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

GloriousBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Glorious -Special Movie-

A ballad with a gently stirring melody and a warm message that affirms even the effort itself—the very “footsteps” you leave behind.

Released for streaming in November 2023, it was written as the support song for the 102nd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Also included on the album “2:BE,” it has become beloved not only by fans but by many listeners.

The lyrics honor both winners and those who fall short, carrying a quiet strength that gives listeners a gentle push forward.

It’s a song especially worth hearing for anyone who has been running full-tilt—through club activities, exam prep, and more.

Joined handsMINAMI

[MV] MINAMI – The Hands We Held

A ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, “Tsunai da Te” (“Hands Held”), portrays the bond of two people walking hand in hand toward the future.

Conjuring youthful scenes like the after-school chime and a rainbow after the rain, this work is MINAMI’s major-label debut single, released in July 2023.

It’s a song you’ll want to send to a friend who feels the loneliness of parting during graduation season, when anxiety and hope mingle.

Its warm message—supporting one another’s existence—will surely resonate in the heart.

To you, my best friend in the worldHakoniiwa Ririi

To You, My Best Friend in the World / Haconiiwa Lily [Music Video]

Hakonawa Lily is a musical duo featuring Hanon, whose overwhelming vocal power stands out, and Kotoha, known for her strikingly transparent voice.

This track, included on their major debut album “Lily’s Plage,” released in September 2022, is a pop tune with a gentle, folk-inspired melody that really tugs at the heart.

It paints a bittersweet scene of youth: on graduation day, someone tries to confess their feelings to a person they’d always thought of as just a friend.

As their harmonies entwine, you can hear both the “closeness” born from all the time they’ve shared and the “frustration” of words left unspoken.

For anyone heading into graduation while harboring feelings that go beyond friendship, this song will likely resonate especially deeply.

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.”

It’s okaywacci

wacci “Daijoubu” Music Video

People work hard at many things—jobs, sports, studies, and complex relationships.

This is a cheering song for those who are giving their all.

Graduation brings a new life waiting ahead.

Even though you have to try harder than ever, the anxiety can feel overwhelming.

In those moments, I hope you’ll listen to this song.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

“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.

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KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

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.