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

BELIEVESugimoto Ryuichi

Believe

Composed and written by Ryuichi Sugimoto, this song was released in 1998 as the third ending theme for the NHK program “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (The Living Earth).

It is often sung in kindergarten and school graduation ceremonies, and its popularity grew further through covers by Azumi Inoue and V6.

With clear, accessible lyrics that encourage children as they move toward the future, it is a truly wonderful song.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

It’s a bittersweet love song that colors the cherry blossom season.

Hinatazaka46 will release it in January 2025 as their 13th single.

Nao Kosaka serves as center, and the music video is produced with the theme of a “parade that heralds spring.” The lyrics depict looking back at graduation photos and reminiscing about someone you once liked, resulting in something highly relatable.

It may particularly resonate with those who have just graduated from high school.

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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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.

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

tuki. 'Sakura Kimi Watashi' Official Music Video

A heartwarming youth song that condenses graduation, partings, and the transience of love into a single track.

Featured as an insert song in ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita.

Graduation Edition 2024,” it was crafted by tuki.

with delicate sensitivity.

A gentle melody led by acoustic guitar intertwines with clear vocals to carefully portray the feeling of basking in memories.

Released in January 2024, the track also drew attention for its animated music video by Posuka Demizu, the illustrator of the manga The Promised Neverland.

It’s a youth anthem that will resonate not only with students facing the end of their school days but also with anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.

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.

Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tomoe Gakuen (Full ver.)

Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Tomoe Gakuen” is known as a heartwarming graduation song.

Released in 2017, it has become a fitting track for the season of farewells for many graduates.

Bearing the name of the real Tomoe Gakuen in Tokyo, it was also used as the theme song for Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s drama “Totto-chan.” Fukuyama’s gentle vocals and resonant sound arrangement deeply move not only young people embarking on a new chapter at graduation, but also adults who fondly remember their school days.

Filled with gratitude, it adds a touch of color to the graduation day.