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

The Door to TomorrowKawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima “Door to Tomorrow” Aikawashima 15th Anniversary ~BIRTH~ [LIVE]

A beloved classic graduation song, I WiSH’s “Ashita e no Tobira” (“Door to Tomorrow”).

Released in 2003, it was used as the theme song for the romance reality show Ainori.

The song originated from vocalist Ai Kawashima’s solo track—also a graduation staple—“Tabidachi no Hi ni…”.

Although the song is framed around romance, its message can be reinterpreted as the bonds you’ve nurtured with friends and the ties that will never be broken, making it perfect for graduation ceremonies.

Its lyrics resonate with the delicate emotions of high schoolers on the verge of adulthood, beautifully coloring memories up to now and the start of the future ahead.

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SAKI

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spring skySuzuki Suzuki

【Graduation】Spring Sky – Suzuki Suzuki【Official Music Video】

Along with the arrival of a new season, there’s a song that lingers in the ears of graduates: Haruzora by Suzukisuzuki.

The brothers’ clear harmonies resonate with high school students taking their first steps into a new life as spring begins.

The lyrics capture days spent at school and the emotions of partings and new encounters to come, bringing back the smiles and tears of those moments each time you listen.

The dramatic music video is also a highlight, gently encouraging everyone as they spread their wings toward the future.

Let Haruzora, a song that colors youth, etch the moment of graduation into an everlasting memory.

TwilightGOING UNDER GROUND

GOING UNDER GROUND – Twilight (Music Video)

GOING UNDER GROUND takes its name from the song of the same title by the British rock band THE JAM.

They’re loved for their straightforward, fresh lyrics and melodies that evoke youthful memories, along with their dynamic sound.

People talk about “setting off on a journey” as if it were easy, but finding the courage to step into a different world isn’t so simple, is it? Still, when you listen to this song, it feels like you can cherish those slightly lonely days and gain the strength to move forward with vigor and grace.

Keep the message close to your heart: you are the protagonist of your own story.

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hiyori

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Best friendSonar Pocket

[Featuring popular model Hikari Shibata] Sonar Pocket “Best Friend” (Anime “Rainbow Days” OP Theme) [MV Full]

This is a song I want to listen to with the friends I had a great time with during our school days.

Even after graduation, when we each go our separate ways, we’ll always be friends—it’s a message song to cherished friends, and its bright melody gives it a refreshing feel.

I think it will make you treasure the friends who have always helped each other even more.

Somewhere on this EarthSakushi Miura Keiko • Sakkyoku Wakamatsu Kan

Somewhere on this Earth

“Somewhere on This Earth” is a choral piece with lyrics by Keiko Miura and music by Kan Wakamatsu.

Because its lyrics portray the feelings of young people setting out on their respective paths, it is often sung at elementary and junior high school graduation ceremonies.

As the song builds from a gentle opening to a powerful chorus, listeners can reflect on their own school days.

The beautifully resonant, flowing piano intertwined with the chorus creates a grand symphony that is sure to move its audience.

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hiyori

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People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke

"Hito to Hito" (Lyrics: Tomohiro Iwai, Music: Kensuke Yugeda, Performance: Toin Gakuen Elementary School) — a choral piece for a music concert

This is a warm piece that sings about the importance of encounters through music.

The fresh melodies woven by Kensuke Yugedate carry a gentle calm while conveying a moving message.

In clear, resonant words, it speaks of the joy born from human connections and the inevitable meaning hidden within chance meetings.

Delivered by the pure voices of the Toin Gakuen Elementary School Choir, the work is also slated to appear in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Its kind, uplifting message is perfect for children who are about to meet new people in a new environment.

As they take their next step in school life, this wonderful song will give them courage and hope—please give it a listen.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

Hirai Dai’s song themed around departure beautifully portrays the pain of parting and the hope of reunion.

Its simple arrangement centered on piano and strings vividly expresses the complex emotions of graduation season.

The track is included on the album “Slow & Easy,” released in May 2015, and stands as one of the defining works of Hirai Dai’s musical career.

Warm and comforting, it speaks to those who have experienced farewells and are about to take a new step forward.

It’s a song I especially recommend to high school graduates as they each begin their own path.