[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.
- Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
- [Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
- [2026] Graduate with a Smile! Recommended Uplifting Graduation Songs
- [Farewell Party Songs] From hidden gems to the latest hits: a collection of classics to color the moment of parting
- [Farewell] A selection of moving, tear-jerking Japanese songs recommended for graduation ceremonies
- A graduation song that's trending and popular on TikTok. A perfect track for memory videos.
- [For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
- Choral Songs Sung at Elementary School Graduation Ceremonies: A Collection of Moving Song Ideas
- [Recommended for High School Students] New Graduation Songs & Classic Tearjerkers Collection
- Songs we want to sing at the graduation ceremony! A special feature on moving, heart-touching preschool graduation songs
- [Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]
- [Great Lyrics!!] Recommended Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs with Heartfelt, Moving Words [2026]
- [Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
[Touching] Entrance and exit songs for graduation ceremonies – classic and latest BGM (41–50)
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi
This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.
Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.
It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.
Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.
After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?
[Moving] Entrance/Exit Songs for Graduation Ceremonies: Classic & Latest BGM (51–60)
The blue sky and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
A pop-rock number by Macaroni Enpitsu! The lyrics, which depict both the fleeting nature and the brilliance of youth, really hit home.
Released in March 2019 as a digital-only single, it was also featured in a McDonald’s Japan commercial.
Included on the album “season,” this song is a fan favorite that’s often performed live.
It’s characterized by a driving band sound and lyrics that portray the struggles and shine of young people.
With a message about cherishing every moment of youth, it resonates strongly with listeners.
To all high school students nearing graduation, you might be feeling anxious about what’s next.
But why not listen to this song and throw yourself into enjoying this very moment?
cherry blossomKobukuro
The famous ballad “Sakura,” sung by the duo Kobukuro with their overwhelming vocal power, is a classic at graduation ceremonies.
As graduation approaches, some of you may feel both excitement and anxiety.
At times like that, please give this song a listen.
You’re sure to hear a message of encouragement from Kobukuro!
Song of DepartureMr.Children
A heartwarming ballad by Mr.Children that gives you hope and courage for a fresh start! Released in October 2007 as the theme song for the film “Koizora,” this piece gently embraces the anxiety and loneliness felt at life’s turning points, and reminds us of the importance of moving forward.
The chorus is filled with anticipation for the future.
It’s the perfect song for those facing major milestones like graduation or school entrance ceremonies.
Listening to it will surely give you the courage to dive into a new environment!
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.
Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks
“Okuri Uta,” included on CHiCO with HoneyWorks’ second album released in 2018.
This song is a perfect graduation tune for graduates to dedicate to those who have supported them.
The lyrics read like a letter, conveying gratitude to the recipient, and it’s popular as a song to dedicate to parents who raised you and teachers who helped you.
Sheet music for choral performances is also available on the official CHiCO with HoneyWorks website.
To us who are setting offUmikura Ryota
Ryota Kaizo, a singer who captivates with a voice that’s both clear and powerful, released “Tabidatsu Bokura ni” in 2022.
Written for students who couldn’t attend school as they wished during the COVID-19 pandemic, the song is based on his own experiences and gently conveys the message that “a wonderful future surely awaits.” It’s a track that lets you quietly savor this graduation day, as images come to mind of school scenes like entering under a blue sky, diplomas, and chalkboards.
