[Recommended for High School Students] New Graduation Songs & Classic Tearjerkers Collection
Going on to university or junior college, getting a job… Once you graduate from high school and begin walking your own path, some of you may leave your hometown.
You might feel uneasy or lonely at times.
At graduation—the final moments spent with the friends you shared so much time with—your heart is sure to swirl with many emotions: gratitude toward classmates, teachers, and parents, and the joy of stepping closer to adulthood.
In this article, we introduce graduation songs that will be right there with your feelings.
These timeless tunes that resonate with your heart are sure to shine a bright light on your future.
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[Recommended for High School Students] New Graduation Songs & Classic Tearjerkers (41–50)
Let’s go together.GReeeeN
A song by the four-member music group GReeeeN, also featured in au’s Santaro (Three Taro) commercial series.
We don’t know what lies ahead, but let’s keep running as usual—this uplifting message is sung over a driving, fast-paced performance.
It’s a fresh and bright number that’s perfect as a graduation song for the energetic high school years.
To the futureKiroro
It was released in 1998 as Kiroro’s second single.
It’s a song often sung in music classes and choir competitions, and it’s also a classic graduation song.
With lyrics expressing gratitude to parents, it’s known for moving parents attending graduation ceremonies to tears.
KanadeSukima Suichi
This song depicts the parting with someone precious—and the wish to remain connected at heart beyond that farewell—set to a beautiful ballad.
Released by Sukima Switch in March 2004 as their second single, it features a sentimental sound centered on piano and guitar that resonates deeply.
It was used as an insert song in the film “Rough,” as the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 it was selected as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien.” It’s a track that, while looking back on days spent with friends, makes you want to cherish those bonds from here on out.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
It’s a perfect song for the spring season.
Released in January 2025 as the theme for NHK’s special “18-sai Matsuri,” where Mrs.
GREEN APPLE performed with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds, it features lyrics centered on the struggles and growth of youth, celebrating the importance of staying true to yourself.
Its energetic sound blends pop-rock elements, and the catchy melody leaves a strong impression.
It’s a track that stands by those starting a new chapter or stepping into a new environment, and it’s especially recommended for the spring school entrance season.
On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
A classic graduation song, “Tabidachi no Hi ni…” sung by singer-songwriter Ai Kawashima.
This track is Kawashima’s eighth single, released in 2006.
It gently makes you realize that after graduation, you’ll never see this scenery with these same people again.
Even if you know in your head that what was once part of everyday life won’t be ordinary anymore, it’s hard to truly grasp until it becomes reality.
It’s a graduation song that perfectly captures those feelings.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
“Shunshuu (Spring Melancholy)” is a song whose lyrics vocalist Motoki Omori of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE wrote about his own graduation.
The track is included on their sixth single, “Love me, Love you,” released in 2018.
As the title suggests, both the lyrics and the melody convey an indescribable sadness and wistfulness of the spring season.
The song pierces the hearts of those about to graduate, of course, but it also deeply moves adults who have long since graduated.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.hONE OK ROCK
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h is one of ONE OK ROCK’s most popular songs.
The title is said to be a coined word that combines two terms, as well as the initials of vocalist Taka’s close friends.
Filled with deep feelings for those friends, it’s also famous as a moving number.
Even when each of us goes our own way, struggles to fit into a new environment, or feels close to breaking, this is a song that reminds us there are always people cheering us on.
It’s the kind of track you’d want to dedicate to a friend with that sentiment in mind.