[Recommended for High School Students] New Graduation Songs & Classic Tearjerkers Collection

Please give me wingsakai tori

Red Bird – Please Give Me Wings

This song, released in 1971 by the folk group Akai Tori as the B-side to “Takeda no Komoriuta,” became well known as a choral piece after it was included in school textbooks.

In 1991, Kaori Kawamura covered it, leading to a resurgence in popularity.

It is a beloved song that can be sung by people of all ages.

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Cheers

When you’re celebrating a new beginning, having friends who can share in your joy is the best, isn’t it? Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Kanpai” is a great song for celebrating graduation together.

It was included on the 1980 album Kanpai and has captivated many hearts since its release.

The lyrics originated from a song Nagabuchi wrote for a friend’s wedding, celebrating his friend’s departure into a new chapter.

Since graduation marks the start of a new life, this song is a perfect fit.

If you sing it with classmates or teachers at karaoke, you can all toast the new journey together—and it might deepen your sense of solidarity and friendship even more!

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mutō

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our daysHey! Say! JUMP

"Our days" Hey! Say! JUMP - Tried playing it on piano

This is a message song for a dear friend who has always been by my side and helped me.

It’s a song that lets you recall your gratitude and precious feelings toward your friend and fills you with warmth, as you think, “I’ll never forget that you were always there for me and helped me.” It’s a song that makes you feel grateful we met.

Best FriendKiroro

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

For the milestone of graduating from high school, Kiroro’s “Best Friend” is an indispensable song for graduation ceremony BGM.

Along with the joy of a new beginning, painful and lonely farewells inevitably arrive.

This song gently embraces those feelings and offers hope for the future.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Churasan,” it resonated with many people.

It’s perfect for singing with gratitude to friends, teachers, and parents, and its melody is friendly and easy to sing at karaoke.

A heartwarming classic I highly recommend to every high school student stepping into graduation.

Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy

With lyrics: Hatsune Miku - Sakura no Ame - PV

The masterpiece “Sakura no Ame,” composed by halyosy, who’s active as a Vocaloid producer.

I recommend this song to the generation that loves Vocaloid! As you recall the days you’ve spent—treasured like gemstones—it engraves deep in your heart a strong feeling of “we’ll always be friends, and we’ll meet again.” The chorus is incredibly moving, so be sure to give it a listen!

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sasashina

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Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

It was also a massive hit as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.

This is one of Ikimono-gakari’s signature songs that almost everyone has heard at least once.

From lyrics that depict ordinary, everyday scenes, genuine feelings of gratitude naturally connect to the teachers, friends, and parents who have watched over us through hard and painful times.

Precisely because it’s for that person who can understand you without words, use this song—whose straightforward lyrics and beautiful melody strike the heart—to say “thank you” at a shining moment of departure.

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hiyori

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Words of FarewellKaientai

Ohashi Trio / Words of Gift

Isn’t Takeda Tetsuya’s solo rendition more striking than the original by Kaientai? The lyrics, which say it’s okay to cry when you feel like crying, feel like a gentle nudge on the shoulder.

Since many people know it, it’s perfect for everyone to sing together.

It’s a classic graduation-season song that brings listeners to tears.