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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Cry your eyes out with classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (81–90)
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi
“Graduation Photo” is a song released in 1975 by Yuming, a.k.a.
Yumi Arai.
It’s a well-known classic themed around “graduation.” The song depicts a protagonist who opens an album, gazes at graduation photos, and recalls a sweetheart from their school days.
Looking at photos can bring back things you thought you’d forgotten, right? Not only former lovers or crushes from your student days, but also close friends and memorable events can come flooding back.
It’s perfect as background music for a slideshow-style movie that strings photos together!
Best FriendKiroro
It’s a song filled with gratitude toward a friend—thank you for always being there and supporting me.
Have you ever felt cheered up just by seeing someone’s smile when you’re having a hard time? It overflows with appreciation for the way my friend’s smile gave me strength.
Song Yellyuzu
With the uniquely heartwarming touch that only Yuzu can deliver, “Uta Yell” is a cheer song beloved as entrance music for athletes and even at the Olympics.
It was released as a single in 2018.
Its bright atmosphere and hope-filled message are incredibly encouraging.
It brings a sense of unity that everyone can enjoy together, overlapping with the excitement of getting ready, and it lifts the mood as you head into ceremonies and parties! It also fits perfectly as background music, so if you use it in a graduation video, tears are guaranteed.
Be sure to color your moving scenes and bright future with “Uta Yell.”
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
Yuri’s “Sakurabare” is a graduation song born from an email sent by a fan.
It was released digitally in February 2021.
The message, filled with gratitude toward parents and friends, overlaps with feelings that can’t quite be put into words and deeply resonates.
On milestone days, the same scenery can look different than usual, right? It’s a song that becomes even more moving thanks to Yuri’s emotional vocals, evoking the resolve to embark on a new beginning and the precious days spent when nothing could be taken for granted.
It fits perfectly when you want to express gratitude and will heighten the emotion of any graduation video along with countless memories.
It’s a graduation song that gives you the courage to keep moving forward with strength, no matter the adversity.
Close your eyesArai Yumi
This song was created after a female student from a certain high school in 1974 wrote to the All Night Nippon segment “We’ll make a personal image song just for you,” asking them to compose a school song.
Although it did not become the official school anthem, it came to be treated as a beloved song, and in that region it is played not only at graduation ceremonies but also when ships depart carrying island residents who are leaving the island.
Let the cherry blossoms bloomYoshida Yamada
This song was also the ending theme for the anime adaptation of ‘Hinomaru Sumo,’ which ran in Weekly Shonen Jump.
Rather than focusing on ‘farewells,’ its theme is ‘new beginnings,’ making it a supportive anthem that powerfully backs those taking their first steps from spring.
It’s filled with a passionate message for people striving to move forward.
Burst into tears with classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (91–100)
cherry blossomKobukuro
Now considered one of the definitive graduation songs, this track is almost always featured.
The beautiful harmonies of the duo Kobukuro are striking, and the song is used in a variety of settings! In particular, the piano accompaniment, the melody, and the way the song develops are all so beautiful and moving that performing it as a choral piece is sure to give listeners goosebumps.
The lyrics, which liken graduates’ futures to cherry blossoms, are also wonderful—so be sure to pay attention to the words as well!
