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

To us who are setting offUmikura Ryota

Ryota Kaizo “To Us Who Set Out” MUSIC VIDEO

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.

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hiyori

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one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

This is a heartwarming cheer song by sumika that sings about the bonds between companions chasing their dreams.

Set to a classic ballad woven with piano and strings, the lyrics resonate by urging us to face forward especially in tough times.

Released in January 2021 as the support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it was created during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the deepening bonds among the members are said to be reflected in the music.

It’s perfect for those diving into a new environment or striving toward dreams with their friends.

This is a song that gives you the courage to support one another and keep moving forward.

threadSuda Masaki × Ishizaki Hyui

Ito – Masaki Suda × Huwie Ishizaki

It’s a timeless masterpiece that seeps into everyone’s heart and deserves to be sung for generations.

This is a collaboration between popular actor Masaki Suda and singer-songwriter Huwie Ishizaki, released in 2020.

The original song is by Miyuki Nakajima, and this is a cover version.

It’s a moving ballad that likens oneself and a loved one to interwoven threads, and it’s also popular as wedding background music.

Of course it’s perfect for graduation ceremonies, too.

Suda’s straightforward vocals are deeply moving.

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Araki Jakkan

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Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Gifted Song / CHiCO 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.

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utatane

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

This is a song whose powerful vocals by Motohiro Hata loosen the tear ducts.

Whether for an entrance, an exit, or as a send-off song, I think it will sound moving in any scene.

If this chorus plays at a graduation ceremony, I’m not confident I won’t cry—and I can proudly recommend it.

It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to hear on a once-in-a-lifetime special day.

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Murakami Shinpei

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It’s okaywacci

wacci “Daijoubu” Music Video

It’s one of wacci’s signature songs, created as an anthem to cheer on those who keep trying! Chosen as the theme song for TBS’s Thursday Drama Theater “37.5°C no Namida,” the track features a warm melody and delicate vocals.

It gently stands by the anxieties and loneliness felt in everyday life, with lyrics that softly encourage you by saying, “You’re fine just as you are,” enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Released in August 2015, it has earned strong support from many fans, with its music video surpassing 3 million views on YouTube.

If you play it as the entrance or exit music at a graduation ceremony, it will surely light a spark of courage and hope in the hearts of graduates as they step onto a new path!

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Yuuri “Sakurabare” Lyric Music Video (1-chorus ver.)

Before becoming a solo singer, Yuuri reportedly performed as the vocalist of a rock band called THE BUGZY.

Although the band disbanded in 2019, it’s a bit hard to imagine a rock background when you hear Yuuri’s gentle voice today.

Here is his heartwarming spring song, “Sakura-bare.” With lyrics that convey, “I want to thank my mother who always watched over me kindly, and my father who, though strict, raised me by example,” it’s perfectly suited for a high school graduation—a threshold into adulthood.

It’s a tear-jerking piece that offers gratitude to teachers, mentors, and parents.