Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
At graduation, it’s common to give a graduation video: from graduates to the teachers who supported them, from teachers to their students, or from current students to the graduating class.
A slideshow that looks back on memories or a message video dedicated to those who helped you is perfect for expressing gratitude.
But one thing many people struggle with when making such videos is choosing the BGM.
So, here are some songs that are perfect for the upcoming graduation season! Pick one track that conveys your feelings.
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Burst into tears with classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (71–80)
DepartureFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
A heartwarming song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that sings of the courage and hope to take a new step in life.
The lyrics convey the strength to move forward—cherishing your true self while overcoming memories of the past and anxieties about the future.
Released in March 2008 and reaching No.
10 on the Oricon charts, it was also used as the theme song for the film “Bokutachi to Chuzaisan no 700-nichi Sensou” (The 700-Day War: Us and the Police Officer).
Embraced as a song that stands by and encourages people at life’s turning points—such as graduations and company induction ceremonies—it continues to be loved by many to this day.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
Himawari no Yakusoku is a song filled with gratitude toward those who have supported us, along with the message that it’s our turn to help someone else.
It was originally written by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata as the theme song for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon.
Because of that, the lyrics contain many words that evoke summer, but it still feels perfectly suitable for a graduation video.
In particular, I think it’s an ideal choice for a video from current students to graduating students.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
Although it doesn’t explicitly sing about graduation, Spitz’s “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” is also very popular as a graduation song.
It became known as such after being used as the theme song for the coming-of-age drama Hakusen Nagashi starring Tomoya Nagase.
Its melody brimming with warmth and poem-like lyrics make it a great choice for the background music of graduation videos.
I think this song is perfect for creating a drama-like, story-driven video as well, since it won’t overshadow the main characters.
Cry your eyes out with classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (81–90)
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
This song, one of singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara’s signature tracks, is perfect for graduation season.
After graduation, everyone may head down different paths and end up living far apart.
Even so, the lyrics—promising to work hard so you can hold your head high before the friends with whom you shared so many years—serve as an ideal message of encouragement for graduates.
It’s widely known across generations, so it’s sure to shine in a variety of situations.
On the Day of Departure
This song, with lyrics written by a junior high school principal in Saitama Prefecture in 1991 and music composed by the school’s music teacher, has now become a staple piece sung in chorus at graduation ceremonies.
I’m sure there are many schools that sing it every year at their graduations.
The lyrics about spreading your wings toward the future are perfect for graduation, and listening to this song really brings home the feeling of the occasion.
Since it’s a beautiful choral piece, I think it also works wonderfully as background music for the graduation slideshow schools put together as a memento.
graduationClariS
It’s a song by ClariS that portrays looking back on memories shared with someone important and praying that each person’s path ahead will shine.
The arrangement builds from an acoustic sound into a more powerful development, conveying how feelings of loneliness and deep affection grow stronger.
The duo’s signature beautiful harmonies also seem to express the strength of the bond depicted in the lyrics.
It’s a piece that resonates with a complex mix of emotions—loneliness and the joy of sending someone off on a new journey.
The happiest treasuresutopuri
As a heartwarming song that adds color to the graduation season, Sutopuri’s vocals resound.
Vividly depicting the March scenery of dancing cherry blossoms, it gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.
Released in March 2023, the song was unveiled as a surprise during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.
Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, the fresh melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but everyone taking a new step forward.
If you’re experiencing farewells with loved ones or embracing new encounters, please give this song a listen—it’s a sincere cheer from the heart.