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)
GraduationZONE
A powerful graduation song by the all-girl rock band ZONE that conveys hope for the future.
The straightforward band sound evokes positive feelings and gives the impression of blowing away the loneliness of graduation.
The inclusion of the school chime motif is also unique, further highlighting memories of school.
Even in the bittersweet moment of graduation, it’s an inspiring track that seems to call on us to smile and embrace this new beginning.
Cry your eyes out to classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (121–130)
Symphony No. 2, Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov
Among the large-scale symphonies by the Russian Romantic composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, the third movement of his Symphony No.
2 is exceptionally beautiful.
Premiered in February 1908, this work became a landmark piece that helped him overcome past harsh criticism and regain his confidence as a composer.
The clarinet’s long-breathed melody seeps into the heart like an endless song, gently embraced by the warm sonorities of the strings.
Played during diploma presentations or recessional scenes, it can create a moving atmosphere befitting the children’s departure on their next journey.
GraduationOzaki Yutaka
“Graduation” is the fourth single by the late singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, a defining figure spanning the Showa and Heisei eras.
It was released in 1985.
He is known for lyrics that were considered provocative, speaking candidly on behalf of young people.
Watching Yutaka Ozaki sing while playing the piano, I feel more sorrow than intensity.
It’s a wonderful piece that brings me to tears every time I listen.
Don’t forget your handkerchief—give it a listen.
BelieveMay J.
Leveraging her exceptional vocal ability, May J.
has covered many songs.
One that drew attention was Believe, included on her 2014 album.
Originally created in 1998 as a theme for an NHK program, the song portrays the sorrow of parting while nurturing hope for the future.
For that reason, it’s also beloved as a graduation chorus song.
It has a more majestic atmosphere than many people might imagine, so I recommend giving it a listen first.
Song of FledgingSakushi Murano Shirō, Sakkyoku Iwakawa Saburō
When it comes to classic graduation songs from way back, “Sudachi no Uta” (Song of Departure) comes to mind.
These days, J-pop songs are often arranged for chorus and sung at ceremonies, but before that it ranked alongside “Hotaru no Hikari” as a staple of graduation ceremonies.
It’s a song that portrays parting from friends with a refreshing tone and conveys a sense of resolve to stride forward toward tomorrow.
JupiterHirahara Ayaka
This song, which sets Japanese lyrics to Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter,” is loved by many as a piece that gives courage to disaster victims, such as those affected by the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Its lyrics sing of how we are not alone and how humans are connected deep within our hearts.
It’s a song that envelops you with a sense of security, reassuring you that many people will support and protect you even after graduation.
cherry blossomKALMA
KALMA’s “Sakura,” a song perfect for celebrating a new beginning, is a graduation anthem that blends the sadness of parting with hope for the future.
Included on their 2021 album Millennium Hero, it paints in music the many emotions that come with the arrival of spring.
It connects the feelings of students and teachers, graduates and current students, and gives you the courage to step into what lies ahead.
If you’re choosing BGM for a graduation video, I recommend this track to wrap both the smile-filled moments and the tearful farewells.