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.
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A farewell song for a dear friend. A graduation song that conveys feelings of gratitude (21–30)
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
This song by ONE OK ROCK, “C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.,” is also very popular as a friendship anthem.
It’s said that Taka, the vocalist, wrote it as a song dedicated to his friends, and that the title comes from the initials of their names.
It has that signature ONE OK ROCK punch that really hits you in the heart, with lyrics that weave together English and Japanese.
It’s a perfect track for the moment when everyone sets off on different paths, and it can help turn the anxiety and sadness of parting into something a little more positive.
My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi
A memorable Ketsumeishi track featuring an MV with the comedy trio Dachou Club, who are bound by a friendship as strong as that of best friends.
It was chosen as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: The Dreaming World’s Grand Assault.
Even if precious friends bound by a strong bond graduate and go their separate ways, the fact that they’re friends doesn’t change.
Along with expressing gratitude for everything up to now, the song carries a warm feeling of “We’ll always, always be friends from here on, too!” Dachou Club’s comedy is surely something only those three can create.
In the same way, let this song carry the feeling of “Let’s always stay friends precisely because it’s you,” and send it from you to your friend.
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
You can tell from the title alone that this is a song about friendship—BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Song of Friends.” Released in 2011 as their 18th single, it was the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Winged Angels.” Motoo Fujiwara’s gentle vocals make it a deeply moving number.
It’s highly recommended as a song to dedicate to a close friend, and for anyone who’s gone through graduation or a farewell with friends, it’s sure to strike a chord.
far; distant; by farGReeeeN
A GReeeeN song that expresses gratitude to loved ones and determination for a new beginning through a moving ballad.
Released in May 2009 as the theme song for the film “ROOKIES: Graduation,” it captured the hearts of many.
The lyrics are filled with deep love for family and friends, while also portraying the courage and strength to chase one’s dreams.
This piece is especially recommended for those facing life’s turning points, such as graduation or starting a job.
With its warm melody and heartfelt lyrics, it’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
CorrectRADWIMPS
18 Fes is a festival organized by NHK and created mainly by the 18-year-old generation.
During the 2018 edition of 18 Fes, RADWIMPS’s song “Seikai” (The Answer) was produced.
In school and on tests, the basic premise is that there’s always a “correct answer,” but when it comes to human feelings, thoughts about friends, and our interactions, there are no correct answers.
Feelings can well up, and we can get lost in our worries.
You could say that’s what youth is, but for those right in the thick of it, this song will likely feel like a storm of empathy.
The more you read the lyrics, the more they hit you deeply.
proofflumpool
A number by flumpool that was created as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition and also aired on NHK’s Minna no Uta.
The bond between friends is something invisible.
But the time spent together, the tears and laughter you shared, undoubtedly remain between you and your friends.
This song sings about that invisible yet undeniable proof—“Akashi,” the evidence that you are friends.
It’s not just about the fun times; even the fights and clashes of opinion were all necessary to forge your bond.
It’s a song that inspires gratitude for that fact and encourages you to carry that bond in your heart and do your best.
Best FriendNishino Kana
As graduation approaches, the hardest part is, above all, saying goodbye to your close friends.
It’s not that you’ll stop being friends, but there’s a loneliness that comes from not being able to meet up as easily as before to vent or laugh together.
What can break through those feelings is Kana Nishino’s song “Best Friend.” Listening to the straightforward lyrics—promising to stay friends even when you’re apart and as time passes—gives you a positive outlook.
It might also be nice to give this song to a friend along with the gratitude you haven’t been able to express until now; it could become a lasting memory for the two of you!
