RAG MusicGraduation
A lovely graduation song

A farewell song for a dear friend—an uplifting graduation song that conveys heartfelt gratitude.

Graduation season is exciting as you set off for a new environment, but it also leaves you feeling a bit sentimental about parting with friends.

Even though you know in your head that graduation doesn’t mean saying goodbye forever, it’s natural to feel lonely or anxious.

In this article, we introduce songs that capture the many feelings you have for the friends you’ve always shared fun times with.

We’ve gathered plenty of heartfelt graduation friendship songs that are perfect for telling your friends, “We’ll always be friends even if we’re apart,” and for expressing your gratitude for everything up to now.

Be sure to find your favorite track and send it to your friends.

A farewell song for a dear friend. A graduation song that conveys our gratitude (91–100)

It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink

Yamada Katsutenai Wink wraps this classic spring song—one you want to hear around graduation season—in warm, gentle vocals.

Its melody, which sings of the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion, nestles close to the heart and gives you courage to face a new future.

Released in February 1991, the song was used as an insert track on Fuji TV’s “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Terebi” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With lyrics by Kuniko Yamada and music by KAN in beautiful harmony, it’s a gem of a message song that teaches us that parting is not an end but a beginning.

Listened to in the season of departures, it’s a wonderful, heartwarming cheer song that continues to be loved by many.

To you, my best friend in the worldHakoniiwa Ririi

To You, My Best Friend in the World / Haconiiwa Lily [Music Video]
To you, my best friend in the worldHakoniiwa Ririi

Hako Niwa Lily is a musical duo made up of Hanon, whose vocals are overwhelmingly powerful, and Kotoha, whose clear, transparent voice leaves a strong impression.

Their song “To You, My Best Friend in the World,” included on their major-label debut album Lily’s Plage, wraps you in an ensemble that features delicate acoustic sounds.

The lyrics, which portray the desire to express one’s feelings even if they go unreciprocated, may resonate with those who’ve had a similar experience on a milestone day like graduation.

It’s a sentimental pop tune that evokes a delicate sense of distance and a heartrending scene.

366 daysHY

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)
366 daysHY

A poignant heartbreak song from Okinawan band HY.

It’s filled with deep feelings for a former lover, and the lyric “I never knew love could hurt this much” resonates deeply.

The track was included on the album HeartY, released in April 2008, and was also chosen as the theme song for the film Threads of Red (Akai Ito).

In addition, it was used in commercials and has been loved by many.

This is a song that stays close to those who have experienced the pain of heartbreak or are trying to overcome a parting with someone dear.

HY’s warm vocals and piercing lyrics are sure to soothe the hearts of listeners.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

This song beautifully portrays the importance of friendship and the fleeting nature of youth.

Released in March 2019, it was created by Hattori, the vocalist of Macaroni Empitsu.

Finding value in the boredom and seemingly worthless moments that young people experience, and celebrating the act of holding those moments dear, the song was also used in McDonald’s “These moments are the real treat” commercial.

It’s included on the album “season,” and its music video featuring Nana Mori drew significant attention.

It’s a perfect track for conveying memories to friends—especially for farewells with dear friends or graduation scenes.

Sketchaimyon

AIMYON – Sketch [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
Sketchaimyon

This is a moving song that portrays the warm friendship between Nobita and Doraemon.

Set to be released in March 2025, it serves as the theme song for the film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Picture-World Story,” crafted with gentle sensitivity by Aimyon.

Aimyon herself is a huge fan of Doraemon, and there’s even an episode where, during supervision, she and voice actress Wasabi Mizuta embraced in tears.

The piece conveys Nobita’s awkwardness and Doraemon’s tender, embracing gaze, evoking precious memories and friendships that everyone holds dear.

It’s a perfect song filled with heartfelt feelings for friends, ideal for weddings, farewell parties, and more.

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Mix)
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

A masterpiece woven from a gentle singing voice that stays close to the heart and lyrics that gracefully portray nostalgia for days gone by.

Featured on the album “COBALT HOUR,” released by Yumi Arai in June 1975, this song delicately expresses life and change after graduation.

It lyrically spins memories of a cherished person who lives on forever within the warmth of reminiscence.

It was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta” and the film “Watch with Me.” A heartwarming encouragement song to listen to in times of sorrow or at life’s crossroads.

Thank you, God.Sugata Masaki × Nakamura Tomoya

Masaki Suda × Tomoya Nakamura “Thank You, God”
Thank you, God.Sugata Masaki × Nakamura Tomoya

A heartwarming song that sets bonds with friends and everyday gratitude to a gentle melody.

Co-written by Masaki Suda and Tomoya Nakamura in August 2020, it portrays the importance of friendship—supporting one another even while facing life’s difficulties and anxieties.

Their vocals, both powerful and warm, gently convey the courage to keep moving forward and a sense of appreciation for one’s companions.

The track is also included on the album “COLLAGE,” and its memorable music video, which creates a feeling of warm encounters, features Tori Matsuzaka appearing as a photographer.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when celebrating a friend’s new journey or reflecting on time spent with friends.