[Touching] Entrance/Exit Songs for Graduation Ceremonies: Classics & the Latest BGM

I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48

[MV full] Let's Become a Cherry Tree / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 20th single, released with the catchphrase “I’ll be here forever.” The center was AKB’s unshakable ace, Atsuko Maeda.

It’s a heart-stirring song that’s almost always used for AKB graduation events; just hearing the intro can bring you to tears.

With lyrics like, “Even if you’re troubled and lose your way, the cherry tree will keep standing without changing its place,” it’s a life-affirming anthem that tugs at the hearts of listeners of any age.

It’s a perfect recommendation as entrance/exit background music for graduation ceremonies that will move even those who aren’t idol fans.

Be sure to also check out Yuki Kashiwagi’s acoustic version.

Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / “Cherry Blossom Season” MV

EXILE ATSUSHI’s “Sakura no Kisetsu” is a song that, with its moving vocals, adds color to many graduation ceremonies.

It drew attention when it was selected as the compulsory piece for the 2014 81st NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, and it also became widely loved through the music program Minna no Uta.

The lyrics, which evoke scenes of graduation, are especially memorable, and the warm, embracing melody moves not only the graduates but also the current students and faculty.

With the arrival of spring, ATSUSHI’s voice beautifully conveys both the bittersweetness and the hope of a new beginning.

proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

Akashi, flumpool’s seventh single, released in 2011.

It was created as the set piece for the 2011 NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition.

After graduation, there will surely be many tough and painful moments.

In those times, I hope you’ll remember this song and listen to it—it’s a piece that can support your heart.

It’s also recommended as a chorus song for graduation ceremonies.

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utatane

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Graduation PhotoMatsutōya Yumi

Yuming Graduation Photo

Countless times, in dramas and TV shows, it’s the go-to background music that heightens emotional scenes—the ultimate “when in doubt, pray to the gods” track: Yuming, aka Yumi Matsutoya’s ‘Sotsugyo Shashin’ (Graduation Photo), right? The fact that this song was released in 1975 makes its longevity all the more astonishing.

A gentle, somewhat short ballad can move people’s hearts this deeply… Yuming really is the goddess of music, isn’t she? It’s the quintessential graduation song that’s sure to move teachers and parents in attendance to tears.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm_RJ3K8faEAdachi Kana

Kana Adachi “Sakura Yell”

Kana Adachi’s “Sakura Yell” brightens and glamorously colors the recessional.

Released in 2018, the song was featured in a cram school commercial and chosen as the cheering song for the 34th Konami Open Swimming Championships.

Its lyrics, which describe what you love and what you love about your friends, leave you feeling wonderfully refreshed.

Even when the future tends to make you anxious, the warm words of those around you help you move forward with a positive mindset.

Why not use this song for the processional and recessional of your graduation ceremony to keep everyone smiling to the very end?

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SAKI

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Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach

J S Bach Jesus bleibet meine Freude BWV 147 Ton Koopman 480p

A timeless masterpiece whose gentle, heaven-evokingly beautiful melody captures hearts and never lets go.

It is part of a cantata composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1723 and has been performed by various ensembles.

The violin solo and string ensemble versions are perfect as background music for graduation ceremonies celebrating new beginnings.

The work embodies faith in Christ and love for God, and its beautiful words and moving melody are what resonate so deeply with listeners.

At the very moment of celebrating children who have grown so admirably, the swell of the music will further heighten the moving atmosphere of the venue.

Heralding springyama

yama – Harbinger of Spring (Official Video)

While depicting the loneliness and sense of loss in urban life, yama’s music lets you feel the breath of spring that signals a fresh start.

Born from a collaboration with Kujira, this track became a massive hit with over 300 million streams.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to at life’s turning points, like graduation or school entrance ceremonies.

You’re sure to relate to the world woven by yama’s husky vocals and lyrical lyrics.

It’s a recommended track when you need the courage to dive into a new environment!