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

Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Bye-Good-Bye -Music Video-

This is a song whose positive message—seeing “goodbye” not as a sad parting but as a new starting line—deeply resonates.

Released as BE:FIRST’s second single in 2022, it was written as the theme song for the morning drama “Before the Goodbye” within Nippon TV’s ZIP!.

It has surpassed 200 million streams and continues to be loved by many, winning the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

Its mid-tempo, catchy melody pairs with lyrics that balance heartache and hope, creating a perfect atmosphere for graduation ceremonies.

Even those feeling anxious about heading down separate paths from classmates may find that listening to this song helps them face forward with the belief that “we’ll meet again.”

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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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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Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

As you graduate, it’s important to sing about friendship, hope, and anticipation, but isn’t it even more important to express gratitude—to say thank you—to the people who have supported you up to now? This 2013 release by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS is a song that straightforwardly conveys such thanks.

When performed as a choral piece, it becomes even more powerful and memorable, so why not have all the third-year students sing it together, filled with gratitude for all the people who have been there for you?

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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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FriendKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Tomodachi”

This song eloquently celebrates the importance of unchanging friendship amid ever-changing days, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in February 2002, this Ketsumeishi track was also featured as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” The single reached the top 10 on the Oricon charts, significantly boosting the group’s recognition.

It’s highly recommended not only for high school students facing graduation, but for anyone taking a new step in life.

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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