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

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

An emotional ballad from RADWIMPS, the rock band known worldwide for the music of the films Your Name and Weathering with You.

Created for NHK’s event “18 Fes,” the song is included on the 2018 album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, and in 2024 a newly recorded studio version was also released.

With a message that there are no predetermined answers like on a school test, and that you should spend your entire life searching for your own, it’s sure to resonate deeply with children graduating from their teams and leaping into a new world.

Holding the days spent with friends in their hearts, they’ll face themselves on their own paths.

It’s a song that will gently push them forward at that moment of departure, along with tears.

Long Hope PhiliaSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda “Long Hope Philia”

Masaki Suda’s “Long Hope Philia” is a song about the strength to keep moving forward, trusting your friends even while wounded.

Released in August 2018, it was written specifically as the theme song for the film “My Hero Academia: Two Heroes.” Written and composed by Hiromu Akita of amazarashi, it powerfully portrays not just success, but “friendship” and “hope” grounded in the experience of setbacks and pain.

As the title suggests, the song conveys the deep bonds with teammates who have worked hard together up to now, as well as the resolve to head toward each of their own futures.

Its emotional band sound and Suda’s passionate vocals make it a perfect anthem to strongly encourage graduating team members.

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.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

Macaroni Enpitsu is a four-piece rock band garnering attention for pop melodies built on complex, development-rich arrangements.

Their digital-only single “Seishun to Isshun,” used as the theme song for McDonald’s Japan’s 500 Yen Value Set campaign “Konna jikan ga, GOCHISOU da,” opens with a lyrical guitar phrase that evokes a sentimental mood.

Its message—reflecting on the preciousness of our youthful days realized only after becoming adults—may resonate with the memories rushing through at a graduation ceremony as well.

It’s a piercing rock tune that reminds us of the value of everyday moments we once took for granted.

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Hoshino Takashi

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DreamerJO1

JO1 | ’Dreamer’ Official MV

It’s a ballad that gives you the courage to take one step at a time toward your dreams.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Short Program,” in which all the members starred, it was included on the album “KIZUNA,” released in May 2022.

Created as a cheer song for people chasing their dreams, it stays close to those who, despite their anxieties and doubts, keep trying to face forward.

The melody, which blends tenderness and fragility, builds dramatically toward the end and moves the listener’s heart.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear on the day of a new departure.

tear(s)Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi 'Namida' (Tears)

How about easing the sadness of parting from everyone by belting out this song together? “Namida” (“Tears”) by Ketsumeishi, released in 2004, is a track whose gentle melody warmly embraces the tears that fall.

Tears shed after losing a game, joyful tears after winning, frustrated tears when things don’t go well, and tears of sorrow when parting from friends.

This song gives you permission to let your emotions flow honestly as tears—without thinking it’s the last time so you shouldn’t cry, or that crying is embarrassing.

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SAKI

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Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

This is a moving breakup-themed ballad sung by Dai Hirai, a popular artist in surf music.

You can picture the bittersweet yet warm scene of saying “see you” and waving on the usual tree-lined street.

The song expresses not only gratitude for having met, but also a tender affection for the days when their love grew despite passing each other by.

Like spring buds blooming into flowers, an un-fading bond and hope for reunion resonate in the heart through Hirai’s gentle voice and acoustic sound.

Released in February 2015, the track is also included on the album “Slow & Easy.” It’s a song that will gently give you a push in moments of parting with the people who matter most.