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

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE was written as the theme for the NHK General TV special “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-Sai” broadcast in December 2024.

It was performed on a stage created together with 18-year-olds, and the moment when a choir of around 1,000 voices joined in was truly breathtaking.

The lyrics express questions about staying true to oneself and an earnest wish to have someone by your side.

As we struggle to meet society’s expectations, there’s an anxiety of nearly losing sight of our true selves.

The warmth that embraces such wavering emotions just as they are is a major charm of this work.

After its digital release in January 2025, it surpassed 100 million streams.

It’s a song that gently supports those facing the milestone of graduation and taking a new step forward, making it a perfect choice for entrance and exit music at ceremonies.

Sakuraayaka

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

First unveiled as an unreleased track during Ayaka’s nationwide tour in the fall of 2017, this became her first graduation song, evolving with each live performance.

Although there were initially no plans to release an official recording, venue-only CDs surpassed 10,000 in sales, and in response to fans’ voices, the song was widely released to listeners in February 2018.

Polished in an acoustic arrangement, the ballad delivers the emotion of its melody and lyrics directly, without relying on flashy production.

It portrays not only the graduation where students bid farewell to friends and mentors, but also the graduation felt by parents sending off their children—an appeal that resonates across generations.

In the short-film-style music video starring Rina Kawaei, the journey from loss to a fresh start is depicted, further deepening the song’s universality.

It was later included on the album “30 y/o.” Choir arrangements are also available, making it perfect not only as a processional or recessional piece for ceremonies, but also as a send-off song for everyone to sing together.

OrangeSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

A SPYAIR track produced as the theme song for the anime film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, released in February 2024.

It’s a song that captures the resolve to move forward—trusting in a future reunion even while carrying the sadness of parting—set against the scene of a sunset sky.

Sweat, voices, the feeling of teammates patting each other on the shoulder—these irreplaceable memories of youth are sung as a bittersweet light.

The band has collaborated with the Haikyu!! series for many years, and this piece can be considered the culmination of that partnership.

It has surpassed 100 million streams and ranked high on the Billboard JAPAN Year-End Hot 100, winning the hearts of many listeners.

If played for a graduation processional or recessional, it will encourage you to look back on days with your friends and take a brave first step forward.

It’s a perfect song for a bright new beginning.

evening primroseNovelbright

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

A love ballad draped in dramatic piano poignantly portrays the longing for parting and reunion.

Released by Novelbright in December 2020, the song richly expresses gratitude for the days spent together and feelings that remain unchanged even when apart.

Vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s soaring high notes resonate deeply and are sure to move listeners’ hearts.

In February 2021, it was featured in the weather segment of Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!”, and it garnered support across generations, surpassing 300 million streams.

The music video starring actress Yumi Wakatsuki also brings tears with its story-driven direction.

This piece is perfect as a processional or recessional song for graduation ceremonies, as you look back on past days and take a new step forward.

Highly recommended for those who want to create a moving send-off in a calm, reflective atmosphere.

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster

“Someday These Tears Will” – Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster, who always moves us with their stunning harmonies.

Released in December 2017, this song was created as the support anthem for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Championship.

It delivers a powerful cheer to those striving toward their dreams, carrying a message that the tears shed in frustration or setback will one day turn into badges of honor you can be proud of.

The track was also included on their album “juice,” released the following January, and it continues to be loved as one of their signature songs.

It’s a perfect song for graduation—a milestone in life—offering the courage to take a new step while reflecting on past efforts and days spent with friends.

We especially recommend it to those who have devoted themselves to club activities or studies, and to anyone who has created many cherished memories.

My StoryINI

My Story

INI’s 2023 track “My Story” is a song that gives you the courage to take a step into an unseen future.

It was produced as the theme song for the Japanese-dubbed version of the Ukrainian animated film “The Stolen Princess: The Princess of Kyiv and Ruslan.” Wrapped in sweeping strings and powered by a rich, weighty sound, the piece resonates deeply.

Its lyrics—about drawing your own story that begins on a blank page—mirror the feelings of graduates who, despite their uncertainties, are determined to move forward.

It also drew attention as the first song with lyrics written by member Hiromu Takatsuka.

This is a track that gently pushes the backs of those embarking on a new chapter or gearing up for a challenge.

Play it as an entrance song, and the entire venue will be filled with an air of hope.

cherry blossomberii guddoman

Very Good Man – “Sakura” Music Video (Everyone’s Graduation Album Ver.)

A graduation song by Berry Goodman that you’ll want to listen to in the season when cherry blossoms scatter.

Included on the March 2017 album “Spring Spring Spring,” this track conveys a message of sending someone off with a smile rather than tears, even as it portrays the sadness of parting.

Scenes from school life—like the playing field and the hallways—are woven into the lyrics, cleverly overlapping with each listener’s own memories.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for MBS’s program “ENT” in March, adding color to the season of farewells.

The arrangement by HiDEX offers an appealing sound that isn’t overly mellow and gives you the strength to move forward.

It’s perfect not only for graduation ceremonies—processional and recessional alike—but also for moments like retiring from a club or transferring to a new workplace, and other milestones in life.

It’s the ideal song for when you want to convey the feeling of ending not with tears, but with a smile.