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

Words of FarewellGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Words of Gift

A song filled with passionate resolve to overcome the sadness of parting and vow to meet again.

GReeeeN’s “Okuru Kotoba” powerfully pushes forward those who carry the bonds of friendship into the future.

It’s not a cover of the classic song with the same title, but an original single released in October 2018.

Written as the theme song for the film “Run! T High School Basketball Club,” it serves as a cheer anthem that ties in with the story’s themes of setbacks and comebacks.

It’s the kind of anthem that makes you want to link arms and sing with the friends you shared your club and school days with.

It’s sure to give courage and hope to men setting off into a new world.

Highly recommended as moving background music for graduations and farewell parties.

Gate of GloryHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Door of Glory (Music Video)

Dai Hirai, whose heartwarming music rooted in surf music is beloved by a wide range of generations.

Released digitally in July 2022, “Eikou no Tobira” (The Door to Glory) was created as the “2022 Summer High School Baseball Cheer Song” and the theme for the TV program Nettō Kōshien.

Its lyrics affirm not only wins and losses, but also the single-minded effort and time invested along the way—sentiments that are likely to resonate with those standing at the milestone of a graduation from their team.

Later included on the best-of album LOVE＋PEACE, this song is an encouraging anthem wrapped in gentle, acoustic tones.

It’s highly recommended to play during the ceremony as a track that honors past achievements and gives a supportive push to children taking flight into a new world.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

While confronting the reality that effort does not always pay off, this is a grand ode to life that nonetheless wholly affirms the path we’ve walked.

“Boku no Koto” by the rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, wildly popular especially among young people, was released in January 2019 and chosen as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It portrays an attitude of accepting even the anxiety and loneliness that come from comparing oneself to others as proof of being alive, and it stirs the heart every time you listen.

If you play it at the graduation ceremony after the final result is decided, it will help you feel that all the sweat and tears shed were never in vain.

It’s a track that sends the best cheer—confidence—to children moving on to their next stage.

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

A signature number by [Alexandros] that powerfully propels people taking flight into a new world.

Released in March 2015, this song was chosen as the theme for the film “Akegarasu.” Its exhilarating melody evokes a bird soaring high in the sky, and the soaring high-tone vocals leave a strong impression.

The lyrics, which sing of the determination to spread one’s wings toward a dream without fearing injury, are sure to resonate with graduates who have overcome rigorous training.

In August 2019, the music video surpassed 100 million views, cementing its status as a beloved classic.

Played during the exit scene at a graduation ceremony or as BGM for a slideshow, it will help push listeners forward toward a hope-filled future.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Sazanka” is a song that can cheer on children as they set out once again toward their dreams.

Released in 2018, it was chosen as NHK’s theme song for coverage of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics that year.

Its lyrics convey the message that no matter how many times you’ve cried from hardship but still faced forward, as long as you don’t give up, you can get back up again no matter how many times you fall.

It’s a heartfelt cheer that can be delivered precisely because we’ve watched children striving so closely—carried to them through this song!

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SAKI

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C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK 「C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.」

ONE OK ROCK is a band active on a global scale.

This song, included on their classic 2011 October release Zankyo Reference, was chosen as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the World: Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” The lyrics depict a steadfast bond with friends and a determined resolve to press on toward one’s dreams, mirroring the graduating members who are about to head down separate paths.

No matter how much the environment changes, the places that matter don’t—this passionate message, delivered through Taka’s powerful vocals, resonates deeply.

It’s a moving number that engraves the days spent together as “treasures” in your heart and gives you the courage to take a new first step.

Brilliant RainKing Gnu

King Gnu – Rain Radiantly

King Gnu is a four-piece mixture rock band dominating the J-POP scene with each member’s high-level musicianship and a one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

“Ame Sansan,” included on their sixth single “Stardom,” is a breezy, floating-feel track that was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama Old Rookie.

Its lyrics, which evoke hopes passed on to the next generation and a tailwind toward the future, make it perfect as background music for graduation ceremonies.

It’s a heart-stirring rock tune that, while distinctly featuring King Gnu’s dramatic arrangement, also carries an undeniably pop sensibility.

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Hoshino Takashi

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