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)
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.
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.
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.
BFFMrs. GREEN APPLE
The loneliness of being separated from a dear friend, and the wish to stay connected no matter what.
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s “BFF” gently embraces those complex feelings.
Released toward the end of their July 2023 album “ANTENNA,” this track bears a title that means “best friend,” yet it goes beyond a simple friendship song, becoming a profound ballad that tenderly accepts distance and the passage of time.
When you want to reaffirm the bonds you share with your companions, give it a listen.
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!
A farewell song to give a cherished friend: Graduation songs that convey gratitude (41–50)
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?
Loved oneFOMARE
This song by FOMARE, a rock band from Takasaki, Gunma, channels their overflowing feelings for the places and people they love in a straightforward way.
With a driving band sound, it powerfully sings of the preciousness of everyday life we once took for granted and of bonds that remain unchanged even when we’re apart.
Released in June 2021 and later placed as the opening track on the album “midori,” the song also drew attention as the CM song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uniharu 2022.” It’s a perfect track for graduates who want to express gratitude to friends, teammates, and the places that supported them.
As listeners leave their familiar days behind and step into a new world, the song offers a warm cheer to gently push them forward.