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

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin

The song “Sotsugyo Shashin,” composed by Yumi Arai, has long been cherished by many high school students as a graduation ceremony standard.

Its gentle melody and lyrics that capture a fleeting moment of youth quietly resonate with students facing parting.

For those who carry feelings of unease and loneliness while harboring hopes for a new life, it can be called a song that connects them to hope.

The warmth and strength conveyed through Yuming’s voice are sure to gently encourage high schoolers during their sensitive years.

Beloved across generations, this piece is a timeless classic that will remain in the hearts of young people as they continue walking toward the future.

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

When graduation season rolls around, you hear graduation songs everywhere—there are so many different kinds.

While most graduation songs tend to be on the sentimental side, Little Glee Monster’s “Seishun Photograph” is a refreshing, feel-good graduation tune.

As the title suggests, with “Photograph,” it centers on taking pictures and photo-related themes, making it a track that makes you want to capture a page of your youth.

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utatane

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Sakuraayaka

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

Here is Ayaka’s first graduation song, released in 2018.

It’s a beautiful, gentle ballad.

For Japanese people, drifting cherry blossom petals are perhaps one of the most memorable sights.

This song, which focuses on cherry blossoms, evokes a vivid, beautiful scene just by listening.

The choral arrangement has also been well received.

Since the song works wonderfully with just a solo piano accompaniment, it’s perfect as a choral piece as well.

Create a memorable graduation ceremony with this song.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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SAKURA GoodbyeSCANDAL

SCANDAL “SAKURA Goodbye” / Sakura Goodbye – Music Video

The second single from Osaka-based girl band SCANDAL.

You might find it familiar since it was also used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!” In 2009, as members MAMI and TOMOMI—then still in high school—were about to graduate, they created this song around the theme of “bittersweet memories.” It’s a rocking, high-energy youth anthem that also radiates a touch of fragility and cuteness.

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hiyori

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Bring it on, spring.non

[Official Music Video] Non – I’ll Stand to Face Spring

An anthem cheering on those taking new steps with the arrival of spring, it carries a powerful, uplifting message.

The track was released digitally in January 2025, with the music video premiering at the same time.

The MV centers on a student band’s graduation performance, beautifully capturing the sparkle of youth.

It’s a particularly recommended song for anyone about to embark on a new chapter this spring.

The season of farewellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

It’s a love song that expresses the bittersweet feelings toward an upperclassman I’ve always liked who is graduating.

I’ve been watching this senior I’ve cared about for so long, but I just couldn’t confess my feelings, and today they’re finally graduating.

It’s a sad yet sweet youth love song, so as you listen, you’ll find many lyrics you can relate to.

graduation songerica

erica “Graduation Song” lyric video (Full ver.)

Erica’s “Graduation Song” is a perfect fit for that moving moment of graduation.

This track, which sings about the precious time spent with friends, resonates in the heart with gentle guitar tones and rich strings, warmly coloring the moment of graduation.

It tenderly watches over this new beginning and gently encourages the steps toward the future.

True to its title, it’s a graduation song that lingers in the heart—highly recommended for anyone reaching an important milestone.