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

together; along with; bothKis-my-ft2

Kis-My-Ft2 / “Together” Music Video - YouTube Edit -

All activities—like school club activities, community volunteering, and Boy Scouts—come to an end.

In spring, many people probably leave due to graduation or moving up to the next level.

If you’re looking for a song packed with gratitude, a big recommendation is “Tomoni” by Kis-My-Ft2, also known as Kisumai.

The opening, like reading a letter, is moving, and the lyrics are excellent—plainly expressing the desire to stay connected: “We sometimes clashed over little things, but we’ll always be friends, right?” This gentle, restrained side of Kis-My-Ft2, different from their usual idol-like vibe, is sure to move listeners—even those who aren’t fans.

Perfect as BGM for a farewell or retirement ceremony.

You are not aloneDUFF

DUFF / You’re Not Alone ~Connected Feelings~ present for Tokiwagi Gakuen High School

DUFF’s “Hitori Janai” (“You’re Not Alone”) is a song about the belief that even if we go our separate ways from here, our bond will never change.

Released in 2011, it was featured on a soccer news program and used in a car commercial.

Up to now, you and your teammates have surely supported each other and overcome many challenges.

From here on, even if you walk your path alone, your bond will keep you from ever being truly by yourself—this song warms the heart with that feeling.

Sing it together at the graduation ceremony and once again feel how precious your teammates are.

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SAKI

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BOYKing Gnu

King Gnu – BOY

King Gnu’s “BOY” conveys the feeling of cheering on the futures of children graduating from their teams.

Released in 2021, the song was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Ranking of Kings.

Its distinctive, modern sound leaves a strong impression, blending a classical-like atmosphere with King Gnu’s signature technical edge.

The lyrics express a wish: whether you keep smiling as you work hard, or push on while worn down by frustration and pain, it’s all wonderful—so no matter what happens, walk your own path.

It carries a message that only parents and younger teammates, who have watched your efforts all along, can truly convey.

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SAKI

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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.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Sakura Clear Skies

Prompted by an email from a fan who was set to graduate without being able to make enough memories during the COVID-19 pandemic, this became Yuuri’s first graduation song, written specifically in response.

It was released in February 2021 and was included the following year on the album “Ichi.” With an arrangement centered on piano and strings, his poignant yet emotional vocals combine to create a moving ballad.

The lyrics carefully express gratitude to father, mother, and friends, and they hold both the anxiety and lingering attachment of the season of departure, as well as a sense of freshness and clarity.

Everyday scenes—like the smell of home or a windowsill—function as devices of memory, naturally evoking each listener’s own recollections.

It’s the perfect song for the start of a new journey, to say “thank you” to the people you met during your school days.

Tomorrow, again[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Tomorrow, Again (MV)

[Alexandros] is a four-piece rock band that enjoys popularity across a wide range of listeners thanks to their rock sound that embraces diverse approaches and their catchy songs.

Their 15th single, “Ashita, Mata,” which was used as the CM song for Clorets’ “Refresh and Move Forward” campaign, opens with a memorable guitar riff that really sticks in your ears.

Its message—urging us to stoke the fading passion that wanes as we grow older—may resonate with the memories that come to mind at a graduation ceremony.

It’s a refreshing rock tune whose ensemble balances a sense of floating with driving momentum, making for an irresistibly pleasant listen.

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Hoshino Takashi

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