RAG MusicGraduation
A lovely graduation song

[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.

[Farewell] A selection of moving, tear-jerking Japanese songs recommended for graduation ceremonies (51–60)

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu’s “Uma to Shika” (“Horse and Deer”) brings back memories of those days when, clumsy as we were, we hung on and gave it everything we had.

Released in 2019, the song was chosen as the theme for the drama No Side Game.

It reminds us of the days we ran with all our might, joining forces with our teammates.

This song makes those everyday moments feel so precious.

Let it help you look back on your memories so far, and turn them into strength to move forward tomorrow.

Its emotional music is sure to grace the graduation ceremony’s send-off like a path of flowers.

SAKI
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rainbowTakahashi Yuu

Yuu Takahashi “Niji (Rainbow)” MV – YouTube Limited Edit Version
rainbowTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi’s “Niji” brings tears as it recalls the days of hard work.

Released in 2017 as a double A-side single together with “Simple,” the song was chosen that year as the ABC Summer High School Baseball support song and the opening theme for “Netto Koshien.” Its lyrics say that even the smallest steps forward each day will lead you to a wonderful future.

The song evokes memories of enduring tough practices and games, and it inspires you to keep steadily doing your best in the days ahead as well.

SAKI
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paprikaFoorin

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK
paprikaFoorin

Foorin’s “Paprika” is a song that brings back memories of the days when everyone pulled together as one.

Released in 2018 and produced by Kenshi Yonezu, it was chosen as the support song for NHK’s “2020 Support Song Project.” It also won the Japan Record Award, and many children copied the singing and dancing.

Just reading the lyrics is enough to recall the fun days you spent with your team.

Finish by singing it together and share those happy memories.

SAKI
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Me for youBEGIN

This song, brimming with BEGIN’s warmth, conveys a heartfelt “thank you” to someone embarking on a new journey.

Titled in the Yaeyama dialect, it rides on the gentle tones of the sanshin, delivering gratitude and cheers for the future that resonate directly with the heart.

Concrete imagery—like the road to the airport—captures the bittersweetness of parting while also portraying the bright, celebratory feeling of a send-off.

Released as a single in February 2007, the track movingly colored the story as the theme song for the film “Koishikute.” It is also included on the album “OKINAWAN FULL ORCHESTRA.” Perfect for moments of farewell—such as graduations or job transfers—it expresses feelings that are hard to put into words.

An ideal song for sharing warmth at just the right moment.

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[Farewell] A Selection of Moving, Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Ceremonies (61–70)

OrangeSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)
OrangeSPYAIR

This is a heartwarming song that celebrates the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of friendship.

Its melody, symbolizing bittersweet memories, and lyrics woven with a gentle yet powerful message evoke farewells and new encounters with cherished friends.

The track is included on SPYAIR’s EP released in February 2024 and was selected as the theme song for the film Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle.

Capturing the hearts of many listeners, it ranked 8th on the streaming chart published on February 28.

The limited-time production edition also features a jacket with newly drawn artwork from the movie.

It’s a perfect song to listen to with dear friends during the season of graduation and partings.

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Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Atarayo – Sorrowful Sakura (Music Video)
Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Choosing the right song for a graduation ceremony that marks a new beginning is never easy.

Among the options, a track I highly recommend for its emotional impact is “Urei Zakura” by the band Atarayo.

This ballad features lyrics about parting and hope, set against a backdrop of falling cherry blossoms, that truly resonate.

Its message and sound arrangement convey a bittersweet feeling while also radiating forward-looking energy.

It’s a perfect song to color one of the most important days in life.

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Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

A gem of a pop melody that portrays the precious friendships of adolescence.

Its warm feelings for friends at a parting and the vow never to forget those bonds are deeply moving.

Centered on themes of meeting and parting, growth and hope, it masterfully fuses driving rock sounds with lyrics that resonate in the heart.

Released as an indie single by Road of Major in September 2002, the song stayed in the top 10 of the Oricon chart for 19 consecutive weeks and achieved an astonishing 900,000 in total sales.

In 2009, it was also featured in a Mazda commercial in Taiwan, drawing attention both domestically and abroad.

It’s a track you’ll want to play when making up with a friend or when reaffirming the bonds with those who matter most.

It’s also a perfect cheer song for anyone facing farewells such as graduation or transferring schools.

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