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.
- [Tears of Joy] Beautiful Friendship Songs with Lyrics You’ll Want to Gift to a Dear Friend
- Songs That Touch the Heart! Tearjerkers to Sing at Farewell Parties & A Collection of Song Ideas to Send Off
- A gratitude song for friends. A thank-you song dedicated to someone special.
- Farewell Song: A Song About Changing Schools, A Song to Give to Friends
- [A moving friendship song] For dear friends and best friends. Songs of friendship that make you feel the bond.
- [Great Lyrics!!] Recommended Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs with Heartfelt, Moving Words [2026]
- [For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
- [Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
- [Farewell] A selection of moving, tear-jerking Japanese songs recommended for graduation ceremonies
- A Collection of Moving Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke! [Farewells, Friendship, and Fight Songs]
- Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
- [Farewell Party Songs] From hidden gems to the latest hits: a collection of classics to color the moment of parting
- A song about losing a friend: bereavement, betrayal, and separation.
A farewell song for a dear friend: a graduation song that conveys gratitude (101–110)
GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48
If you want to make graduation more than just tears, choose this song! It’s a hit by the popular idol group AKB48, released in 2012 as their 25th single.
Many people have probably heard it, since it was used in docomo commercials and more.
Its appeal lies in the exhilarating sound that blends band instrumentation with brass.
It has the power to blow away the haze that’s been lingering in your heart.
The message that “graduation isn’t an end, but a beginning” really hits home, too.
Friend ShipHoshino Gen
This is a gentle song that tenderly embraces the warm feelings of parting from and reuniting with someone important, and the hope of meeting again.
Gen Hoshino’s heartfelt vocals and the warm melody evoke the beauty of precious memories and bonds with friends.
Included on the album “YELLOW DANCER,” the track was written as the theme song for the film “Moriyamachu Driving School” and was also used in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Long Gakuwari” commercial.
During the “Continues” tour in September 2017, it was performed with passion at Saitama Super Arena.
It’s a heartwarming piece to listen to when you’re thinking of a dear friend you’ve been separated from, or when you’ve made plans to see each other again after a long time.
Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46
A song by Hinatazaka46 themed around graduation.
It gently sings of the bittersweet feelings of the cherry blossom season and the love that went unspoken.
Memories and regrets sealed in graduation photos resonate deeply, intertwined with clear, transparent vocals.
Set for release on January 29, 2025, the track features Nao Kosaka as center and will be available in five editions: limited first-press versions and a regular edition.
It was premiered at their Tokyo Dome concert on December 26, 2024.
It’s a recommended listen not only for students entering graduation season, but also for anyone who wants to reflect on past loves.
Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai
With its delicate melody and heartfelt lyrics, Dai Hirai’s song conveys the beauty of love and bonds.
It warmly portrays everything from the couple’s first meeting to their deepening love and their eternal vow.
Released in September 2020, the track captured many hearts, earning Gold Disc and Triple Platinum certifications.
It is also included on the album “Life Goes On,” and is supported by listeners across generations.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear when you want to feel the connection with someone special or when your heart flutters with a new encounter.
Dai Hirai’s gentle voice will warmly wrap your heart.
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.