHK that spotlights the generation of 18-year-olds.
In this project, an artist is invited each time to turn that generation’s thoughts and feelings into a song, and RADWIMPS’ “Seikai” (“The Answer”) was created for the 2018 “18 Fes.” Even beyond the so-called 18-year-old generation, it’s a song that deeply resonates with anyone facing worries or uncertainty.
The lyrics are striking for how they instantly bring back memories of those irreplaceable days spent with friends.
GraduationKobukuro
Kobukuro’s graduation song, with the straightforward title “Sotsugyo” (Graduation).
Released in March 2020 as their 31st single, this song looks back from enrollment to the present and stirs the heart—it’s a piece that will resonate even with those who graduated long ago.
It’s also recommended as a choral number for the ceremony.
It seems poised to become a timeless, definitive staple among graduation songs for years to come.
Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO
“I don’t want to graduate yet!” SHISHAMO’s 2018 track Mizuiro no Hibi honestly captures the true feelings of graduates who feel that way.
The melody is bright and poppy, but the lyrics are filled with the emotion of how lonely it feels to graduate.
While looking back on various memories with friends—down to the smallest things—the song depicts the anxiety of having to walk toward the future on your own.
Even so, as time moves only forward, it portrays savoring those final moments.
It’s the kind of song you’d want playing as you reflect on countless memories during the ceremony, then, at the very end as you walk out, lift your head and face the future.
Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro
Motohiro Hata’s “Aogeba Aozora” is a perfect song for entering and exiting a graduation ceremony.
The interplay of his guitar and piano creates a soothing soundscape that accentuates the song’s bittersweet tone.
The lyrics carry both hope for graduation and the sadness of parting, resonating deeply with listeners.
His warm vocals vividly convey the feelings of saying goodbye to friends, and Hata’s straightforward voice is sure to give you a gentle push forward.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
A title like “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“We Should Be Able to Fly”) feels like it could make a graduation ceremony even more moving… it has that kind of dramatic quality, doesn’t it? As one of Spitz’s signature songs, this track is sure to elevate the graduation mood without a doubt.
Somber is fine too, but sending everyone off straight and positively like this song does is also a great choice.
Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya
It’s a pure love song that lets you pour out your feelings at graduation so you won’t have any regrets.
Written by singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki from Tochigi Prefecture—also known for the massive hit “Mahō no Jūtann” (“Magic Carpet”)—the track was released as a single in 2021.
The gentle resonance of the acoustic guitar alone can move you to tears.
And while I called it a “love song” earlier, it’s not just about romance; it can also be received as a song addressed to family and teachers.
It’s a beautiful ballad we’d love those setting off into the future to hear.
