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

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

With lyrics that depict gratitude and personal growth and resonate deeply with graduates, this song is perfect as background music for ceremonies.

The words convey heartfelt thanks to those who have offered support.

Also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” it was released in November 2021 and earned high acclaim on various music charts.

Recommended not only for graduates but also for anyone taking on a new challenge! Wrapped in DISH//’s warm vocals, this track will give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Air on the G StringJ.S.Bach

Bach “Air on the G String”

In Japan, Johann Sebastian Bach is known as the “Father of Music,” and his influence extends far beyond the realm of classical music.

A diligent musician who absorbed a wide range of styles, Bach created works that remain highly popular today across genres like jazz, rock, and club music, and are frequently quoted.

Among them, Air on the G String is especially beloved for its serene, supremely graceful melody, and it’s a classic often played at graduation ceremonies as a processional piece.

Strictly speaking, the original is the second movement, Air, from Orchestral Suite No.

3 in D major, BWV 1068.

When it was arranged for solo violin, it was discovered that the melody could be played entirely on the violin’s G string, which led to the nickname “Air on the G String.” The beauty of the melody is unchanged, so it might be nice to use the original version as well.

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spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

The title Harushū refers to the poignant, melancholy feelings of spring.

With a melody and lyrics that fit the title perfectly, this graduation song conveys an indescribable emotion.

Written by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s vocalist, Omori, the day after his own graduation, the song captures the genuine feelings of a graduate.

Its calmly spoken-like delivery makes it a great choice for an entrance song at the ceremony.

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HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

Rira Ikuta, who has also been very active in her solo work lately, is of course ikura, the vocalist of YOASOBI that everyone knows.

Even when it’s not a YOASOBI track, ikura’s voice is still so easy on the ears.

The song where her vocals shine especially bright is Haruka.

It’s a true “listening” piece that keeps a bit of distance from YOASOBI’s usual sense of speed and exhilaration.

Above all, the lyrics that say “Thank you for all the wonderful memories” make it perfect for graduation ceremonies! It might be just right as the slightly tear-jerking BGM for the graduates’ exit.

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

It’s a soul-stirring song by Fujii Kaze that warmly watches over you on life’s journey.

Its nostalgic sound and Fujii’s gentle vocals resonate and wrap the listener’s heart.

Written as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama “Nijiiro Karte,” it was released digitally in March 2021.

The lyrics, aligned with the drama’s theme of “coexistence,” are filled with life’s joys and pains, growth and learning.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at life’s turning points—like graduation or when stepping into a new environment.

It will surely give you a gentle push forward.

Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach

Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

Even if you’re not interested in classical music, you’ve probably seen the portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach that was displayed in school music rooms at least once.

He was not only a composer active in 18th-century Germany, but is also credited with laying the foundations of Western music, and in Japan he is revered as the “father of music.” Here, I’d like to introduce the chorale “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” the concluding movement from the church cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (BWV 147), which is believed to have been composed by Bach in 1723.

Its melody is extremely famous, so most people will likely feel they’ve heard it before.

It’s a popular piece whose phrases are quoted not only in classical music but across a wide range of genres, including rock and pop.

With its romantic and brilliant atmosphere, it’s highly recommended as a processional piece to be played or heard at graduation ceremonies!

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Spring ThiefYorushika

Yorushika – Spring Thief (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Have you ever seen the promotional video for “Spring Thief”? It’s a wonderful piece where real scenery—like Showa Kinen Park and the Enoden railway—appears as animation.

n-buna, the composer for Yorushika, has said about the song “Spring Thief,” “(To paraphrase…) it’s about the spring wind; because it scatters the cherry blossoms, it’s a ‘spring thief.’” The lyrics, which can be read as saying “Time passes little by little, but there’s nothing to be sad about,” feel perfect for a high school graduation ceremony, where students take a step into a new life.

Please give it a listen!