[Farewell] A selection of moving, tear-jerking Japanese songs recommended for graduation ceremonies

OrangeSPYAIR

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

This is a heartwarming song that celebrates the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of friendship.

Its melody, symbolizing bittersweet memories, and lyrics woven with a gentle yet powerful message evoke farewells and new encounters with cherished friends.

The track is included on SPYAIR’s EP released in February 2024 and was selected as the theme song for the film Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle.

Capturing the hearts of many listeners, it ranked 8th on the streaming chart published on February 28.

The limited-time production edition also features a jacket with newly drawn artwork from the movie.

It’s a perfect song to listen to with dear friends during the season of graduation and partings.

Graduation, goodbye.haji→

Hajime → Graduation Goodbye.

Set against the cherry blossom–filled spring season, this song captures the feelings of farewell and reunion before a new departure.

It delicately portrays the emotions of graduating students—reluctant to part from the friends they’ve walked with, yet quietly holding hope for the future.

HAZZIE→’s gentle vocals tenderly embrace the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2014, the track reached No.

36 on the Oricon chart.

Live “in-person singing” events were also held at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, resonating with many.

It’s a perfect song not only for students about to graduate, but for anyone standing at a milestone in life.

A heartwarming piece that helps you look back on your memories and find the courage to take a new step forward.

paprikaFoorin

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

Foorin’s “Paprika” is a song that brings back memories of the days when everyone pulled together as one.

Released in 2018 and produced by Kenshi Yonezu, it was chosen as the support song for NHK’s “2020 Support Song Project.” It also won the Japan Record Award, and many children copied the singing and dancing.

Just reading the lyrics is enough to recall the fun days you spent with your team.

Finish by singing it together and share those happy memories.

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Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Atarayo – Sorrowful Sakura (Music Video)

Choosing the right song for a graduation ceremony that marks a new beginning is never easy.

Among the options, a track I highly recommend for its emotional impact is “Urei Zakura” by the band Atarayo.

This ballad features lyrics about parting and hope, set against a backdrop of falling cherry blossoms, that truly resonate.

Its message and sound arrangement convey a bittersweet feeling while also radiating forward-looking energy.

It’s a perfect song to color one of the most important days in life.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

A gem of a pop melody that portrays the precious friendships of adolescence.

Its warm feelings for friends at a parting and the vow never to forget those bonds are deeply moving.

Centered on themes of meeting and parting, growth and hope, it masterfully fuses driving rock sounds with lyrics that resonate in the heart.

Released as an indie single by Road of Major in September 2002, the song stayed in the top 10 of the Oricon chart for 19 consecutive weeks and achieved an astonishing 900,000 in total sales.

In 2009, it was also featured in a Mazda commercial in Taiwan, drawing attention both domestically and abroad.

It’s a track you’ll want to play when making up with a friend or when reaffirming the bonds with those who matter most.

It’s also a perfect cheer song for anyone facing farewells such as graduation or transferring schools.