[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.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

Here’s the refreshing coming-of-age song by Macaroni Empitsu that was even featured in a McDonald’s commercial: “Seishun to Isshun” (Youth and a Moment).

Macaroni Empitsu’s tracks always seem to scratch just the right itch, don’t they? This song is sprinkled with relatable moments that any high schooler has probably experienced at least once, making you think, “I still want to savor my youth a little longer…” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to together, laughing, after a tearful graduation ceremony.

Don’t miss the super-cute music video, shot in vocalist Hattori’s hometown of Yamanashi, where he spent his teenage years!

LullabyRADWIMPS

Lullaby - RADWIMPS

A song with RADWIMPS’s exhilarating rock sound that feels great to listen to.

It’s not a tearful, sorrowful farewell, but a message to say goodbye with a smile, as we do at the beginning of something new.

“Lullaby” means a song to soothe a child.

The lyrics, as if comforting a crying child, carry the meaning of moving forward on our own paths so that when we meet again, we can talk with a smile.

Recommended for anyone who wants to say a cool, cheerful goodbye with a smile!

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hiyori

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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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pedestrian overpassNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Footbridge”

An ambitious work by Nogizaka46 that delicately portrays the emotions of standing at a crossroads in life.

Set against the season of cold, wintry winds, the protagonist’s hesitation and resolve as they try to take a step toward the future are striking.

While burdened by worries about their path and dreams, the image of a young person attempting to take a new step forward, as if guided by the view from atop a pedestrian bridge, is something anyone can relate to.

Released in December 2024, the work features 4th-generation member Sakura Endo as center and includes a new song by the 5th generation.

It comes in multiple editions from Type-A to Type-D, and also contains footage from the Hong Kong concert.

Highly recommended as a song that gently nudges forward those who hold both hope and anxiety for an unseen future.

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.

Song of DepartureAAA

AAA / Tabidachi no Uta (short ver.)

AAA’s 2009 track “Tabidachi no Uta” portrays the moment of taking off toward the future while holding countless memories close.

Because it’s by a mixed-gender group, it’s easy to divide parts for a graduation ceremony chorus, making it a great recommendation.

Even if you feel anxious after graduation, the memories of the days you spent together and the hope that you’ll meet again will reassure you.

It’s also a song that lets you express gratitude to the friends, teachers, and parents who gave you these feelings.

On graduation day, this is a piece that allows you to convey everything in your heart.

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SAKI

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