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

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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The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

This is the song everyone sings through tears when a member graduates.

You could call it the Nogizaka version of the “graduation song” that every 48/46 group has.

It opens with a beautiful piano solo, and the actual piano accompaniment would surely elevate any graduation ceremony.

The lyrics about how “people grow stronger through encounters and partings” are perfect for the occasion.

The soaring chorus is outstanding, too! Nanami Hashimoto served as center for this track, and Nogizaka46 performed it at the year-end NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku – Before the Cherry Blossoms Bloom

The song that adds a touch of color to graduates setting off with many memories and promises is “Before the Cherry Blossoms Bloom,” released by Kinoko Teikoku in 2015.

Its lyrics portray feelings and inner conflicts common among graduates—such as the loneliness of graduation and the anxiety they carry, yet the determination to look toward the future for their goals.

Whether during the processional or recessional, both the lyrics and the gentle melody are sure to resonate with graduates’ hearts.

While it stays close to them, it’s also a song that gives a firm push on the back at the end, sending them off.

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SAKI

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YELLikimonogakari

YELL – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

If you’re unsure what to pick, this is the one-song recommendation.

It’s one of Ikimonogakari’s signature tracks and was selected as the 2009 NHK National School Music Competition (Junior High Division) set piece.

Many people probably sang it in middle school.

Its mid-tempo BPM of 75 heightens the emotion of graduation, and vocalist Yoshioka’s powerful voice soars in the chorus! The lyrics, which say that “it’s a joyful thing when people part ways and walk their own paths,” really strike a chord with both those graduating and those seeing them off.

Adjust it so that the chorus lines up perfectly with the entrance and exit timing.

To the days without a nameyama

yama “To the Nameless Days” MV

yama’s “To the Nameless Days” is a song that etches itself in your heart, accompanying every moment of a graduation ceremony.

Crafted by Yuuki Nagumo, this piece enriches emotions without directly speaking of graduation or departure.

When you’re taking your first step toward a new path and a swirl of feelings rises within you, listening to “To the Nameless Days” will bring the scenes of your memories vividly back to life.

Used as BGM for a graduation video, it will stir emotions as a never-fading page of youth.

Its emotional, enveloping melody and vocals make it the perfect gift for students standing at the starting line of what comes next.