[Farewell] A selection of moving, tear-jerking Japanese songs recommended for graduation ceremonies
The graduation ceremony is held to bid farewell to cherished teammates and coaches.
It’s a major event where you look back on how hard you’ve worked so far and send off friends who are taking their next step.
For parents, it might also be a moment to reflect and think, “Our child has grown so much.” In this article, we’ll introduce moving, tear-jerking songs that are perfect for a graduation ceremony.
Please consider performing these classic Japanese tracks that celebrate new beginnings during the ceremony or using them as background music.
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[Farewell] A selection of moving, tear-jerking Japanese songs recommended for graduation ceremonies (1–10)
Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//
DISH// is a four-member dance-rock band whose members all balance music and acting careers.
Their 14th single, “Jinchoge,” which was used as the theme song for the TV drama ‘The 100th Love with You – The Classroom of Guaranteed Success -’ (NIGATSU NO SHŌSHA – Zettai Gōkaku no Kyōshitsu -), also drew attention for being co-written by Takumi Kitamura, the band’s vocalist, and Hattori from Macaroni Enpitsu.
The lyrics, which express gratitude to those who have supported you, naturally resonate with memories that resurface at a graduation ceremony.
It’s a track you’ll want to keep listening to, with a bouncy shuffle beat and a catchy, comfortable melody.
GIFTMr.Children
Even after their breakout, Mr.Children—a four-piece rock band now known by virtually everyone in Japan—has continually pursued new musical directions.
Their 32nd single “GIFT,” selected as the theme song for NHK’s broadcasts of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, resonates with its emotionally stirring melody and the depth added by its string arrangements.
The lyrics convey a message that it’s not just about winning or losing—that everyone deserves praise—which makes it a perfect BGM to brighten up a graduation ceremony, no matter the path taken to get there.
It’s a healing number, with a beautiful vocal delivery that is both gentle and powerful.
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism’s “Shukumei” is the song that brings back memories of the tough practices and games we overcame and inspires me to keep doing my best.
Released in 2019, it was selected as the ABC Summer High School Baseball support song and the theme song for “Netto Koshien” that year.
The lyrics convey a message of doing everything you can so that you can share the joy of winning with everyone.
This song will make your graduation ceremony from the team truly moving.
[Farewell] A Selection of Moving, Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Ceremonies (11–20)
JUMPIkuta Rira
Singer-songwriter Lila Ikuta, who has gained popularity not only as a solo artist but also for her presence in units like Plusonica and YOASOBI.
Her seventh digital-only single, “JUMP,” selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 coverage, lifts your spirits with its layered opening choruses and richly textured guitar phrases.
The lyrics, which seem to give a gentle push to those graduating and moving on to new paths, are sure to inspire both those who depart and those who stay.
With her transparent, airy vocals wrapping the atmosphere of a graduation ceremony, it’s a positive pop tune through and through.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
This is a song that accompanies the season when cherry blossoms dance.
Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in February 2018, it is included on the album ENSEMBLE.
The track portrays the melancholy that comes with the arrival of spring, along with anxieties and hopes for an uncertain future.
Set to a pop-rock melody, it captures the delicate emotions of youth.
It was used as an insert song in the TV drama “We Did It,” and has become beloved by many.
Expressing the feelings of young people taking a step into a new season, this piece is one to listen to at life’s milestones, such as team graduation ceremonies and school graduations.
Recommended for those who, while sensing the breath of spring and moving on from school or a team, feel a mix of anxiety and anticipation before a fresh start.
Letter ~Dear fifteen-year-old you~Anjura Aki
As you prepare to graduate from the team, if you were to leave a message for your future self, why not listen to Angela Aki’s “Tegami ~Haikei Juugo no Kimi e~” and try putting down your honest feelings as they are now? Released in 2008, this song was composed as the required piece for the NHK National School Music Contest’s junior high division and was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta.
It portrays a dialogue between your 15-year-old self and your adult self, each expressing the feelings they carry in their hearts and wishing for each other’s happiness.
As one of the events of the graduation ceremony, let this song be the starting point to write a letter to your future adult self.
YELLikimonogakari
This is a song widely cherished as a moving graduation anthem.
Released in September 2009, it was created as the set piece for the junior high division of the NHK National School Music Competition.
Although the word “sayonara” appears repeatedly, it is not portrayed as a sad farewell, but as a strong message of encouragement to move forward toward new dreams.
Set to a gentle, memorable melody featuring piano and strings, the lyrics sing of hope and determination for the future, resonating deeply with listeners.
The song won an Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards in 2010.
It is often used at life’s milestones, such as graduation and farewell ceremonies, and is a perfect piece for a team send-off, bidding farewell to friends as they take their next step.