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 to give to a cherished friend. A graduation song that conveys gratitude (51–60)
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
A song filled with warm encouragement to your future self is woven by Aoi Teshima’s clear, translucent voice.
The lyrics convey the importance of holding on to hope and cherishing the small joys found in everyday life.
Released in February 2016, the track was used as the ending theme for the Fuji TV drama “Love That Makes You Cry” and won the Best Theme Song at the Tokyo Drama Awards the same year.
It’s a perfect song for the season of graduations and farewells, when you want to express gratitude to someone dear.
Listen to it with friends or family, and it will surely become a touching, memorable experience.
Best FriendKiroro
A song in which Kiroro’s vocalist, Chiharu Tamashiro, sings her gratitude to her ever-supportive piano partner, Ayano Kinjo.
Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan,” it’s one of Kiroro’s graduation songs.
A friend who stayed by your side during hard times and lifted you up with a gentle smile—this is the perfect song to gift to such a friend, filled with gratitude for always being there.
Ayano Kinjo’s tender piano and Chiharu Tamashiro’s vocals gently wrap around the bond of friendship.
Until we meet againHirai Dai
A heartwarming ballad that portrays departure and the hope of reunion.
Dai Hirai, known for his refreshing surf-music sound, released it as a single in 2015.
It was later included on the album “Slow & Easy.” Set to gentle acoustic instrumentation, the song carefully weaves together the sorrow of parting and the wish to meet again with a tender “see you,” slowly seeping into the listener’s heart.
It’s a perfect companion for moments of separation—like graduation or job transfers.
It also fits when you want to look back on memories with friends and express your gratitude.
Bond.haji→
A song by singer-songwriter Hajime.
It celebrates memories with a friend built up over time, sung over a bright, upbeat reggae rhythm.
The message that their friendship will never change no matter what lies ahead is sure to blow away the anxiety of parting from friends at graduation!
A farewell song to give to a dear friend. A graduation song that conveys feelings of gratitude (61–70)
NO MORE CRYD-51
It was D-51’s third single and was used as the theme song for the Nippon TV Saturday drama Gokusen, earning them their first entry into the top 10 of the Oricon singles chart.
With its straightforward lyrics and fast-paced, catchy melody—and given its use in a school drama—many listeners may associate it with friendship and youth.
It’s a song that reminds us that the friendship right before our eyes isn’t something to be taken for granted, and brings back what truly matters.
OrangeSPYAIR
A song that captivates many with its heartwarming message and moving melody.
It was released in February 2024 as the theme song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle (theatrical film).
Centered on encounters, bonds, and farewells within limited time, it conveys the importance of not saying goodbye, holding on to the hope of meeting again, and continuing to move forward while carrying big dreams.
Depicting figures soaring through an orange sky, it sings of the beauty of cherishing each fleeting moment.
It’s a song that encourages those stepping into new environments, such as graduates or students retiring from their club activities.
Thank youKagura SCOPE
A solo artist known as a “Rapsinger” who fuses rap and singing, Kagura SCOPE has been winning support from street performances.
This single, released in December 2024, is a heartwarming pop number that straightforwardly expresses gratitude.
Its lyrics reflect on the appreciation we often overlook in everyday life and the miracle that encounters are never to be taken for granted, resonating deeply with those facing seasons of farewells and new beginnings.
It’s easy to project feelings for loved ones—partners, family, and friends—and the music video, now available, heightens the emotion visually as well.
Perfect as background music for graduations and farewell parties, this gentle, empathetic song feels like it speaks the words of thanks we can’t fully convey ourselves.