[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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road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Road

This song by EXILE was released in 2007.

The original version is cool, but the choral arrangement is also powerful and wonderful.

It really shows how much a song’s image can change depending on who’s singing it and how many people are performing.

The piano accompaniment is also moving.

What’s more, this song has been selected by the National Karaoke Business Association as a “Recommended Song for Graduation Season,” so it might be one of the ultimate graduation songs.

The choral version was arranged by Kan Wakamatsu.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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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.

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?

far; distant; by farGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Haruka

This song by GReeeeN, released in 2009 as the theme for the film ROOKIES -Graduation-, has a title that says it all, and its content makes it a perfect fit for graduation.

Singing it at a graduation ceremony is sure to get everyone excited and turn it into a lifelong memory.

The choral arrangement has become a staple at junior high school graduation ceremonies across Japan.

It reportedly became a million-seller as a ringtone in June 2009 and as a full-length ringtone in October, which shows just how popular it is.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

“Sora mo Toberu Hazu,” the eighth single by Spitz, released in 1994.

It’s one of Spitz’s signature songs and is beloved across generations.

The track also became a hit as the theme song for the drama ‘Hakusen Nagashi,’ starring Tomoya Nagase from TOKIO, which centers on youth and graduation.

Both the lyrics and the melody carry an indescribable poignancy that at times tightens your chest—such a song.

It evokes a sense of nostalgia for anyone who listens, making it a perfect track for graduation season.

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utatane

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