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

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki, whose name became widely known with the huge hit Magic Carpet, released this song as a digital single in January 2021.

It’s a bittersweet unrequited love song set on graduation day.

After three years of secretly caring for someone, he still can’t bring himself to say just one word—“I love you.” He expresses that trembling heart by likening it to fluttering petals and a timid rabbit.

Also included on the album Nukumori, the delicate tones of the acoustic guitar and his emotionally rich vocals make it a real tearjerker.

It’s often used on TikTok for graduation memory videos, making it perfect for coloring a page of youth.

Holding onto the words left unspoken, this masterpiece gives you the courage to take a new step forward—be sure to give it a listen.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

Released as FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ final single, this song is one of the most popular graduation-themed J-pop tracks among students.

As the title suggests, it’s a perfect graduation song for expressing gratitude—a deeply moving piece you’ll want to dedicate to friends, teachers, parents, and anyone to whom you wish to say thank you.

It’s great for gifting as a choral performance, and it’s also recommended as background music for video projects like message videos or slideshows.

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Hane Keisuke

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spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

You have to study, you don’t have any like-minded friends, and you’re tired just trying to get through each day… School life isn’t all fun and games.

For those who’ve overcome those feelings and reached graduation, we recommend “Shunshū” by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

Its lyrics, which capture the anxiety and loneliness of adolescence, are a perfect fit.

If you compile lots of photos into a graduation video set to the song and give it as a gift, it’ll leave them thinking, “There were ups and downs, but maybe it really was fun,” when they look back at the end.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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StoryAI

AI – Story

A ballad that sings of the reassurance of having someone precious by your side and of an overflowing, profound love.

It’s a single released in May 2005 by AI, a singer-songwriter who captivates listeners with her husky, soulful voice.

The dramatic melody that begins with a piano intro gently wraps around the listener’s heart.

Also included on the album “Mic-a-holic Ai,” this beloved classic stayed on the charts for over 70 weeks after its release.

It’s also known as the Japanese ending theme for the Disney film Big Hero 6.

Carrying the message that you are not alone, this song is perfect for graduation-season memory videos that express gratitude to friends and mentors.

Be sure to give this warm, moving number a listen.

DreamerJO1

JO1 | ’Dreamer’ Official MV

It’s a ballad that gives you the courage to take one step at a time toward your dreams.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Short Program,” in which all the members starred, it was included on the album “KIZUNA,” released in May 2022.

Created as an anthem to support those pursuing their dreams, the song stays close to people who, despite their anxieties and doubts, try to look ahead.

Its melody, which blends gentleness with fragility, builds dramatically toward the end and truly moves the listener’s heart.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear on the day you set off on a new journey.

Precious FeelingsRIEHATA

RIEHATA “Precious Feelings” Official Music Video

This exquisite ballad by RIEHATA—renowned worldwide as a choreographer—deliberately sets aside dance performance to convey emotion solely through her voice.

Released in August 2023 to coincide with her birthday, the song gently stands beside those carrying pain or loneliness, offering encouragement that says, “You’ll be okay.” It’s a tear-jerker that expresses gratitude to friends and family who are parting ways after graduation, and serves as a cheer for oneself embarking on a new path.

Joined handsMINAMI

[MV] MINAMI – The Hands We Held

A ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, “Tsunai da Te” (“Hands Held”), portrays the bond of two people walking hand in hand toward the future.

Conjuring youthful scenes like the after-school chime and a rainbow after the rain, this work is MINAMI’s major-label debut single, released in July 2023.

It’s a song you’ll want to send to a friend who feels the loneliness of parting during graduation season, when anxiety and hope mingle.

Its warm message—supporting one another’s existence—will surely resonate in the heart.