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 (131–140)
Graduationgagaga supi
Sentimental, bittersweet graduation movies are nice, but we also recommend using songs that let you look back on memories with energy! “Sotsugyo” (Graduation), released in 2002 as the major-label debut single by the punk band Gagaga SP.
It’s up-tempo, and riding on an explosive band sound are the aching yet resilient feelings of a protagonist trying to overcome heartbreak.
There’s no doubt it sounds very cheerful, but if you take a close look at the lyrics, it’s actually a very poignant song.
That contrast is what makes it a classic that squeezes the heart even more.
See you.o nyanko kurabu
When it comes to background music for graduation videos, people tend to choose songs with a wistful mood.
In that case, why not deliberately go for a bright, pop track instead? The song I’d like to recommend is “Jaane.” It’s a piece by the idol group Onyanko Club, and it portrays parting with a cheerful farewell even while feeling reluctant to say goodbye.
Its up-tempo melody and energetic vocals are striking.
I think it would be perfect for a fun, upbeat video.
Graduation, goodbye.haji→
Set against the cherry blossoms of spring, this song captures the emotions of parting and reunion before a new departure.
It delicately portrays the feelings of graduating students, leaving a lasting impression with its mix of bittersweet farewells to friends and a quiet resolve to carry hope into the future.
HAZZIE’s gentle vocals tenderly embrace the listener’s heart.
Released in March 2014, the track reached No.
36 on the Oricon charts.
Live performance projects at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties were also held, resonating with many people.
It’s a perfect song not only for students about to graduate, but for anyone standing at a turning point in life.
Warm and uplifting, it helps you look back on your memories and find the courage to take a new step forward.
Words of FarewellFLOW
This is a cover by FLOW of Kaientai’s classic graduation song “Okuru Kotoba,” given a powerful, upbeat vibe.
The fast-paced band sound, with added brass for extra liveliness, conveys the feel of a celebratory after-party.
It’s a perfect track for scenes that look back on fun memories and for moments wishing everyone happiness on their new paths.
When using it in a video, pairing it with a more mellow song to create contrast could heighten the emotional impact.
I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu
Partings from those dear to us, encounters with the ones we love, and emotions too deep for words.
This gem of a ballad, released by Off Course in February 1982, gently sings of such delicate moments in life.
Kazumasa Oda’s clear, pure voice and the beautiful melody seep deep into the heart.
The song is included on the album “over” and was released as a double A-side single with “Kimi ni Okuru Uta.” In 1999, it was chosen for a life insurance company’s commercial, once again moving the hearts of many.
It’s a song to play when your feelings for someone overflow or when you want to express gratitude to someone precious.
1096Cody Rī (Ri)
Cody・Lee (Li), a band that exudes a unique blend of wistfulness and warmth woven into everyday life, offers a farewell-themed number.
Written by vocalist and guitarist Hibiki Takahashi in the winter when he dropped out of high school at 18, the lyrics don’t celebrate a radiant youth; instead, they chronicle three “hopeless” years, capturing the feelings of a high schooler in a true-to-life way.
Hailing from Hanamaki City in Iwate Prefecture, Takahashi threads a graduation song whose world is suffused with the quiet beauty of steadily falling snow and a gentle overflow of everyday dignity and love—an atmosphere that’s absolutely irresistible.
We Look Up to You with Respect
I think many people sang this song at their graduation ceremonies, but I recently saw an article saying it’s not sung as often at graduations nowadays.
Even so, when people hear “graduation,” I imagine many still think of this song.
The lyrics express feelings of gratitude toward teachers and friends, making it a perfect fit as a graduation song.