Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM

My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

A perfect song for the graduation season celebrating new beginnings is Ketsumeishi’s “Tomo yo ~ Kono saki mo zutto…”.

It features a striking, heart-touching piano intro, and its lyrics about bonds with friends and gratitude are truly moving.

Though up-tempo, it’s easy on the ears, and its familiar melody will linger in many people’s memories.

Paired with a video, it beautifully colors those precious moments—highly recommended.

Friends for lifeAoyama Teruma

Thelma Aoyama – Lifelong Comrades (from the album “10TH DIARY”) [MV]

This is Thelma Aoyama’s passionate friendship song included on the album “10TH DIARY,” released in September 2017.

Also used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Ryuha-R SINCE2001,” the track features lyrics that straightforwardly express gratitude to irreplaceable friends and the strength of their bonds.

Its message, portraying relationships that remain unchanged no matter how much time passes, makes it a perfect song to dedicate to friends graduating and heading down their own paths.

The unadorned words are sure to make those happy memories shine even more vividly.

ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It beautifully captures the sparkle of youth and that heart-tightening sense of bittersweetness.

Written as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime “Blue Box,” which aired starting in January 2025, it’s included on the album “DEAR MYSTERIES.” On the verge of graduation, struggling with unspoken feelings and the delicate distance with friends—especially younger listeners are sure to relate.

It’s a song you’ll want to play as BGM for graduation season, to etch those precious memories into your heart.

GraduationRīgaru Rirī

Graduation

This work is a modern take by Regal Lily on the classic debut single released by Yuki Saito in 1985.

The unique atmosphere of graduation ceremonies and the seasonal scenes of stretching just a little beyond one’s years in a school uniform are vividly revived through Honoka Takahashi’s pure vocals and the band’s sound.

Released in February 2025, it also drew attention for being performed on NHK’s music program “The Covers.” The blend of emotions—parting from school’s familiarity and a firm resolve toward the future—makes it a perfect match for the background music of a graduation video.

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

When a chapter of youth comes to a close, “Shiori” is a song that pierces the heart.

Created by CreepHyp, this track was written as a collaboration campaign song for FM802 and TSUTAYA.

Included on the album “Nakitaku Naru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” it impressively reached No.

4 on the Oricon album chart.

The scene Seiikan Ozaki paints of cherry blossoms fluttering to the ground evokes the bittersweet departure of graduates.

If you’re choosing background music for a graduation video to express heartfelt farewells to teachers and friends, “Shiori” is perfect—inviting tears of parting while also inspiring hope for a new future.

treasure holderAina ji Endo

Aina the End – Takaramono [Official Music Video] (Theme song for TBS Sunday Theater 'Goodbye Maestro: My Father and My Appassionato')

This song was written as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama series “Sayonara Maestro: My Father and My Appassionato.” Released in February 2024, it’s imbued with gratitude toward loved ones, farewells, and a resolve to start anew—elements that deeply move listeners.

Aina the End’s husky vocals enhance the warm yet bittersweet world of this mid-tempo ballad.

Carrying both “thank you” and “goodbye” while moving forward is sure to resonate with students standing at the threshold of graduation.

spring breezewacci

wacci “Spring Breeze”

If you’re looking for the perfect BGM for the moving graduation season, wacci’s “Haru Kaze” is the best choice.

Featured on their second album, “Kanjō Hyakkei,” this song is distinguished by a richly textured intro woven from piano and strings.

Its grand chorus seems to speak for students stepping into new adventures, powerfully setting the stage for a fresh start.

To color the moment of graduation—a new beginning—this track is highly recommended.

Let this undeniably moving song express your gratitude and friendship.