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

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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MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

GReeeeN’s “Kiseki” is a song that lets you express gratitude to the teammates who have overcome everything together with you.

Released in 2008, it was used as the theme song for the drama ROOKIES.

Listening to the lyrics—which depict how every moment, from the days you all walked together to the encounters with teammates with whom you shared victory, is something wonderful—brings back all kinds of memories.

And by singing it together, those memories will shine even brighter in your heart.

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SAKI

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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.

cherry blossomKobukuro

Kobukuro “Sakura”

Kobukuro’s “Sakura,” a beloved staple for cherry blossom and graduation songs, has remained popular since its 2005 release, when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama Ns’ Aoi.

As a song for graduation from a team or club, it’s perfect for graduating members to sing themselves.

It’s also fitting for parents and underclassmen to sing as they send off the graduates, with the wish: “May you continue to walk forward strongly, like cherry blossoms in bloom.” It conveys the hope that they will cherish their dreams and goals as they move on in life.

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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.

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.

Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Ikimono-gakari’s “Arigatou” is a song through which graduating members can express their gratitude to the parents, juniors, and teammates who have supported them.

Released in 2010, it was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.

Around children who work hard in games and practice, there are many people who support them in various ways—making bento lunches, washing uniforms, and more.

Of course, managers and coaches, even while speaking sternly at times, are firmly rooting for them as well.

In that spirit of thanking all these different people, why not sing this song?

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SAKI

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