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

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

Released in 2009 as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, this song portrays the struggles of middle school students.

Although an upbeat, pop-style song was originally requested, Ikimonogakari’s Yoshiki Mizuno reflected on his own junior high school days and created this piece as an alternative proposal, which was ultimately selected.

For middle and high school students carrying worries and pain, many parts of the song resonate with their feelings, making it a piece that’s easier to sing with heartfelt emotion.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

A ballad by My Hair is Bad filled with a warm message of gratitude to friends who shared irreplaceable time together, and of turning even painful experiences into strength for the future.

The sincere words penned by vocalist Tomohito Shiiki affirm the days that have passed in their entirety and give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Released in June 2024, the song also drew attention for being written as the theme for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary.

It’s an important track that closes out the album ghosts, featuring a grand band sound worthy of a story’s end credits.

It’s a song that gently supports graduates as they etch their memories into their hearts and move on toward tomorrow—why not listen to it together with your cherished friends?

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

This song by Yuzu, released in 2013, was arranged that same year by Naoto Aizawa—well-known as a composer of choral works—as the required piece for the junior high division of the 80th NHK National School Music Competition.

His choral arrangement is perfect for graduation ceremonies.

Originally written in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, the song sings about friends who remain firmly connected even when apart during the often unstable years of youth.

It feels like a song that will give you strength when you hum it during tough or sad times in the future.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

A song produced as the official cheer anthem for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Rather than irresponsibly telling people who are striving to “hang in there,” it carries a message that every single day is a miracle, including the experiences of broken dreams and discouragement.

It sensitively portrays the feelings of acknowledging differences between oneself and others and the resolve to move forward despite anxiety, leaving listeners with a refreshing, positive outlook—an ode to life.

In 2022, an orchestral arrangement was featured as the song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate commercial, drawing renewed attention as a track that supports exam takers.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those marking the milestone of graduation or standing on the brink of a new challenge.

sunflowerAdo

[Ado] Sunflower

Like a flower that blooms straight toward the sun, this song delivers a positive feeling.

Released by Ado in July 2023, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “18/40: Dreams and Love if We’re Together.” The lyrics express a wish to gradually change one’s timid self and to be as straightforward as someone you cherish.

It’s perfect for those anxious about new environments or uncertain about the path ahead.

While carrying the loneliness of taking a different path from classmates, it gently supports graduates who wish to take a step toward the light.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

This is a powerful cheer from SEKAI NO OWARI for everyone chasing their dreams.

Released as a single in February 2018, it was chosen as NHK’s theme song for broadcasts of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics that same year.

Set to a beautiful melody woven by piano and strings, the lyrics are written from the perspective of a quiet presence watching over someone who keeps getting back up no matter how many times they fall.

The message affirms the days of earnest effort—like a winter flower that blooms with poise amid hardship—and resonates deeply.

It’s a perfect song for those reaching the milestone of graduation and about to take their first new step.

1000 daysnozomi

Noashi (noa) – 1000 Days [Official Music Video]

Three years of high school add up to about 1,000 days.

Centered on that brief yet intense moment of youth, this song is a youth power anthem by Nasaki, released in April 2025.

It was written specifically for the web commercial “Youth Bonus Time” for the vitamin soda MATCH.

A passionate melody rides atop a driving guitar rock sound, resulting in a track that sets your heart ablaze.

The lyrics are sprinkled with the delicate feelings unique to adolescence—like writing a name in the corner of a notebook and erasing it—gently stirring listeners’ memories.

It’s a song that brings courage for tomorrow to everyone graduating and stepping into a new environment!