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 gratitude (31–40)
Dear My FriendsHi-STANDARD
Among Hi-STANDARD’s many classics, this song is as popular as “STAY GOLD.” As the title “Dear My Friends” suggests, it’s a song that truly portrays friendship.
The lyrics read like a letter to friends far away—filled with positive words, yet revealing the vulnerable side you show only to your friends.
You can feel the depth of the bond, and it really hits home.
Be sure to listen while looking at the Japanese-to-English lyrics.
It’s perfect for the milestone of graduation!
Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism
A song by Official HIGE DANDism that beautifully portrays the poignancy of parting and the transience of time.
It delicately expresses the loneliness after the curtain falls and the beauty that emerges within limited time.
Through the power contained in the words “see you again,” it resonates with listeners and moves their hearts.
This track is included on the album Traveler, released in October 2019, and was also used as an insert song for Fuji TV’s special drama “Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (I Can See You Three More Times).
It’s the perfect song for when you want to express gratitude before saying goodbye to someone important, and it will surely strike a chord at moments of new beginnings, such as graduation ceremonies and farewell parties.
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
It’s a graduation song that makes the feeling of “thank you” for your parents and friends overflow—one you can’t listen to without tears.
Created by Yuuri, the singer-songwriter famous for “Dry Flower,” it was released in February 2021.
With its beautiful piano and string melodies, it’s the kind of heartwarming ballad you can’t help but recommend.
The lyrics, which remind you that the scents of home and the familiar streets you see every day were treasures all along, deeply resonate with anyone approaching graduation.
The backstory is touching as well—the song was inspired by an email from a fan—and it’s also included on the album “Ichi,” released in January 2022.
Why not pair it with an Instagram Story featuring photos of memories with friends or moving moments from the ceremony, and use it to express your gratitude that you don’t usually say out loud?
A bouquet for meAdo
This is a pep song overflowing with positive energy by Ado, who enjoys immense popularity as a vocalist.
Released in March 2025, many people likely recognize it as the song from Japan Coca-Cola’s Georgia commercial.
With the pop sound characteristic of HoneyWorks, who produced the track, and a message that affirms who you are and gives you the courage to move forward, it really resonates.
Also included on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” this song is perfect for cheering on those taking a step toward the future.
Whether you want to gently nudge someone who’s feeling a bit anxious, or sing it with a smile at a farewell gathering, it’s sure to convey warmth.
Words of FarewellGReeeeN
A song filled with passionate resolve to overcome the sadness of parting and vow to meet again.
GReeeeN’s “Okuru Kotoba” powerfully pushes forward those who carry the bonds of friendship into the future.
It’s not a cover of the classic song with the same title, but an original single released in October 2018.
Written as the theme song for the film “Run! T High School Basketball Club,” it serves as a cheer anthem that ties in with the story’s themes of setbacks and comebacks.
It’s the kind of anthem that makes you want to link arms and sing with the friends you shared your club and school days with.
It’s sure to give courage and hope to men setting off into a new world.
Highly recommended as moving background music for graduations and farewell parties.
A farewell song to give a cherished friend: Graduation songs that convey gratitude (41–50)
Kitearashi
A grand message song by Arashi that you’ll want to give to friends setting off on a new chapter.
Like a kite catching the wind and soaring high, it portrays the resolve to move forward despite uncertainty.
There’s a warmth in this song that gently watches over that figure and gives a soft push from behind.
The single “Kite,” released in 2020, was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu as the “NHK 2020 Song.” It was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it beloved across generations.
Parting with friends is lonely, but the sentiment embedded in this work—“we’re connected no matter where we are”—will surely reach their hearts.
If everyone sings it together at a farewell party, it becomes the perfect cheer, powerfully supporting the future of the one setting out.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
A track chosen as the theme song for the drama “Shiroi Sen Nagashi,” starring Tomoya Nagase and Miki Sakai.
Based on the drama’s image, it became beloved as a graduation song and was a massive hit, achieving million-selling status.
Meeting friends—and forming bonds with them—can be called a kind of miracle.
The power of that miraculous friendship gives us the strength to overcome any hardship.
That’s why I hope we can stay friends forever! This song conveys that feeling.
How about giving it as a gift to someone you want to remain friends with even after graduation?
