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)
Time ParadoxVaundy
With a musical style that freely crosses a wide range of genres, Vaundy has gained immense support, especially among young people.
Among his songs, this one carries a warm quality that gently resonates with the feelings of graduation season.
Despite its deliberately pared-down, simple arrangement, the melody—somehow nostalgic yet full of hope for the future—truly strikes a chord.
Released in February 2024 as his first CD single, it was written as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony.
The music video, directed by Vaundy himself and featuring Shota Sometani, also drew major attention.
Its message, which seems to connect the past and the future, makes it perfect for the season of new beginnings.
It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to while reflecting on the days spent with friends.
Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru
Some friends may be worried that you’ll drift apart after graduation.
That’s why I recommend giving them “Tomodachi Yakarane” (“Because We’re Friends”).
It’s a song that portrays a friendship between two men and carries the message that no matter how far apart you are, you’ll still be friends.
The lyrics are written in conversational language, giving the impression that the song is speaking directly to you.
Because of that, friends who feel uneasy will likely be comforted by listening to it.
It’s also a great idea to listen together and pledge your unchanging friendship.
A farewell song for a dear friend: a graduation song that conveys gratitude (31–40)
best friendSG
A song by SG that I want to give to a dear friend.
As the title suggests, it’s a warm message song themed around the bond with a friend deeply connected at heart.
Life brings many partings—graduations, turning points—but this song straightforwardly sings about an unchanging friendship despite distance, and the hope of meeting again.
Released as a single in March 2022, it resonated with many people, ranking high in LINE MUSIC’s real-time music video charts.
Known for “Bokura Mata,” SG penned this track in his own words, offering not only the sorrow of parting but also the courage to look ahead.
It’s perfect as BGM for graduation season, as well as for times when you want to express gratitude that’s hard to say, or when you’re thinking of a friend far away.
The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46
When we talk about graduation, a mix of emotions—excitement for what lies ahead and anxiety about the unknown—tends to surface.
But perhaps the biggest worry, the deepest sadness, is having to part ways with close friends.
Nogizaka46’s ‘The Meaning of Goodbye’ stays close to those feelings of uncertainty and sorrow.
Released in 2016 as the group’s 16th single, it was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The title, ‘The Meaning of Goodbye,’ lands heavily on the heart, offering a song that teaches us the meaning of meeting and parting with others.
Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ final single “Arigatou” is perfect for anyone who simply wants to tell their friends “thank you.” In school life, we go through lots of joys and sorrows with our friends, laughing and crying together each time.
This song expresses gratitude to those friends who have supported each other along the way.
Even if you stumble after graduation, recalling the bonds and memories from back then will give you strength.
It’s not just a song about graduation being sad and saying thank you—it’s a track that carries a determination to keep doing your best, holding the memories so far close to your heart.
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi
This song, Gray and Blue (feat.
Masaki Suda), is included on the 2017 album BOOTLEG.
It’s a track that drew attention for the collaboration between Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda.
The friendship in this song is packed with memories, yet it also conveys something unwavering.
It feels like they probably haven’t seen each other for a long time, but the two are firmly connected by something, and you get the sense that even after years apart, they’d be back to how they were the moment they meet.
Blue SpringSUPER BEAVER
SUPER BEAVER, known for their moving, straightforward, and deeply affecting lyrics that resonate with a wide audience.
Their song “Aoi Haru” (Blue Spring) was released as a single in 2016 and was later included on the album “27.” It’s a track that kicks off with a refreshing, fast-paced chorus that fills you with excitement.
Songs about friendship that can be felt even from afar often lean toward the sentimental, but this one is on the breezier side.
It has a freshness that makes you want to listen under a clear blue sky, yet if you let your guard down, it might just bring a tear to your eye—a poignant friendship anthem.