[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 (11–20)
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.
JourneyFuji Kaze
It’s a warm, soulful track.
Released as a digital-only single in March 2021, it was written as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama “Nijiiro Karte.” In it, Kaze Fujii offers encouragement to those walking the journey of life, with nostalgic breakbeats and the gentle tone of a Wurlitzer leaving a strong impression.
Set to a laid-back rhythm, the lyrics resonate deeply as they symbolize life’s joys and hardships, growth and learning.
This piece is perfect for graduation ceremonies or send-off occasions, and it’s also recommended as background music when seeing off friends taking a new step forward.
SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke
Keisuke Kuwata, known as the bandmaster of Southern All Stars and a singer-songwriter who has released numerous classic hits as a solo artist, wrote “SMILE ~Like a Clear Blue Sky~” as the first digital single for the joint project “Let’s Do This Together 2020,” organized by Japan’s five commercial TV networks in support of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The song was also featured in UNIQLO’s “LifeWear/HEATTECH WINTER SMILE!” commercial.
Its message, which highlights the importance of teammates who share the same goal, resonates powerfully at graduation and send-off ceremonies, reminding us of the value of our bonds.
It’s a pop tune that overlaps with memories of youth and gives strength for a new future.
proofflumpool
It’s an emotionally moving song themed around friendship and parting.
Released in September 2011, it was created as a set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Choir Contest.
Known as one of flumpool’s signature songs, it features uplifting lyrics and a grand melody.
It was also performed at the 62nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen in 2011, resonating with many people.
Often sung at graduation ceremonies and school choir competitions, it’s beloved in moments that celebrate memories with friends.
It’s a perfect song for those facing farewells or wanting to feel the bond with their close companions, and it’s also recommended as background music for team graduation ceremonies.
far; distant; by farGReeeeN
Among GReeeeN’s songs, there are several that are perfect for graduation-from-the-team scenes, and this one is especially popular.
Many listeners have been deeply moved to tears by the lyrics, which express feelings toward one’s parents and the resolve to set out on a new journey.
The clear, refreshing vocal harmonies—so characteristic of GReeeeN—are beautiful, making it a song that is both touching and encouraging, helping you move forward with a positive spirit.
It’s a great choice not only as a choral piece for graduation ceremonies but also as background music for slideshows and team send-off events.
Live in the present.Saucy Dog
Saucy Dog has released a song that’s perfect for graduation-from-the-team ceremonies.
Released in December 2022, this track was created as the support song for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Its lyrics emphasize the importance of living fully in the present, paired with a powerful rock sound.
It’s a song that encourages you to move forward without being held back by past failures and to have the courage to shape your future with your own strength.
Listening to it at a graduation ceremony will help you reflect on your hard work so far while giving you the courage to take a new step.
For those who have valued bonds with teammates and a determined attitude toward their goals, this song is a perfect fit for a graduation-from-the-team ceremony—be sure to give it a listen.
[Farewell] A Collection of Touching, Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Ceremonies (21–30)
We againSG
SG’s “Bokura Mata” is a heartwarming song that captures the moment of parting.
It expresses gratitude to friends and quiet hopes for the future, making it perfect for send-off occasions like a team graduation ceremony.
SG’s gentle vocals really hit home, too.
It’s a track that connects the bonds of friends who shared many smiles and are now setting off on separate paths.
Listening to it at a graduation ceremony is sure to give you courage.
It’s a song I recommend to everyone taking a new step forward.