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 (111–120)
Album of MemoriesHonda Tetsumaro
It’s a song that gently looks back on past memories, like opening an album page by page.
It’s a classic for graduation ceremonies that depicts children graduating from preschool and becoming elementary school students, and it’s quite well-known, having been featured on “Minna no Uta.” Because it’s a simple song that invites listeners to reflect on their memories, it should help highlight the content of the video even more.
If you keep in mind the lyrics that review the seasons in order and create with an image of time passing and memories accumulating, you may be able to produce an even more moving video.
Sky and Blueieiri reo
How about using Leo Ieiri’s “Sora to Ao” as the BGM for your graduation movie? Chosen as the theme song for the drama “My Daughter Can’t Get a Boyfriend!!,” the song features lyrics by screenwriter Eriko Kitagawa and composition by Yohei Kawakami of [Alexandros].
As the title suggests, its refreshing melody evokes a blue sky and is perfect for the fresh start of graduation.
Why not deliver your message to the graduates in an even more moving way?
Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO
A song that feels like it directly captures the feelings of someone facing the major turning point of graduation.
It’s a track by SHISHAMO, released in March 2018, and it was also used as the CM song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ “Calpis Water.” Asako Miyazaki’s down-to-earth vocals gently embrace the complex emotions of students on the verge of graduating.
The everyday life that once felt so normal will be gone tomorrow.
While holding onto that loneliness and anxiety, the song also evokes hope for the future.
It’s perfect as background music for graduation ceremonies or graduation videos.
Path of HopeSambomasutā
Sambomaster is a three-piece rock band.
The song they wrote specifically for the school drama “School” is called “Path of Hope.” It’s crafted as a message to graduating students, cheering them on by saying the future is full of hope.
The lyrics are uplifting and give you courage, so please take your time and listen closely.
The blues-like melody and powerful vocals are also part of its appeal.
With its relaxed tempo, it should pair well with slideshow-style videos.
To the days without a nameyama
What awaits you after graduation is life in a new environment, right? At that moment, a mix of emotions—sadness of parting, anxiety about the future, or even a sense of liberation—wells up.
If you’re thinking of creating a graduation video as a keepsake for such graduates, how about choosing yama’s “Nameless Days” as the BGM? Accompanied by this emotional track that blends unease, restlessness, and exhilaration, the feelings of each moment will vividly come back to life.
For the recipient, watching that video will let them time-travel back to their youth anytime.
Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro
One of the classic songs for graduation ceremonies is “Sakura (Dokusho).” It’s a song that likens falling cherry blossoms to graduates parting ways.
Naotaro Moriyama’s gentle yet powerful voice matches perfectly with the bittersweet lyrics.
Since everyone knows this song, it should be easy for people to relate to it as background music.
By the way, the word “Dokusho” (solo) in the title is there because there’s also a band arrangement.
Depending on your video’s vibe, that version might be a good choice too.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
It’s a song that makes you feel encouraged—as if someone is cheering you on to work hard and seize your dreams even after graduation as everyone goes their own way—and it gives you the resolve to do your best in your own way, at your own pace.
The gentle sound feels soothing, as if it eases your mind.
Listening to this song makes you feel reassured, like someone is rooting for you.